Open Space Forestry Crew Member

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder! Application Deadline: January 20, 2026

Compensation:

Details: Full Pay Range 22.98 - 33.32 Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time hourly position.

• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Benefit Eligibility Group: Seasonal Max Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the

benefits:

offered for this job. Job

Description:

Summary: Under direct supervision, the Open Space Forestry Crew Member role emphasizes improving forest ecosystem health, enhancing wildlife habitat and mitigating wildland fire hazard through long-term forest thinning projects focused on cutting and removing trees to restore ecosystem function and resilience.

Crew members will have the

opportunity:

to learn various aspects of forest restoration and become a proficient chainsaw and heavy machinery operator. This position also provides the

opportunity:

to certify as a wildland firefighter and crew members will be expected to respond to local wildland fire incidents around Boulder, including the option to respond nationally if needed. The job demands focus and attention to detail, as well as a team-oriented mindset, as each individual is accountable for the safety and well-being of the group.

Job

Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs forest restoration and thinning operations.

Operate a chainsaw to safely fell trees. Complete trainings and field

experience:

s to progress as a sawyer and assist on a wildland fire response teams. Drags and piles branches and/or operates and loads a woodchipper Loads woody material into a trailer using a tractor and hydraulic winch/skidder Hauls trailers, operating a 4x4 vehicle on and off road Maintains and repairs equipment as needed.

• Performs prescriptive removal of invasive vegetation using chemical, mechanical or biological treatment strategies Performs prescribed and wildland fire response Completes, if not done already, the S-130 Firefighter Training and S-190 Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior to attain Incident Qualification Card (Red Card).

If necessary, training will be provided.

• Assists with prescribed fire and wildland fire response in and around Boulder.
• Deploys to national wildfires optionally and as needed based on

qualifications:

and organization priorities. Serve as part of a departmental team that responds to wildfires or other natural disasters on City managed lands.

• Performs associated forestry, vegetation management, and restoration tasks.
• Creates snags for wildlife habitat.
• Assists with data collection Performs mapping as needed using ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Facilitates volunteer projects.

Addresses hazardous trees project restoration needs, and native seed collection.

• Manages invasive species.
• Educate the public on forestry topics.
• Assists other OSMP work groups with varied natural resource management efforts.

MINIMUM:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to successfully complete Wildland Fire Red Card training and work capacity test for wildland firefighters which includes a pack test at arduous level- three-mile hike with 45-pound pack in 45 minutes. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form. Ability to communicate tactfully and professionally with the public and coworkers.

Ability and willingness to be a present team participant. Ability to understand the interests and concerns of others. Ability and willingness to share and receive information constructively and professionally. Ability to follow established procedure and direction for the benefit and safety of the team.

Ability and motivation to identify what needs to be done and doing it before being asked or before the situation requires it. Ability to complete work in a timely and consistent manner. Ability to demonstrate situational awareness by evaluating conditions and making sound judgments related to safety.

Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain acceptable motor vehicle record. Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

College coursework in forestry, natural resource management, environmental studies, restoration ecology, or related field.

Experience:

using chainsaws, tractors, skidders, or other related equipment.

Experience:

as a Wildland Firefighter Type 2 or higher. Advanced chainsaw

experience:

and/or certifications (FAL2, FAL3).

Experience:

working in prescribed fire or wildfire situations.

Experience:

interpreting and implementing forest management prescriptions.

Experience:

• leading or coordinating volunteer projects.

Experience:

with forest monitoring, data collection, vegetation mapping, or related field data tasks. Medical response

experience:

(CPR/AED/WFR/Paramedic). Knowledge of native and non-native plant species identification. Knowledge of and

experience:

with disturbed land restoration.

REQUIRED:

EDUCATION:

AND

EXPERIENCE:

High school degree or equivalent. No

experience:

is required for this role. Must have the Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) or obtain within 4 months of hire. SUPERVISION Supervision received: Forestry Manager Supervision exercised: None WORKING CONDITIONS AND

REQUIREMENTS:

Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment. Physical ability to stand, bend, walk, and kneel. Ability to carry up to 50 pounds while hiking on rough terrain. Role will require ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a daily basis and 75 pounds on an occasional basis.

Ability to work under stress with changing work priorities and conditions. Willingness to interact with the public in potentially challenging situations. Work Environment: Works in an outdoor environment year-round. Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes, mountain lions, stinging insects), potentially toxic chemicals (herbicides), noxious plants (poison ivy) and dangerous weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, lightning).

Machines and equipment used: vehicles (including four-wheel drive vehicles pulling a trailer), tractors, power tools such as chainsaws and weed whips, and a range of relevant hand tools and equipment. Ability to use a variety of long handled, manual, and power tools; and to operate equipment/heavy machinery around moving traffic or pedestrians.

Additional Job

Description:

Last updated: December 2025 The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal

opportunity:

employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.

The City of Boulder is a great place to live, work, grow and play. With over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways and more than 150 miles of hiking trails, Boulder values active lifestyles and access to nature. Forty-five thousand acres of land provide open space for parks and a green belt around the city.

With world class restaurants and art and music venues, The City of Boulder values diverse culture. Respect is one of our five City Values (including Customer Service, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation) and we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and support our differences across all spectrums, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, age, disability and sexuality.

Through our focus on Racial Equity, our employee

benefits:

, and the many programs resources

we offer:

our staff, we continually strive to weave respect for one another into the fabric of our organization. Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service excellence for an inspired future.