Position Title: Natural Resource and Horticulture Specialist

Location: Eagle County, Colorado

Work Location: Hybrid (remote, in-office & in-field)

Position Type: Full-time, year-round

Annual Salary Range: $70,000-$95,000 (based on credentials and professional experience)

Employee Benefits: 

• 401(a) Social Security plan + contributions
• 457 Retirement plan + contributions (similar to 401k)
• Health, Basic Life & Dental insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off 
• Family leave
  

Background: The Eagle County Conservation District (ECCD) is a Title 35 Special District, established to represent landowners, water rights holders, and agricultural producers, and to assist them with conservation practices and natural resource management. ECCD:

• Offers technical assistance through programs, consultations, site visits, education and outreach; 
• Offers financial assistance through cost shares and rebates; 
• Conducts research to monitor and track natural resource concerns;
• Advocates for local land stewards through policy and legislation.

Position Overview: The Natural Resource and Horticulture Specialist will provide leadership and expertise for ECCD constituents and for Conservation District led programs. This position must have knowledge and work experience in horticulture, sustainable land management practices, soil and water conservation, and the preservation and restoration of natural resources. This person will consult with landowners to address conservation practices and improvements on small-scale private lands. They will also work directly with ECCD’s Beyond Lawn program, designed to help backyard gardeners improve outdoor water efficiency and create landscapes that are more resilient to our Rocky Mountain climate. This person must have experience working in a team environment and will work collaboratively with co-workers and partners in program development, project implementation, and other ECCD initiatives. This person should have strong communication skills as this position will conduct workshops, correspond with stakeholders, and engage in education and outreach opportunities. 

 Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: 

• Conduct site visits on private lands to determine conservation priorities;
• Consult with landowners on natural resource management, conservation planning, and horticulture for urban and/or small-acreage lands;
• Administer the Beyond Lawn Program: Identify native and invasive plant species, inspect garden irrigation systems, collect and analyze soil samples, identify top conservation priorities, and provide horticulture and irrigation recommendations for private landowners in urban areas;
• Assist with Noxious Weed Cost Share Program: Identify invasive plant species and create integrated treatment plans for private landowners;
• Assist with education and outreach of ECCD programs and conduct educational workshops;
• Attend monthly board meetings.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Must have valid driver’s license;
• Clean background check;
• Completed Bachelor’s degree. Must be in agricultural, ecosystem, environmental or plant sciences, horticulture, conservation of natural resources, or a closely related field;
• 3+ years of professional experience (relevant to job description);
• Experience or knowledge of planning and/or implementing conservation projects that improve and maintain soil health, water quality and quantity, plant health, or other natural resource concerns;
• Highly motivated by dynamic leadership and thrives in the pursuit and management of innovative programs and projects that ensure impactful solutions and results;
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Cooperative teamwork with co-workers, partners and stakeholders;
• Ability to lead and teach in educational workshops and programs;
• Demonstrate knowledge of native/sustainable landscapes and horticulture;
• Demonstrate knowledge of garden irrigation systems and water/drought issues;
• Experience identifying native and invasive plant species, such as grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees;
• Basic understanding of sustainable agriculture, regenerative farming practices, and small acreage land management; and
• Basic understanding of soil science;

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Completed Master’s degree. Preferred to be in agricultural, ecosystem, environmental or plant sciences, horticulture, conservation of natural resources, or a closely related field;
• 1+ year(s) of experience in sustainable agriculture, urban agriculture, regenerative farming practices, small acreage land management and/or soil science; 
• 1+ year(s) of experience in identifying invasive/noxious weeds and/or a Certificate of Inspection for noxious weeds.

Schedule: 40 hours/week; Generally Monday-Friday (with some flexibility)

Housing and Vehicle: Housing is not provided by ECCD. This person will need to have or be able to obtain housing in or near Eagle County. This position must also be prepared to commute to/from the office as well as to landowner’s properties. An ECCD vehicle may be available, otherwise mileage spent on the job will be reimbursed at government rates. 

Start Date: Between 4//25 - 5/1/25

Eagle County Conservation District

PO Box 360, Eagle, CO 81631

EagleCountyCD.com

EagleCountyCD@gmail.com 

(970) 445-0307