Description

Join our awesome Open Space Team!
The Highlands Ranch Metro District is accepting applications for a full-time Open Space Technician for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space department. This technician performs a variety of unskilled and skilled tasks in the maintenance and operations of district’s natural areas. We strongly encourage candidates that are hard-working, prompt, responsible, able to work independently and with a team, and have a willingness to learn, to apply for this position.

Check out our amazing full-time employee benefits in the About Us section below the job description. Pay is commensurate with experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Open Space Tech I: 

• Complies with established safety policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the safety of self, co-workers, community residents, and visitors.
• Prioritize excellent internal and external customer service.
• Proactively work to support quality service delivery to the community by acting on all observed opportunities for repair, maintenance and improved service delivery.
• Performs all aspects of general open space maintenance including but not limited to; trail maintenance, vegetation management, dog park maintenance, community garden maintenance, trash removal, and other duties as assigned.
• Assists in the implementation of vegetation & wildlife management plans, and native area improvements (e.g. drill seeding, herbicide application and mowing in managing noxious weed infestations, drainage repairs, etc.).
• Maintains knowledge of resource maintenance and management practices and principles which include upland, wetland, riparian ecosystems; wildlife management; maintenance of trails and open space resources.
• Work independently with all open space equipment. Operates midsized equipment for excavating, mowing and snow removal operations and for the maintenance of open space areas, (e.g. tractors, mowers, plows, quads, trucks, chain saws, etc.).
• Completes work orders using the Asset Essentials work order and asset management system.
• Contribute to the snow removal program and adjust schedule using flextime. This may include weekend and nighttime hours operating snow removal equipment.
• Assists with setting up and taking down special event equipment from various parks and recreation programs, and community events.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Open Space Tech II: 
In addition to the above…

• Implements vegetation & wildlife management plans, and native area improvements (e.g. drill seeding, herbicide application and mowing in managing noxious weed infestations, drainage repairs, etc.).
• Assigned member of the snow crew, for the snow removal program and adjust schedule in response to snow events. This may include weekend and overnight hours operating snow removal equipment.
• Special projects, tasks and responsibilities specific to open space may be assigned.
• Serves as a member of various employee committees and planning teams as assigned.
• Identifies and suggests actions as necessary to ensure a safe experience for open space visitors and protecting natural resources and facilities.

Qualifications
Open Space Tech I (pay is up to $26.12/hour)

• Associates degree in Natural Resource Management or related field.
• Two years’ experience in open space/natural resource management.
• A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• CPR/First Aid certification within the first 12 months of employment.
• Rangeland and Right of Ways herbicide applicators license from the Colorado Department of Agriculture within the first 12 months of employment.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Open Space Tech II (pay is up to $30.24/hour)

• Associates degree in Natural Resource Management or related field
• Three years’ experience in open space/natural resource management.
• A combination of equivalent education and experience.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Rangeland and Right of Ways herbicide applicators license from the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to perform the essential duties listed above.
• Skilled in operating the listed tools and equipment, demonstrating a strong understanding of their functionality and maintenance requirements.
• Working knowledge of equipment, materials and supplies applicable to open space management. Skill in using hand and power tools and equipment safely and effectively.
• Physically able to move about on work sites and under adverse field conditions.
• Supervise and coordinate projects for those with court-ordered community service.
• Knowledge of indigenous vegetation, wildlife, and range management concepts and ability to analyze multiple resource management issues & make recommendations to resolve significant conflicts.
• Work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Lift heavy objects and walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Operation of motor vehicles in tight spaces.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to understand, follow, and transmit written or verbal instructions.
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, officials of the public and vendors.
• Represent the District in a professional manner, exemplifying integrity and excellence always.

Tools and Equipment Used
Pickup truck, hand and power tools, loader, tractor, excavator, dingo and skid steer. Personal computer, copier, scanner, printer, and cell phone.

Work Schedule
This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday between 6:30am and 3:00pm. Work schedules will vary depending on time of year, weather conditions, projects, events, programs, meetings, and/or staffing levels, and will include some evening, early morning, weekend, and overtime hours. Schedule may vary seasonally.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

On-call Schedule: This position is a part of the 24-hour on-call snow crew and will be scheduled for a period of two weeks at least four times per year with a 60-minute arrival window.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable job accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a variety of settings to include office work and field work in a variety of locations and weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Selection Guidelines
Formal applications, rating of education and experience; panel interview(s) and reference check; job related tests might be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

About Us
We are a special district serving the thriving, active community of Highlands Ranch with approximately 103,000 residents. The District employs a variety of professionals in fields including public works, parks, forestry, finance, and recreation.

The Highlands Ranch Metro District, as the local government in our community, is committed to providing the following high-quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for Highlands Ranch such as; construction of major roads, installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads, installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads, construction and maintenance of parks and trails, youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs, management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas and so much more.

Our Benefits
At the Highlands Ranch Metro District, we prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:

Medical Benefits!
100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums.
100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums.
100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses.

Work/life Balance!
Earn 80 hours of vacation per year (120 hours after 5 years).
80 hours of sick leave (renewed each year on work anniversary).
32 hours of annual personal leave.
10 paid 8-hour holidays.

Wellness & Improvement!
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families.
Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement.
Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee.

Saving & Planning!
Pension Plan: 100% contribution employer match.
Optional 457 deferred compensation plan: Up to 6% employer contribution.
Post Employment Health Plan: Employer contributes $10 per month.
Over 1,000 group discounts for employees on everything from legal assistance to cell phone bills to shopping and travel

Application Information
Pre-employment screening includes a background check, motor vehicle record review and illegal substances screening.

Applications will be accepted for three weeks, or until the position is filled.

Submit applications at highlandsranch.org/apply.