Open Space Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB LOCATION

Cityof Aurora,Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of:Integrity,Respect, Professionalism, andCustomer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Protecting over 8,000 acres of land involves being a watchful guardian for every living thing. Trail maintenance across 100 miles ensures the community has a reliable path to nature. Stewardship of public lands serves as a silent handshake between you and the environment. Moving 100-pound objects keeps the infrastructure strong for every visitor while doubling as a fresh-air gym session. Precise records regarding gear and materials reflect a high level of dedication to the craft. Respecting both nature and people defines the daily mission in every interaction. Winter weather brings snow removal tasks where you become the anchor for city safety during the storm. Strict safety procedures act as a shield against potential hazards in the field. Honest effort drives the work even when you are alone, deep in the open spaces. Pesticide certification proves you are a serious defender of our natural resources against invasive threats.

Must be 18 years old by time of hire

The hiring rate for this role is $18.00/hour.

Anticipated start date for this role is March 28, 2026.

This is classified as a Seasonal position where the selected candidates' length of employment will not exceed six (6) consecutive months and can work up to 40 hours a week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leavein accordance withthe Healthy Families and Workplace Act

** This job announcement is for collecting candidate applications for current and future Parks Stewards. Applicants will be contacted only when a position need isidentified, and their qualifications match the position's needs. **

The selected applicant(s) will undergo the following conditions:

• Background Check (if over 18)
• MVR
• Drug Screening

Position overview:

The Parks Steward is an integral member of the team responsible for maintenance and stewardship of public lands, resources, infrastructure, and facilities in order to provide safe and healthy homes for plants and animals, as well as safe and pleasant human experiences.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides outstanding stewardship of the public lands under care
• Performs maintenance and repair work on facilities and properties
• Plants and cares for trees and vegetation
• Properly operates and maintains equipment
• Updates records concerning materials and equipment used
• Maintains and enforces safety regulations and procedures
• Performs work to complete special functions with all user groups and between city departments
• Performs snow and ice removal as needed
• Performs additional duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• High School diploma or GED

Experience:

• 6 months manual labor experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPR and First Aid
• If employed in the Forestry division, TCIA Chipper Operator Specialist & TCIA Ground Operations Specialist

Knowledge:

• Applicable safety practices and procedures
• Methods, materials, equipment, and operating procedures utilized in the assigned functions
• Effect of weather conditions on maintenance needs and procedures

Skills:

• Vehicle operation
• Working effectively with employees and citizens
• Maintaining a safe working environment

Abilities:

• Operation of equipment and tools of assigned function
• Perform manual labor for extended periods of time
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Current Driver's License with good driving record
• If employed in the Open Space division, Colorado Basic Pesticide Training Certificate or ability to obtain within 2 months

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Heavy work that involves moving no more than 100 pounds with or without assistance at a time
• Continuous walking and standing to implement projects
• Continuous pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, crouching, and climbing to implement work
• Continuous hand/eye and hand/foot coordination for operation of equipment and vehicles
• Continuous vision to read reports, manuals, written materials, instruments and gauges
• Continuous good speech communication, hearing, and listening for effective communication with others

Work Environment:

• Works both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions with exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and fumes

Equipment Used:

• If employed in the Forestry division, operates equipment and vehicles common to maintenance functions (trucks, chippers, chainsaws, hand tools, power tools, stump grinder, spray rigs, etc.)
• If employed in the Parks division, operates zero-turn mowers, string trimmers, push mowers, edgers, and other park maintenance equipment
• Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), database systems, GIS, etc.
• This role may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.