Land Management Specialist/Ranger - Douglas County : Job Details

Salary: $55,364.00 - $83,046.00 AnnuallyLocation : Castle Rock, COJob Type: Full-Time RegularJob Number: 2024 - 2608Department: Open SpaceOpening Date: 12/10/2024Closing Date: 1/31/2025 5:00 PM Mountain Description Research, develop, and implement a full range of highly technical professional land and resource management programs and projects within the Division of Open Space and Natural Resources. These responsibilities include administration of natural resource operations, oversight of agricultural and property leases, supervision of full time, temporary, and seasonal staff and volunteers, resource protection, public safety, regulation enforcement, and interpretation and education. Schedule may vary due to business needs, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Extended hours may be necessary in some cases Examples of DutiesESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all-inclusive.) LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENTResponsible for administration of natural resource operations, including, but not limited to:•Forest and Range program and contract managemento Hazardous fuels reduction/forest healtho Grazing/hayingo Other land and resource management programs •Wildlife habitat and fisheries managemento Identify sensitive/critical habitats and manage accordinglyo Make recommendations to County Officials on endangered species and associated habitatso Fishery assessment and stocking programs •Noxious/invasive weed managemento Identify sensitive areas and manage accordinglyo Coordinate and oversee weed spraying activities•Resource and facility maintenance and contract managemento Trail safety and sustainabilityo Trail and trailhead maintenanceo Open Space structure safety and maintenanceo Lease administration •Develop, administer, and implement comprehensive Land Management Planso Forest, range, wildlife, agricultural, recreation, and maintenance planso Prepare grant applications, administer grant funds, and coordinate with funding partners•Recreation activity managemento Patrol and enforcemento Special event permitting and oversight•Conservation Easement review and monitoringo Annual assessments of County easements held by Douglas Land Conservancyo Annual monitoring of County held easements on private propertyo Consultation with private landowners•Volunteer program administrationo Mounted Patrolo Trail maintenanceo Adopt-a-trail program•Represent the Division of Open Space and Natural Resources when working with other professional agencies in developing and executing land and resource management programs.•Act as liaison to other agencies to ensure protection of County owned resources.•Develop, administer, and conduct interpretive environmental and historical educational programs to both schools and public groups.RANGER DUTIES•Public Safety•Provide for public safety by enforcing regulations through a limited law enforcement commission from the Douglas County Sheriff and from the authority granted by the Board of County Commissioners. •Provide for public safety through emergency response to wildland fire and emergency medical incidents on Open Space properties, and on other locations as requested.•Serve as First Responders on a 24/7/365 basis to all Parks, Trails and Open Space emergencies as well as County (Incident Management Team, DECART) incidents as deemed necessary by Leadership.•Act as liaison to other agencies to ensure natural resource protection.•Assist County and other governmental agencies with mutual aid on incidents involving wildland fire suppression, emergency medical response, search and rescue, wildlife management, and other natural or man-made disasters.•Responsible for recognizing limits of authority and operating within those limits.•Maintain professional qualifications and certifications.ADMINISTRATION•Participate in establishing strategic initiatives, goals, priorities, and policies for Open Space properties and coordinating communication with the public, other governmental agencies, and outside consultants.•Provide input to Leadership for the preparation of the annual budget.•Keep Leadership informed of the ongoing costs for land, resource, and property management programs.•Represent Douglas County at various governmental functions, regional councils, and other community and special interest group meetings.OTHER DUTIES•Prepare a variety of documents, maps, and other various reports,•Work with the public positively and constructively and interact with people of diverse ages, interests, viewpoints, and backgrounds, and•Performs other duties as assigned.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Does not directly supervise other employees. May provide guidance and training to staff, as required. INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT: Work is generally performed independently within general guidelines, requiring innovation, proper judgment, and discretion. Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION, AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource, Recreation, Agriculture, Wildlife Biology, or related field is preferred.
• Must have two (2) years of ranching or land/resource management experience.
• A combination of experience and education may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Knowledge:

• Follow Occupational hazards and related safety precautions.
• Methods and techniques of maintaining public safety in an open space environment.
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills and establish, maintain, and foster positive and productive working relationships; and
• Basic first aid and CPR

Skills:

• Be able to operate a computer with Microsoft Office software (or similar), upload data and data management, ArcGIS, cloud-based services, GPS devices, and a cellular phone.
• Materials and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, and installation of trails, landscapes, and infrastructure.
• Basic plant identification knowledge and skills.
• Proper handling of pesticides.
• Maintaining tools and equipment used in operation and maintenance of open space lands.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain records and files on work performed.
• The ability to diffuse confrontation by keeping contacts professional and fair and exercising sound judgment.
• Ability to hike, use a bicycle over rough or uneven terrain for long periods of time; and
• Ability to safely ride a horse and have the skills to care for a horse while riding.

Abilities:

• Apply basic first aid and CPR.
• Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods in all types of weather.
• Organize work, follow priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with coworkers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Ability to communicate orally and in written form with professionalism and accuracy.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal, scientific, technical journals, documents, reports, and statutes.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from private and public agencies, citizens, and elected officials.
• Interact with individuals in interpreting and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures; and
• Requires the ability to remain calm during stressful and dangerous situations.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Driver's License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment. Supplemental Information For more information on job functions, requirements and to apply please visit: Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the full . Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefit package. For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, click on the link below.Why Douglas County? We offer excellent benefits to our employees!

• 10 ½ paid holidays each year + a floating holiday
• 9 hours of paid vacation per month
• 8 hours of paid sick time per month
• Medical insurance employees can choose from three plan options: United Healthcare Doctors Plan, United Healthcare HDHP Plan or United Healthcare Choice Plus Plan.
• Life insurance 1.5 times employee salary at no cost to employee
• Short-term and long-term disability at no cost to employee
• Mandatory retirement - defined contribution of 8% - matched at 8%
• Annual performance reviews with potential for an increase

Additionally, we offer dental, vision, accident/critical illness insurance, tuition reimbursement, and employee training. Part-time employees receive a pro-rated benefits package.