Groundskeeper I - II - Natural Areas & Trails (Seasonal)

Anticipated Hiring Ranges

Level I $15.14 - $17.04 Hourly
Level II $16.69 - 18.78 Hourly 

Job Summary

Natural Areas & Trails (NAT) division, within the City’s Culture, Parks and Recreation Department manages over 2,000 acres of natural areas and the city’s 40-mile trail system including eleven miles of the regional Poudre River Trail. This growing program is seeking a passionate, creative, and motivated applicant to join the team as a Seasonal Groundskeeper, 6-month term, to strive toward NAT’s vision of a community connected to nature. 

This position will act under the supervision of the NAT field staff and performs natural resource management and maintenance operations to restore and maintain the ecological health of the City’s natural areas. The position also supports the implementation of plans relating to all aspects of effective resource management and enhancement of Natural Area properties. 

The successful applicant will be provided with all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and training required for this position. 

HOURS/SCHEDULE

Typical Schedule: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday 

Scheduling may include some early-mornings, evenings, weekends & holidays. 

Experience, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum Requirements

Level 1

• Must be 18 years of age. 

Level 2 (In addition to all Level 1 requirements): 

• Possess a valid Driver's license with 2 years good driving record.

Preferred Requirements

Level 1

• Possess a valid driver’s license with 2 years good driving record.
• At least 1 year of experience in grounds maintenance or similar field requirements.
• Effectively and safely operate ATV, UTV, mowers, buffalo trailer blowers and other equipment in natural areas and within trail corridors.
• Ability to identify most common native vs. non-native plant species.
• Experience with planting, pruning and forestry-related or horticultural maintenance.

Level 2

• Chemical commercial operator license in rangeland, right-of-way, and aquatic categories. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Operate basic equipment such as hand power tools, shop equipment, etc.
• Skills and ability to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways, including trucks with trailers and utility vehicles.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the general public. 
• Experience working alone and under supervision.

Essential Functions (varies depending on level)

Level 1

• Operates two stroke engine tools including string trimmers, hand and backpack blowers.
• Miscellaneous tasks including raking or blowing debris, pulling weeds in landscape beds and mulched trail heads.
• Vegetation management of non-turf, off-trail landscapes in natural areas and along trails including mowing, string trimming, and other mechanical vegetation management tools for native and non-native/noxious species.
• Empties trash daily throughout assigned facilities, including restrooms, port-a-lets, and shelters.
• Ability and willingness to assist users with questions about facilities operations, hours, and general regulations. 
• Follow workplace safety rules at all times.
• Maintains and utilizes City-provided PPE when conducting activities where the employee is exposed to risks above those encountered in a traditional office setting.
• Handles difficult situations using tact, patience and good judgment.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Level 2

• Utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to effectively manage weed species through chemical, mechanical, cultural, and biological methods.
• Applies chemicals in an accurate and safe manner using ATV, truck mounted boom, backpack, and hand sprayers.
• Assists in proper loading and mixing of chemicals into equipment.
• Assists in seeding and planting projects including site and soil prep.
• Assists in vegetation mapping/surveys, site assessments and other like restoration monitoring projects.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work Environment

• Work outside in rough and uneven terrain with exposure to ALL weather elements- sun, heat, cold, precipitation and wind.
• Exposure to hazards including vegetation that can cause punctures, biting insects, wildlife and off-leash dogs.
• Exposure to trash, dog feces, living and deceased wildlife and stagnant water.
• Proximity to transient individuals and camps which may pose biohazard risks.
• Limited access to on-grid power, drinking water, restroom