Open Space & Trails Technician I

About the Department

Overview: The Town of Windsor is seeking one qualified candidate for the Open Space & Trails Technician I, II, or III position. The successful applicant will be hired at either the Open Space & Trails Technician I, II, or III level, depending on experience and qualifications.

Hiring Range: The hiring range for the Open Space & Trails Technician I is $21.95 - $23.87 per hour, the Open Space & Trails Technician II is $26.56 - $28.89 per hour, and the Open Space & Trails Technician III is $28.61 - $31.47 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. 

Work Schedule: Day/ Hours Typically M-F 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; may be asked to work evenings, weekends and holidays to meet the needs of the department and town

NATURE OF WORK

As a member of the Open Space and Trails Division, this individual will work in a team-based environment supporting the department's mission and vision, along with the goals and philosophies of the Open Space and Trails Manager.   This is the entry-level class in the Open Space and Trails Technician series.  This position will perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work in open space and range management, trail maintenance and repair, and public land operations, associated equipment and facilities: operates a variety of maintenance vehicles, equipment, and tools to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.  

The Open Space and Trails Technician I is required to perform work in a manner consistent with and exemplary of the town’s PRIDE philosophy and the town’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Open Space and Trails Technician I works under the direct supervision/leadership of the Open Space and Trails Manager or designee to carry out assigned duties, functions, roles, and projects in both routine and complex circumstances. Individuals report directly to the Open Space and Trails Manager and are a part of the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department and may receive guidance regarding daily work from other Team Members and Supervisors.

SUPERVISION/LEADERSHIP EXERCISED    

This position may work with seasonal staff and volunteers and will be expected to effectively build relationships and lead a safe working environment by providing clear direction, tools, and equipment while working side by side with work teams.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

Contacts are with superiors, peers, subordinates, elected officials, users, and/or vendors. Contacts require the ability to exercise a high degree of interpersonal skills to influence persons at all levels. The individual is accountable for the results of the contact.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• The Open Space and Trails Technician I is assigned specific assignments, job duties, scope, authority, responsibility, roles, and requirements as determined by the town, department, division, and pursuant to laws, regulation and practices. Individuals in this position must be able to successfully perform, be responsible for, and/or assist in the fulfillment of many job functions and duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive:
• Performs maintenance, repair, and land management duties on Town of Windsor open space properties, trail corridors, and trailheads. May assist with parks, cemetery, forestry, turf, and irrigation duties as needed.
• Performs restoration of native grasslands and riparian areas, including native grass seeding operations, the planting, establishment, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, and the management of noxious weeds on open space properties and trail corridors.
• Install, repair, inspects and provide overall maintenance of open space and trailhead amenities; list includes but is not limited to fences, drainage systems, restrooms, shelters, benches, trash collection, graffiti/vandalism, and other related equipment and facilities.
• Requires operation of hand power tools, ability to operate light to midsize equipment, and perform general open space and trail maintenance and support of recreation events and activities.
• Operate and maintain open space and trail maintenance equipment, including but not limited to town vehicles, mowers, blowers, string trimmers, chainsaws, sprayers, plows, power tools, tractors, UTVs, dump trucks, trailers, skid steers, front-end loaders, bucket trucks, and mini excavators.
• Trimming, refuse pick-up, edging, weeding, general clean-up, and occasional cleaning of restrooms.
• Operating line trimmers, blowers, riding mowers, and hand mowers in mowing natural and trail areas as well as cleaning and maintenance of mowers and other related maintenance equipment.
• Maintain and repair paved and gravel driveways, trailheads, parking lots, and various types of trails.
• Understand and adhere to safe work practices and procedures.
• Assist with Open Spaces Program event management at various locations throughout the town, which may include organizing/managing volunteer groups.
• Plowing and removal of snow within parks, trailheads, parking lots, streets, trails, sidewalks, and facilities.  Serves as a part of snow operations for essential facilities and amenities.   Work hours and call-in status vary depending on weather conditions and the needs of the organization.
• Serve as essential personnel for the town and may assist in town emergency management operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES

• Depending on organizational need, additional duties may include the following:
• The Open Space & Trails Technician I position is part of the snow removal program, which includes scheduled on-call responsibilities typically during the months of October to April. Open Space & Trails Technicians are required to review and acknowledge the Snow Guidelines annually.  
• The Open Space & Trails Technician I position participates in the Shared Fleet Vehicle Program, which requires an annual motor vehicle record check.
• Assists with applications for grants to assist with program operations.  
• Performs research as directed, such as discovering new technology or tools, market research, etc.
• Performs related duties as established by law/ordinance or reasonably directed by the town.
• Assists other town departments/divisions, as necessary. 

