Parks Crew Lead - Open Space & Forestry

Parks Crew Lead - Open Space & Forestry

Salary

$72,758.40 - $101,857.60 Annually

Location

Parks-North Region Operations, 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO, CO

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

07637

Department

Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts

Division

North Region Operations

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

9/24/2026 4:30 PM Mountain

Our Mission

To responsibly serve the Adams County community with integrity and innovation.

EEO

Adams County is an equal opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Position classification

Onsite -- Job duties and expectations require employee to be regularly scheduled onsite.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Leads, oversees and participates in the work of staff responsible for the identification and management of weed infestations, infestation management and performing a variety of duties involved in the implementation of a community forestry program on County owned Property, in parks and along trails and some roadways; participates in open space restoration and management, and providing staff assistance to the Parks Open Space Supervisor.

Examples of Duties for Success

• Locate and identify weed infested areas; map and monitor progress of treated areas. Develop strategy for long-term integrated noxious weed/ invasive species eradication program.
• Monitor and evaluate populations of noxious weeds/invasive species and make recommendations for management/suppression, using the most appropriate integrated pest management methods.
• Identify county, state, and federal requirements and regulations of various weed control management techniques, including all requirements relevant to pesticide storage, mixing, application, and disposal.
• Apply EPA restricted and non-restricted herbicides to county open spaces, roadsides, and private lands requiring enforcement procedures; control noxious weeds; determine type and amount of pesticides to be applied according to label. Gather information required by State and Federal agencies; maintain daily records of treated areas; prepare necessary records.
• Operate all Open Space Division vehicles including one-ton vehicles, ATVs, lift trucks, chippers and trailers; assist in the calibration of herbicide application vehicles; perform minor maintenance.
• Assist in the production of maps of unincorporated Adams County for infestation of noxious weeds included on the State Noxious Weed List.
• Participate in the field activities of a team of urban forestry specialists and trainees, regular and seasonal laborers and equipment operators.
• Performs or assists in the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf.
• Maintain knowledge and comply with all rules and regulations set by State and Federal agencies; report changes in rules and regulations to supervisory staff.
• Identify, control, and contain noxious weeds using integrated management techniques where feasible at parks, on trails, and on open space lands.
• Accurately records work progress and updates mapping activities of the Countys tree inventory using field computers.
• Assist the Open Space Supervisor in organizing vegetation management education functions.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate weed control and forestry seasonal employees and volunteers in the performance of their tasks and responsibilities.
• Assist with responses to hazardous materials spills and pesticide contamination events.
• Conduct and/or participate in tree surveys and mapping exercises.
• Plant, prune and maintain trees in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards.
• Assist Open Space Supervisor in performing site visits for land owners in un-incorporated Adams County; assist in developing integrated weed management plans for private land owners.
• Assist park maintenance crews in construction and park maintenance projects, including the use of hand and power tools and the operation of heavy equipment.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Supervisory Responsibilities - None.

Qualifications for Success

• Knowledge of rules, regulations, and laws related to weed control, pest control and community forestry.
• Knowledge of principles and practices used in the application of pesticides to control weeds and other designated pests.
• Knowledge of principles of record keeping and report preparation in accordance with the Colorado Pesticide Applicators Act.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of operational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of assigned work.
• Ability to operate, calibrate, repair, and care for the full range of mechanical and chemical parks equipment.
• Ability to lead, organize, and review the work of assigned staff.
• Accurately determine amount of pesticide to be applied (measurement of liquids, ratios).
• Ability to identify noxious weeds, locations, and extent of infestations in Adams County; interpret, navigate, and map infestations effectively using topographical maps and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Ability to successfully meet continuing education requirements to maintain pesticide applicator certification by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and/or International Society of Arboriculture.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with staff and landowners.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted during work.
• Knowledge of lead supervision and training, record keeping, and reporting.
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of basic budgeting principles and practices.
• Lead, organize, and review the work of maintenance staff and handle conflict in an appropriate manner.
• Knowledge of forestry principles, practices and their application.
• Ability to interpret diagrams, plans, and blueprints.
• Operate basic office equipment including a personal computer and related software.

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $72,759.78 - $83,673.74. The potential full salary range for this role is $$72,759.78 - $101,863.69

More Qualifications for Success

• Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in landscape maintenance, urban forest management and/or herbicide application.

• Education and Training: High school diploma or GED equivalent, supplemented by training in forestry, turf and grounds maintenance, chemical application and equipment operation.

• License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado drivers license; CDL.

• Candidates must possess a valid Colorado Commercial Drivers License Class B at the time of interview or within 6 months of employment.

• Candidates selected for interviews will need to provide a current copy of their motor vehicle record. Adams County is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to conduct pre-employment drug screens, background checks and motor vehicle record checks.

• Successful candidates must pass all of the above, including a DOT physical and a criminal background check.

• Possession of a State of Colorado Department of Agriculture Public Applicators License.

• Desirable Forestry Licenses and Certifications:

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist certification

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.

• Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Certified Tree care Safety Professional (CTSP).

• Essential duties require the following physical abilities:

• The employee frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, climb, and lift an/or move 100 pounds.

• Exposure to noise, outdoors, electrical hazards, dust, chemicals and mechanical hazards.

• Work Environment:

• This position requires frequent exposure to all types of weather conditions.

• This position requires exposure to noise, outdoors, confined work spaces, electrical hazards, vibrations, chemicals, dust and mechanical hazards

• Special Requirements:

• Availability for on-call and stand-by call.

• This position requires shift work, on-call and nights/weekend shift work.

• Ability to respond during an emergency or during extreme weather events including wind, rain, snow or ice.

• Assist in the preparation and operation of the Adams County Fair and other special events as assigned.

Adams County and the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office complies with Colorado's Job Application Fairness Act ("JAFA"). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant's age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.

Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.

Benefits You Expect:

• AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance
• Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Dental/Vision/Medical Plans
• Generous Vacation/Sick leave
• Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan
• Short-Term Disability

Plus some you might not expect:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Fitness Center
• Employee Health Clinics
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Recreation Center Discounts
• Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Wellness programs
• Lactation friendly certified workplace

01

Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team. Information provided on the application is used to determine if a candidate meets minimum qualifications. Only information provided at the time of the application being completed will be considered and additional information that is not listed on the application will not be considered when deciding if a candidate meets or does not meet the qualifications. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to include all information and details on their application. I understand and agree that only information provided at the time of my application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum requirements for this position.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• Yes, I understand but disagree.

02

Do you possess three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in landscape maintenance, urban forest management and/or herbicide application?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you currently possess any Forestry Licenses and Certifications? If yes please list below.

05

Do you currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Commercial Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Adams County

Address 4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Suite C4000B

Brighton, Colorado, 80601-8213

Website http://www.adamscountyco.gov/careers