Invasive Species Management Specialist

Job Description:

Invasive Species Management Specialist

Description

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
04/04/25
Division:
Land Stewardship Resources
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

The Invasive Species Management Specialist performs a variety of skilled work related to forest pest and noxious weed inventory and management.

We are looking for an experienced individual who is a professional and a self-starter. Someone who understands invasive species’ issues and can provide landowners with science-based technical support. The ideal candidate must be innovative, adaptable, an excellent communicator, and able to present and conduct themselves professionally under all circumstances.

About Jefferson County Invasive Species Management:

Jefferson County Invasive Species Management is a section of the Land Resource Stewardship Department/Division. We are responsible for ensuring the compliance with noxious weed and pest laws and regulations through education, outreach, site assessments, and enforcement. Read more at Jeffco Invasive Species Management: https://www.jeffco.us/jcism

The Invasive Species Management Specialist is responsible for collecting and disseminating data and information, monitoring, and evaluating invasive species infestations; preparing natural resource management plans based on sound scientific and biological principles and completing various reports. The Specialist will conduct inventories and map infestations, provide technical support to landowners, implement weed and pest management involving operation of light and heavy equipment, hand tools, and data collection devices. May include the application of pesticides. Provides public outreach and communicates with landowners, other work units, departments, and agencies. Functions as a lead worker in the field to Invasive Species Management Technicians and volunteers.

SCHEDULE:

This positiontypically operates on our 4x10 work week (Monday-Thursday, 6:30am-5:00pm). Includes occasional evening and weekend work. Due to the nature of the work this position is not eligible for remote work.

COMPENSATION:

Hiring Range: $33.00 - $38.00 USD Hourly

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

BENEFITS:

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement and more. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Conducts inventories, maps infestations, gathers data.
• Prepares, maintains, and manages GIS based maps and databases.
• Identify plants, insects, diseases, and other organisms.
• Monitor, evaluate, and implement a variety of resource and invasive species assessments and management plans on county, state, and privately-owned properties, including integrated pest management techniques such as prevention, cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical control, and assists with writing program reports for customers and internal tracking.
• Assist with defining project tasks and resource requirements, including managing day-to-day operational aspects of projects, including budgets, contractors, and collaborators.
• Supports the development and management of grants and contracts in collaboration with other Jefferson County staff and work units.
• Participate as member of local and regional management teams, collaborating as needed with other Jefferson County staff and work units. Assist with inter and intra-agency planning and collaboration.
• Oversee the work of LTE’s, seasonals, and volunteers.
• Provides training for various projects.
• Participate in public meetings as needed. Provide information and participate when requested for various stakeholder groups.
• Interact with residents concerning forest management, weed management, wildlife management, restoration, and other invasive species management related topics.
• Operate and maintain pest management-related equipment and tools including backpack sprayers, ATV/UTV-mounted sprayers, and truck mounted sprayers. Researches and recommends new equipment needed to complete projects.
• Attends classes, training seminars and sessions to remain current in all aspects of invasive species and natural resource management.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Field Biology, Botany, Conservation, Ecology, Range Management, or related field.
• Plus, one full year of professional field work experience including:
  • Work-related experience in noxious weed management, forest insect pest management, natural resource management, or related field.
  • Work-related GIS-based experience including project design, data collection and management, map design and production, focused on noxious weed management, forest insect pest management, or natural resource management.
• A Colorado Department of Agriculture Qualified Supervisor License is required within 6 months of date of hire including designated QS Categories (103 Ag Weed Control, 106 Forest Pest Control, 107 Rangeland Pest Control, 108 Aquatic Pest Control, 109 Industrial and Right of Way, 206 Turf Pest Control, 207 Ornamental Pest Control, 301 Outdoor Vertebrate Control, 309-B Non-Soil Fumigation Pest Control. Licensure requires verifiable experience. Visit https://ag.colorado.gov/plants/pesticides/pesticide-applicator-licensing-online-portal for more information about Colorado’s requirements.
• Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Entomology, or Forestry.
• Two or more years of work-related experience in noxious weed management, forest insect pest management, or related field.
• Two or more years of work-related GIS-based experience including project design, data collection and management, map design and production focused on noxious weed management, forest insect pest management, or natural resource management.
• One or more years’ professional experience providing adult level public education and outreach related to forest health, terrestrial noxious weeds, or related field.
• One or more years of work-related experience applying pesticides.
• Possession of a Colorado Department of Agriculture issued Qualified Supervisor Pesticide Application License with QS Categories 103 Ag Weed Control, 106 Forest Pest Control, 107 Rangeland Pest Control, 108 Aquatic Pest Control, 109 Industrial and Right of Way, 206 Turf Pest Control, 207 Ornamental Pest Control, 301 Outdoor Vertebrate Control, and 309-B Non-Soil Fumigation Pest Control.
• Ability to identify native and nonnative plants and insects of the Colorado Front Range ecosystems.
• Working knowledge of Front Range Colorado ecosystems.
• Broad Real Estate experience with the ability to review and understand deeds, contracts, purchase agreements, leases.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes that will lead to success in this role include:

• Familiarity with research principles, including navigation of research databases, standards of fieldwork, and ability to identify patterns and themes.
• Ability to obtain new information through utilizing resources to problem solve.
• Creativity in using resources to discover information.
• Excellent group management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Excellent communication and teaching skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with diverse groups and individuals.

Working Conditions this position operates in:

• Must be able to perform physically demanding work in a variety of outdoor conditions and in all climatic conditions for extended periods carrying field equipment.
• Must be able to work independently and safely in rugged terrain.
• Ability to spend extended periods of time in a vehicle.
• Ability to work for extended periods indoors.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION:

• Must be able to safely navigate mountain roads using 4WD trucks and potentially UTVs, and hike long distances over rough terrain using GPS or other navigation tools carrying personal supplies and project gear.
• Must have a valid driver's license; if you are from out of state, you must have a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire date, and you must not have any major violations or DUI, DWI, DWAI convictions.
• Offer of employment contingent on criminal history, MVR check and education verification. A pre-employment physical may be required.
• Please note that supplemental questions requiring a written response will serve as a writing sample.
• 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.

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 CareerTalent@Jeffco.us

Education:

Experience:
Work Experience: Minimum one year

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Natural Resources