Trail Maintenance Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO (NOW HIRING)

Lead Maintenance Specialist - Trails

(Full Time, Non-Exempt)

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m.  August 26, 2026

Hiring Range $46,184 - $53,183 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Trails Supervisor, this position is responsible for accomplishing the various skilled tasks that are associated with the accepted maintenance practices for all trails, parking lots, public facilities, bridges and drainage ways. May be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and be on snow watch as well as work shifts deviating from this position's normal work days and/or with other work groups.

Essential Duties:

• Assists with hiring, training, directing, and inspecting work performed by part time staff; assist in providing or coordinating staff training; and assist employees to correct deficiencies.
• Ensure the safety of District trail users and patrons that use District facilities and keep District liability risk at a minimum by properly maintaining District amenities to established standards.
• Inspect all trails and rights of way, including but not limited to; trail systems, drainage systems, bridge structures, parking lots, shelters and restroom facilities.
• Maintain all parking lots and trails including sweeping, painting, parking block installation and repair, asphalt pot hole repair, snow and ice removal, restroom and shelter cleaning, trash collection, graffiti removal, and other amenities as assigned.
• Control weeds by applying herbicides to trail systems, rights of way, parking lots and other related areas.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of documentation involving standard operation procedures in order to maintain inventory and appropriate maintenance of District amenities as assigned.
• Complete personal timecards, daily activity reports and record maintenance activities as assigned.
• Operate and maintain clean care for assigned tools, communication devices, division and shared equipment, motorized vehicles and hand tools to ensure safe acceptable condition at all times.
• Assist with the estimation, bidding and purchasing of materials, supplies and services, including, but not limited to, maintaining professional relationships and working with vendors to ensure proper delivery and quality of material.
• Responds tactfully, respectfully and in a timely fashion to inquiries and problems in person, by email, phone and mail providing helpful information and explanations in-line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational or stressful interactions.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attend work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

• A High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Any combination of experience that is equivalent to three (3) years of skilled labor and operation related to park and trail maintenance or light civil construction work in the public sector as a Lead is preferred. This includes staff supervision and the operation of equipment used in the maintenance and repair of trails, parking lots and all other related functions described in the position description.
• A combination of experience and education may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Certified Pesticide Applicator's License as a Certified Operator in the Industrial and Rights-of-Way Weed Control (109) category, preferred, or the ability to obtain within one (1) year from the date of hire.
• All required certifications as they relate to the above listed essential duties and any related certifications.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or have the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record. A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License is also required or the ability to obtain one within six months (6) of hire.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability and willingness to learn and then perform specific maintenance and supervisory tasks in an efficient manner.
• Ability to operate and disseminate or receive training on various types of maintenance standards, current operating procedures and construction equipment.
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn current public trail construction, safety and maintenance standards, procedures and working knowledge of equipment and materials used to safely maintain and construct both hard and soft surface trails.
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn current parking lot construction, safety and maintenance standards, procedures and working knowledge of equipment and materials used to safely maintain and construct concrete and asphalt paved surfaces.
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn current bridge and storm water conveyance construction, safety and maintenance standards, procedures and working knowledge of equipment and materials used to safely maintain and construct bridges and drainage ways.
• Skills related to current proficiency with the safe and efficient operation of equipment used to maintain public trails, parking lots and public facilities including, but not limited to, backhoes, skid steers, front end loaders, tandem and single axle dump trucks, trash trucks, rollers and compactors, street sweepers, pressure washers, large capacity water trucks and excavation equipment.
• Skills related to current proficiency and ability to document daily maintenance activities, keep accurate work logs and reports, design and implement traffic and pedestrian detour plans, and conduct and correct jobsite hazard analysis.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time and the ability to operate all tools and equipment during inclement weather.
• Ability to understand and clearly communicate oral and written instructions in a timely and professional manner.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.

Material and Equipment Used:

To successfully perform the required job duties, this position regularly uses:District tractors and implements, power and hand tools, pesticide / herbicide application equipment, chemical sprayers, welding equipment, painting equipment, tandem / single axle trucks and trailers, excavation and civil construction equipment. This position regularly drives a District vehicle. This position may need to drive a personal vehicle to various District facilities.

Working Environment:

This position requires work in a variety of settings including working indoors and frequently outdoors, daytime and night-time including in dark areas, subject to variable weather conditions, ecosystems, and landscapes. Outdoor working environments can be wet, humid, and extreme in temperature variations. Regularly exposed to heat, cold, loud noises, dust, wildlife, and chemicals

Physical Requirements:

Required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. Ability to reach outward, reach above shoulders and below knees. Heavy physical work requiring ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds with or without assistance and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; considerable walking and standing on uneven surfaces; regular pushing, pulling and bending; hand/eye and foot/eye coordination to operate hand tools, controls and motorized equipment; may occasionally crawl, squat, kneel or work in uncomfortable positions for short periods of time. Long periods of repeated motion, twisting, turning, lifting and bending. Lift with assistance up to 200 lbs.; on a rare occasion may be required to lift 100 lbs. unassisted; ability to hear and listen for warning signals and receive and ability to receive and interpret information.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

We've Got You Covered!

South Suburban Offers:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA's)

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

• South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!
• Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $360 annually

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

• 10 paid holidays per year
• 4 personal days per year
• Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself

We've Got Your Back

• Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service
• Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set
• Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year

Play Where You Work

• Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
• Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

• Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools
• 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
• $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses

SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, and a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.