Job Description:
We are looking to fill a Foothills Natural Resource Technician (NRT) – Hourly position to support our Public Lands Department. The mission of the Public Lands Department is to enhance the livability of the urban environment through a diverse network of natural open spaces, recreational opportunities, park facilities, city golf landscapes, the city cemetery, and the urban forest to ensure that the resources under our management are carefully stewarded for future generations.
This position is responsible for supporting the Salt Lake City Foothills Natural Area through ecological and trail management, community education, and volunteer management.
In this position you will work up to 128 hours per month.
DUTIES:
Works as a member of the Trails & Natural Lands (TNL) team to maintain the City’s designated open spaces and sustainable recreation in the Foothills Natural Area including weed mitigation, ecological restoration, and trail system maintenance.
Collaborates with TNL colleagues and partners on the creation and implementation of a comprehensive ecological maintenance plan for the Foothills Natural Area.
Creates work assignments and ensures the completion of projects. Tracks and inputs daily tasks into work order system.
Seasonally supervises, trains, and motivates a small team of employees for certain field tasks. Demonstrates proper techniques, skills, best practices, and safety protocols to groups of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled staff.
Responsible for maintenance, minor repairs and adjustment of tools and equipment to ensure proper operation and safe, efficient use.
Will assist with the proper mixing and application of herbicides used in the control of targeted invasive species in a variety of natural environments.
Operates various types of vehicles and equipment necessary to complete assigned tasks.
Assists in monitoring and assessments programs.
May provide occasional oversight of contractors on projects including restoration and weed control, trail construction and maintenance, and similar jobs.
Partners with Public Lands communications team on content creation and materials to promote public safety, a positive, trail system culture, and community engagement.
Helps to cultivate and maintain successful relationships between the division and city/community partners, and the public through outreach, communication, and planning.
Serves as back up to other personnel within the Public Lands Department as needed.
Facilitates and instructs programmatic and stewardship events as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in plant, insect, mammal, or bird identification, restoration, farming, forestry, hydrology or ecology or a strong desire and aptitude to develop these skills
Practical outdoor work experience
Basic experience and knowledge of natural resource conservation practices and procedures
Demonstrated ability to operate hand tools and light equipment
Demonstrated ability to work in adverse conditions including rain, high or low temperatures, insects, and difficult terrain and to work full days outdoors without regular access to amenities
Demonstrated ability to carry a heavy pack and hike up to six miles in variable mountainous terrain
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid Utah Pesticide Applicator License, with Ornamental and Turf Pest Control endorsement
Working knowledge of natural resource management.
A track record of superior time management, decision making, detail-oriented, customer service, creative thinking, and teamwork.
Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is primarily outdoors under a variety of weather and environmental conditions and may involve hiking to reach the job site. Work locations include Salt Lake City’s Foothills Natural Area, the Jordan River Parkway, and various city parks and greenways.
Moderately heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium to heavy weights. Difficult working positions; may have to stand, walk, or sit in uncomfortable positions for extended periods and squat or crawl.
Exposure to outside weather conditions year-round.
