Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY: 

The Invasive Species Management Lead plays a key role in protecting local lands by leading and supporting invasive species management efforts. This position combines hands-on professional work with team leadership and focuses on education, outreach, enforcement, control activities, and field inventories. 

We’re looking for an experienced, motivated self-starter with a strong understanding of forest pests and terrestrial noxious weeds. The ideal candidate enjoys working with landowners, providing practical, science-based guidance, and communicating clearly and professionally, and has field supervision of multi-unit teams. Creativity, adaptability, and a passion for land stewardship are essential. 

About Jefferson County Invasive Species Management:    

Jefferson County Invasive Species Management is a section of the Land Resource Stewardship Team.  We are responsible for ensuring 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 

SCHEDULE: 

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Assign, schedule, and supervise day-to-day activities of staff, seasonal workers, and volunteers performing invasive species (i.e. forest pest and terrestrial noxious weeds) and land stewardship activities.  
• Assess public and private lands for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations relating to invasive species including but not limited to noxious weeds and forest pests.  
• Lead and conduct research, map, inventory, monitor, and analyze plant, insect, and disease populations. Identify and quantify species of concern, native species, and environmental conditions. Develop and recommend invasive species management solutions and plans based on scientific and biological principles. Develop and deploy mapping projects using GIS and GPS technologies.  
• Conduct site visits to assist landowners to identify and quantify invasive species. Advise on solutions, methods, and treatment recommendations to control or eradicate issues. Respond to complaints related to the presence of invasive species on public and private lands to observe and quantify infestations. Communicate with landowner to provide information on infestation and eradication prescription.  
• Prepare and maintain complete and accurate records for inventory tracking, site visits, and inspections. Assist with preparation of case documentation, and enforcement tracking activities. Provide input and data for state reporting.  
• Participate in public outreach activities that support public engagement including seminars, training classes, and site visits. Deliver and disseminate information and education to internal and external stakeholders. Participate in public meetings and interact with landowners and residents.  
• Assist with the creation of informational and educational communications, including fact sheets, brochures, website content, and public media, and training and seminar content.  
• Supervise and participate in the implementation and monitoring of weed and pest management solutions and prescriptions for invasive species control, forest management, ecological restoration, and wildlife management.  May include application of pesticides, mechanical removal, and habitat manipulation.  
• Operate and maintain light equipment, hand tools, and data collection technology-based devices.  Provide input on the evaluation and purchase of equipment and supplies.  
• Assist in developing annual work plans, programs, and projects. Provide input for budget needs and assist with the development of the budget. Assist with development and oversight of contracts and grants. 
• Work requires functioning as a lead worker 20% to 50% of the time and performing essentially the same work as those directed. Regularly assigned leadwork elements that normally consist of priorities determination, work assignment, instruction and review, and problem resolution. May provide recommendations to an employee’s formal supervisor regarding other employees’ performance reviews, minor disciplinary actions, hiring, pay, and termination decisions.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:  

Experience: A minimum of four years related experience. 

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related field 

License/Certifications:  Must obtain a Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) Qualified Supervisor license in the required designated categories within 6 months of hire, and obtain any remaining designated categories within 12 months of hire. Applicable categories include: 103 Agricultural 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. 

Licensure requires verifiable experience. More information on Colorado’s pesticide applicator licensing requirements is available on the Colorado Department of Agriculture website. 

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

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities: 

• Five years or more field experience leading permanent or seasonal multi-person teams in forest insect pest or forest health projects 
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, forestry, ecology, pest management, or a related field 
•  Professional certifications such as ISA Certified Arborist, SAF Certified Forester, ESA Certified Ecologist, or SER-CERT 
•  Experience using GIS for project design, data collection, and map production related to invasive species, forest health, or natural resource management 
•  Experience providing adult education, outreach, or technical assistance to landowners or the public 
• Colorado Department of Agriculture Qualified Supervisor Pesticide Applicator License (preferred) 
• Strong critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to manage multiple projects, lead groups, and work effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and the public 
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, adaptability, and resilience 
• Demonstrated professional experience designing and deploying mapping projects using ArcPro, ArcOnline, Field Maps, and Survey 123 

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. May require a pre-employment physical. 
• Must be able to safely navigate mountain roads using trucks and potentially UTVs, and hike long distances over rough terrain using GPS or other navigation tools carrying personal supplies and project gear.  
• Must be able to work in all climatic conditions for extended periods. 
• Must be able to work for extended periods in a vehicle. 
• Must be able to work for extended periods in an office environment. 
• Must be able to work with the public, volunteers, and team members in a professional and collaborative manner. 
• 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.  
• Please note that supplemental questions requiring a written response will serve as a writing sample.    
• All Jefferson County Employees must apply through their internal profile.