Minimum Qualifications

Open Space & Trails Technician I:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND FORMAL TRAINING  

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Two (2) or more years of open space management, natural resources management, forestry, trail maintenance or public land management experience desired.
• One (1) year of experience coordinating a work crew or volunteer group, desired.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions may be substituted for the required education

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

• Must have a current Colorado Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment, that meets the Town of Windsor’s standards.
• Must be 21 years of age by the first date of employment 
• Must possess and maintain Department of Transportation Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Possession of or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment, Colorado Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in the Rangeland and Right of Way categories    
• Possession of or?ability to obtain, within two (2) years of employment, Native Plant Master Designation preferred
• CPR/1st Aid certification within three (3) months of employment 

Open Space & Trails Technician II:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND FORMAL TRAINING:  

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience as an Open Space and Trails Technician I for the Town of Windsor; or
• Two (2) or more years of open space management, natural resources management, forestry, trail maintenance, or public land management experience.
• One (1) year of experience coordinating a work crew or volunteer group, desired.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the job may be considered.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

• Must have a current Colorado Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment, that meets the Town of Windsor’s standards.
• Must be 21 years of age by the first date of employment
• Must possess and maintain Department of Transportation Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Must possess one of the two licenses and the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment the other required licenses - Colorado Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in the Rangeland and Right of Way categories    
• Possession of or?ability to obtain, within six (6) months of consideration, Native Plant Master Designation preferred
• Must possess CPR/1st Aid certification.

Open Space & Trails Technician III:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND FORMAL TRAINING  

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or higher preferred. 
• Two (2) years of experience as an Open Space and Trails Technician II for the Town of Windsor; or 
• Four (4) or more years of open space management, natural resources management, forestry, trail maintenance, or public land management experience. 
• One (1) year of experience coordinating a work crew or volunteer group, desired. 
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the job may be considered. 

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES 

• Must have a current Colorado Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment, that meets the Town of Windsor’s standards. 
• Must be 21 years of age by the first date of employment 
• Must possess and maintain Department of Transportation Medical Examiner’s Certificate 
• Must possess a Colorado Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in the Rangeland and Right of Way categories    
• Must possess Native Plant Master Designation  
• Must possess CPR/1st Aid certification. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of open space and range management, and trails maintenance and repair.
• Basic knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools, and equipment used in open space and range management, and trails maintenance and repair.
• Basic knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Basic knowledge of Best Management Practices in open space and trails management.
• Basic knowledge of grasslands and natural areas, including grasses, forbs, plant identification, and forestry.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to apply pesticides/herbicides as part of an integrated pest management program. Inventory techniques utilizing geographic information systems.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, which includes communicating in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with town officials, general public, internal and external customers.
• Ability to react quickly and accurately in emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain composure during mentally, physically, and emotionally stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate professionally, clearly, and effectively with people inside and outside the organization using verbal and written methods.
• Ability to perform the necessary functions of the position and to make appropriate decisions consistent with the job expectations and position description.  
• Ability to successfully pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandated physical examination as required, and the controlled substance/alcohol tests on a random basis.

MATERIALS and EQUIPMENT USED  
Materials and equipment used include, but may not be limited to the following:

• Equipment:  Position requires use of a variety of equipment: computers, tablets or other digital equipment, digital cameras, copiers, printers, scanners, fax machines, telephones, vehicles.
• Materials:  Position requires use of a variety of open lands and parks maintenance supplies and materials related to landscape and facility maintenance. 

Other Qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

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.

The physical activities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

The physical requirements of this position are considered Heavy work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

The employee may be subject to the following environmental conditions: inside, such as an office setting; outside, with little to no effective protection from weather; extreme cold, typically below 32 degrees for periods of more than one hour; extreme heat, temperatures typically above 100 degrees for periods of more than one hour; subject to noise and vibration.

The employee is subject to hazards, including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat, or exposure to chemicals. The employee is subject to atmospheric conditions that may affect the respiratory system, or the skin.

The employee works in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, manholes, small, enclosed rooms, small sewage and water line pipes, and other areas that could cause claustrophobia. The employee is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.

This position is considered safety-sensitive because the individual must operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) as a regular function of daily job duties.

Additional Information:
This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The Town of Windsor reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as necessary, with or without notice.
 
Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation:
The Town of Windsor is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with the Colorado Protections for Public Workers Act (PROPWA) and other applicable laws. The town prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), gender (regardless of gender identity or gender expression), sexual orientation, color, religion, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.
 
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, including during the application and hiring process. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please contact us at HRM@windsorgov.com.

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