Ecology Technician I (Vegetation)

Job Description Summary:

 

Under limited supervision, maintains the health, safety and aesthetics of natural areas throughout the Parks and Recreation system. Performs natural resource related maintenance and operations on City of Boulder Parks and Recreation natural lands including staff collaboration, project completion and program assistance. Performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the areas of natural lands maintenance, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), restoration, wildlife management, equipment operation, community engagement, and performs related duties as required.

 

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Performs technical and mostly field based natural lands functions including tasks in the areas of natural lands maintenance, IPM, restoration, wildlife management, and community engagement across the Parks & Recreation system to ensure safe and efficient operations, including the following:

 

Implements best management practices for the removal of noxious weeds by utilizing assorted mechanical methods (digging, hand pulling, whipping, tractor and mower operation, etc.), chemical control (backpack and UTV spraying, wicking, etc.), cultural practices (planting, burning, etc.), and assists with biological control (insects, animals).

 

Performs and/or coordinates prairie dog management tasks including surveys, colony monitoring, mapping, installing and maintaining barriers, and potentially trapping and relocation.

 

Utilizes GIS, GPS, and tablet technologies to collect field data and uses ArcGIS platform to add and manage data in established databases and creation of maps. Works with GIS staff to implement data into overall system.

 

Performs and/or coordinates restoration projects such as native seed collection, re-seeding, mitigation work, and wildlife habitat enhancements.

 

Performs and assists with research, monitoring, and data collection associated with various natural land management tasks (IPM, wildlife, etc.), data entry, and preparing of scientific reports.

 

Performs and/or coordinates community engagement including public environmental education and outreach programs.

 

Performs and/or coordinates regular maintenance and creation of natural lands and park infrastructure such as fencing, trails, restroom amenities, trash/litter removal, graffiti/vandalism removal, signs, and other light construction.

 

Performs and/or coordinates various urban wildlife management tasks including surveys, addressing wildlife concerns for projects, assisting with closures and adhering to best management practices.

 

 

 

Works closely with and may direct non-standard employees, volunteers, community service workers, jail crew workers or others. This may include providing work instruction and task assignment, communicating job expectations, providing appropriate feedback on performance to manager, correcting problems with work habits or safety issues, ensuring adherence to City and Department policies, and the accuracy of reported time use.

 

 

 

Ensures all city and department safety procedures, regulations and policies are observed and followed in order to promote a safe work environment and prevent injuries and illnesses.  Success measures include:

 

Enforces to and adheres by organizational policies, rules and safety regulations related to persons using city vehicles, equipment, and park facilities.

 

Ensures safe public spaces while completing work tasks and raises safety concerns to appropriate supervisors or contacts.

 

Oversees seasonal staff in safe operation of all equipment and vehicles.

 

Identifies, addresses or elevates any health and safety risks within the park facilities.

 

Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment and uses all required personal protective equipment (PPE).

 

Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents.

 

Does not operate a vehicle or equipment in an unsafe manner, including avoiding the use of a cell phone.

 

Reports all injuries, accidents and damage to City property on the same day that they occur.

 

Adheres to all Label and MSDS requirements when using chemicals and is fully aware of the product specifications and required PPE.

 

Ensures the appropriate records are being kept.

 

 

 

Assists with data management and makes recommendations for program and project improvements. Maintains records of work performed, materials and supplies utilized. Follows work orders. Orders, purchases, does safety checklists, and performs safety and equipment use/maintenance and inspections.

 

 

 

Performs emergency response work for the city that may include; tree damage, flood response and recovery, and other emergencies.

 

 

 

Ensures proper use of vehicles, equipment and tools to accomplish tasks. This includes:

 

Obtaining proper training before operation.

 

Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of machinery, equipment, and tools to ensure safe operation.

 

Performs basic safety checks and cleaning of all vehicles and equipment before use.

 

Report all damage and poorly functioning equipment and vehicles to the Parks Equipment and Fleet Technician.

 

 

 

Is alert to conditions and events indicating possible misuse of or damage to Parks vehicles and/or equipment, and reports any such information to the appropriate staff.

 

 

 

Coordinates work with other City staff to ensure timely response to ongoing maintenance needs, special projects, resolution of identified issues or emergencies.

 

 

 

Ensures that resource conservation techniques are implemented throughout work responsibilities (recycling, composting, air and water quality protection).

 

 

 

Stays up to date on job related issues such as technical procedures, safety issues, product development and technology improvements.