Natural Resource Specialist - Wetlands/Grassland Ecologist

Job Description:

Natural Resource Specialist - Wetlands/Grassland Ecologist

Description

.

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
03/20/26
Division:
Open Space Division
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility:
This role is a Limited position anticipating an assignment end date after one year and offering Medical coverage for both the employee and/or any dependent children for limited rates.

Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

Jeffco Parks and Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972 by PLAN Jeffco and The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County. These organizations proposed a unique concept to the Board of County Commissioners to preserve the scenic vistas and open lands within the county using the collection of one-half of one percent tax on sales in Jefferson County to fund the program. The voters agreed, thereby ensuring perpetual land conservation, stewardship of open space and parklands, and access for public enjoyment.

Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, Jeffco Parks and Open Space contributes to city and park districtprojects, has preserved more than 56,000 acres, and manages 27 open space parks and more than 244 miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado. View the JeffcoOpen Space Parksystem map.


Mission:
Preserve open space and parkland
Protect parkand natural resources
Provide healthy, nature-based experiences

Read more at Jeffco Parks and Open Space . https://www.jeffco.us/open-space

The Natural Resources Specialist I is responsible for performing entry level professional work in the conservation, preservation, and management of natural resources while training on the methods and techniques.

SCHEDULE :

This positiontypically operates on our 4x10 work week (Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:30pm), but occasionally the work requires a variable work schedule, due to project tasks required .Details will be discussed during the interview process.

The employment status is Limited (Fixed-Term) with an anticipated assignment start date of May 5th, 2026 and end date of October 31,2026 . This position is eligible for personal medical coverage the first month after you start .

COMPENSATION:

Anticipated Hiring Salary: $ 28.00 USD Hourly

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience and skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist with field-based wetland, riparian, and grassland inventory, monitoring, and assessment.
  

• Collect ecological and spatial data in the field using Survey123 and Field Maps to characterize grasslands, wetlands, riparian areas, streams, and their associated vegetation communities.
  

• Identify plants using dichotomous keys.
  

• Use GPS tools and maps to navigate to and from sites via paved roads, 4x4 dirt roads, hiking trails, and off-trail through dense vegetation and across long distances.
  

• Use field guides and Munsell’s color charts to identify and characterize hydric soils.
  

• Assist with implementation of wetland and riparian restoration projects.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in N atur al Resourc e , R angl and , We tla nd Mana gement , ecology or similar

*Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities :

• Experience conducting field-based ecological inventory, monitoring, and assessments.
  

• Experience collecting botanical information using dichotomous keys.
  

• Experience using ESRI tools such as Field Maps, Survey123, and ArcGIS Pro.
  

• Ability to work both independently with guidance and effectively in a team.
  

• Willingness and ability to work long hours in potentially adverse conditions, carrying a heavy pack (40 lbs ) while hiking long distances.
  

• Demonstrated organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; ability to handle complex tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to
  detail.
  

Additional Job Information:

• Criminal History and MVR Background Checks are required for every position.
  

• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle shall have a Colorado Driver’s license within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
  

• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
  

• In any materials you submit , you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
  

• All Jefferson County Employees must apply through their internal profile.
  

Accommodations Statement : We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact [email protected] . This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates.

APPLICATION:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately . All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities



A resume and cover letter submitted with your application are encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected. To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal .



For more details on the recruitment process, please visit: https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs

Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at 303-271-8420 or [email protected]

Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Experience:
Work Experience: No Experience

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Natural Resources