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Position Title:

Natural Resources Technician II

Job Description:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Trails Specialist to join our team and oversee trail construction, maintenance, and crew leadership on a variety of trail projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in trail work, including leading crews in the field, performing hands-on trail construction and maintenance, and ideally operating machinery such as mini excavators, skid steers, and other equipment used in trail building and rehabilitation.

This role requires a passion for the outdoors, a high level of physical fitness, and a proven ability to motivate and manage teams in remote and rugged environments. The Lead Trails Specialist will play a key role in ensuring that trails are sustainably built and maintained to provide safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible recreation experiences.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

+ Lead and supervise trails team on construction, maintenance, and restoration projects.

+ Train and mentor trails team in safe and effective trail work techniques, including drainage improvements, tread work, stone and timber structures, and vegetation management.

+ Coordinate daily work plans, ensure productivity, and maintain high standards of quality and safety on all projects.

+ Operate and maintain trail-building equipment such as mini excavators, skid steers, and other power tools, or be willing to learn.

+ Conduct pre-project site assessments and contribute to project planning and logistics.

+ Communicate regularly with the operations manager, supervisor, contractors, and stakeholders.

+ Maintain detailed records of work completed, team hours, and project progress.

+ Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices for sustainable trail development.

+ Assist with tool and equipment maintenance, inventory, and transport.

+ Assists in multiple monitoring and assessments programs. May provide occasional oversight of contractors on projects including restoration and weed control, landscaping and irrigation, and similar jobs.

+ Conducts regular interface with members of the public, helping to answer questions from park and natural area visitors. Occasionally supports public stewardship activities and educational programs.

+ Seasonally, performs snow removal and occasional work in a carpentry/welding shop environment to construct, repair, and maintain assets including fencing, signage kiosks, and similar assets.

+ Together with the Natural Lands Supervisor, assists in the resolution of personnel conflicts and human resources actions, as necessary.

+ Perform related duties as assigned.

Lead Trails Specialist additional applicable duties:

+ Assists the Natural Lands Supervisor and Operations Manager in evaluating and maintaining the Foothills Natural Area and Trail System, including trail tread and slope maintenance and repairs, trail corridor and canopy clearing, trail design and enhancement planning, trail and natural area restoration, signage installation, vegetation maintenance, weed control, herbicide application, litter removal and control, amenity maintenance, fencing, irrigation maintenance, watering, native seed collection, seeding and planting, and similar tasks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

+ High school diploma or equivalent.

+ Must be at least 18 years of age.

+ Must possess a valid driver’s license. City vehicles require a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card.

+ Utah Pesticide Applicator License with an Ornamental and Turf endorsement, or ability to obtain one within six months.

+ Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, in-person and in writing, especially in dealing with challenging conversations with members of the public or with staff.

Will require one of the following, based on Division needs:

+ Possession of a valid Utah Commercial Driver’s License (Class B) with airbrakes endorsement or ability to obtain one within six months.

+ Mechanized Trail Equipment Training and Certification (ITS)

+ USFS Chainsaw Certification Levels A, B, or C

+ Utah Master Naturalist (Mountain, Desert, and Wetland)

+ Trail Design Specialists Trail Master Certification

+ PTBA Intro to Mechanized Trail building

+ Hard Hat Safety Excavator Trainer Certification

+ PTBA Trails Skills Certification (in development)

+ Terrestrial Invasive Plant Management Certification

NOTE: Due to the evolving changes that may and can occur within the industry and City requirements, these certifications will be reviewed on an on-going basis. If changes are made to a specific level, employees will be granted 1 year to obtain additional certifications.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Two years of professional experience in maintaining natural or landscaped areas, or trail maintenance projects.

+ Two years of experience operating light to heavy duty equipment.

+ One year of professional experience acting in a leadership or supervisory capacity (crew lead, etc.)

+ An ability to effectively train, manage and motivate a team. Demonstrated safety leadership.

+ Demonstrated proficiency in the care of native landscapes and restoration sites, and noxious weed identification and control methods. Demonstrated familiarity with plant identification techniques and trail construction & maintenance best practices.

+ Post-secondary education, trainings and/or certifications in ecology, biology, natural resources management, environmental science, geology or another science-related field of study.

+ Demonstrated personal characteristics, including a positive attitude and passion for the work, punctuality, accountability, self-motivation, humility, and a desire to learn.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

+ Work is primarily outdoors under a variety of weather and environmental conditions and may involve some strenuous hiking to reach the job site. Work locations include Salt Lake City’s foothills and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, the Jordan River Parkway, properties along City Creek, Red Butte Creek, Emigration Creek, Parleys Creek, and various city parks and greenways.

+ Moderately heavy physical activity is required to push, pull, lift, and carry medium to heavy weights up to 50 pounds, and on occasion up to 80 pounds.

+ 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.

+ Intermittent exposure to stress as a result of human behaviors.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

+ Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)

+ Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

+ Paid vacation and personal leave

+ 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available

+ Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

+ A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

+ Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

+ Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

CAREER LADDER:

After fully satisfying the job requirements, may be advanced to Natural Resources Technician III based upon the supervisor/manager recommendation. Promotions are conditional on availability of funding and require divisional recommendation, Department Head approval and the concurrence of the Department of Human Resource Management.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

$20.18 - $26.53

DEPARTMENT

Public Lands

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40

Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work—from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs—with integrity and professionalism.

We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference.

If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we’d love to work with you.

Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/) site.

Health & Wellness

+ 95% City-paid medical insurance

+ Dental, vision, life insurance

+ HSA (with $1,000–$2,000 City contribution)

+ Wellness clinic for employees & families

+ Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Perks

+ Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)

+ Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))

+ Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more

Thinking about applying or weighing another offer?

Use our Total Compensation Calculator (https://tools.slc.gov/totalcompensation/) to see the true value of your job offer—including salary, benefits, retirement, and more.

We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/paid-leave/) site.

+ 12 vacation days to start

+ 12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday

+ Up to 80 hours personal leave annually

+ 6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave

+ Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers

Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process—from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699Or email: [email protected]

The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.

Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.