Open Space Forestry Crew Member

Its a great time to join the City of Boulder!

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Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs forest restoration and thinning operations.

• Operate a chainsaw to safely fell trees.

• Complete trainings and field experiences 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 drivers 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