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Job Descriptions:

Lead Maintenance Specialist - Forestry

(Full Time, Non-Exempt)

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. on January 30, 2026.

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

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the District Forester, this position is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, and performance of daily inspections of the District’s assigned forestry programs including the tree nursery, tree donations, memorial trees, and forestry related special events. Assists in identifying, planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and coordinating projects and personnel associated with all aspects of the assigned forestry programs. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization.

Essential Duties:

+ Assists the Supervisor with prioritizing, scheduling, assigning, supervising and evaluating tree planting, establishment and health care programs including annual, monthly and weekly work plans, schedules and calendars as well as dispatching full-time, part-time and seasonal crews and equipment to project locations on a daily basis. May also need to coordinate, schedule and assign volunteers, scouts and Community Services Workers. Works closely with other Park and Open Space team members to properly schedule and coordinate activities in parks, facilities and along trail.

+ In the absence of the Supervisor this position schedules, assigns and dispatches crews and equipment to respective locations to maintain District trees.

+ Assists Supervisor with establishing pruning objectives and pruning prescriptions to protect the health, vigor and structural development of shrubs and trees. Schedules work to prune certain species to avoid the spread of disease, avoid excessive sap bleeding, and to enhance flowering.

+ Ensures the safety of District trail users and patrons that use District facilities and keeps District liability risk at a minimum by properly maintaining District amenities to established standards.

+ Assists in coordinating and carrying out Storm Damage Responses for the Department and Division.

+ Conducts training of personnel in techniques for safe and efficient operation of equipment, tools, machinery, work methods and chemical applications.

+ Exercises good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices at all times.

+ Keeps accurate records of daily activities and provides lists of materials for cost tracking. Responsible for providing accurate information for preparing purchase orders and use of purchasing card.

+ Develops and maintains professional relationships with District employees, vendors, various outside users’ groups and associations.

+ May be required to fill in for absent employees, covering some or all duties to ensure operations continue smoothly.

+ Responds tactfully, respectfully and in a timely manner to inquiries and problems in person, through email, phone, and mail by providing helpful information and explanations in-line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational or stressful interactions.

+ May be responsible for scheduled on-call emergency response.

+ Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.

+ Attends work on a regular, reliable, and punctual basis.

+ May be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and be on snow watch as well as work shifts deviating from this position’s normal workdays and/or with other work groups.

+ Assists in hiring, training, scheduling, supervising and evaluating assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training; and works with employees to correct deficiencies.

+ Primarily responsible for the establishment and care of trees from planting. Maintenance needs may include but are not limited to planting/transplanting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, staking, structural pruning, fruit production pruning, clearance pruning, health treatments, tree protection and tree removal.

+ Conducts tree inventories, planting location inventories and other inventories as needed. Conducts tree appraisals and tree benefit calculations as needed.

+ Assists the Supervisor with periodically inspecting all recently planted trees in District parks, facilities and along trails (owned or managed lands). Maintains accurate planting, maintenance and removal records as well as provides regular status and needs reports to the Supervisor.

+ Assists the other Parks and Open Space Divisions with maintenance. This may include but is not limited to irrigation installation and repairs, trash collection, mowing, weeding eating, invasive and nuisance weed control and tree well mulching.

+ Assists the Supervisor in coordinating and scheduling plant donations, matching gifts, memorial tree plantings as well as the stocking, maintenance and harvesting of the District’s tree nursery. Provides for and coordinates the proper maintenance and harvesting of orchard trees.

+ When trails or other rights-of-ways are to be infringed on or blocked, follows all applicable MUTCD, state, local and District rules and regulations. Sets up trail detours, traffic control devices and appropriate signage to create a safe work zone.

+ Learns and assists the Supervisor with training personnel in proper planting/transplanting techniques, tree identification, cultural requirements.

+ Assists the Supervisor with preparation of Forestry Division goals, objectives, work plan and budget.

+ Works with the GIS Coordinator to develop efficient routes for water trucks, other routing or scheduling of work and maintaining the tree inventory.

+ When time and opportunity allows, provides content for social media.

+ Complies with District and Departmental vision, mission, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

+ Maintains, operates, and cares for assigned hand tools, vehicles and equipment. Maintains and routinely inventories parts and materials used while performing maintenance duties. Assists the Supervisor with coordinating vehicle and equipment maintenance and repairs with the garage and shop personnel.

+ Assists in coordinating Forestry special events such as Arbor Day events.

+ Performs snow and ice removal and assists in managing the snow removal operations.

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:

+ Must be eighteen (18) years of age with a high school diploma or its equivalent.

+ One (1) year of experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, landscape maintenance or installation with a focus on tree planting and transplanting, tree nursery maintenance, young tree structure pruning, Emerald Ash Borer sampling/treatment, pest control strategies and tree inventorying.

+ Experience in tree and shrub identification, proper planting techniques, tree climbing with saddle and ropes, pruning skills, and safe and effective use of pesticides is preferred.

+ Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture or Landscape Management is preferred.

+ Any combination of experience, training and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

+ Colorado Pesticide Applicator’s License as a Certified Operator in the Turf Pest Control (206) and Ornamental Pest Control (207) categories or the ability to obtain within one (1) year from the date of hire.

+ International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist preferred.

+ Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

+ Valid Class B Commercial Driver License with air brake endorsement or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

+ General knowledge of principles, methods, and processes related to establishing and maintaining trees, including American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards Z60.1, Z133 and A300; and the International Society of Arboriculture Bets Management Practices.

+ General knowledge of workplace safety procedures including Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards pertaining to the tree care industry and the ability to adhere to safe work practices and procedures.

+ Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

+ Ability to read directions, chemical labels, and work documents.

+ General knowledge of laws, regulations, and methods of pesticide application and the safe and proper use of pesticides and appropriate personal protective gear.

+ General knowledge in the use and general maintenance of hand, power and motorized tools associated with forestry maintenance.

+ General knowledge in the safe and proper operation of snowplows and snow blowers.

+ Ability to train and assist with supervising subordinate employees, community service workers, and volunteers.

+ Ability to exercise good judgement and practice proper safety precautions at all times.

+ Ability and willingness to comply with District and Departmental vision, mission, rules, regulations, safety protocols, policies, and procedures.

+ Ability to adapt to changing priorities, weather events, and special work requests.

+ Ability to interact tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately with the public, District administration, co-workers, and other agencies or contractors.

+ Must be highly motivated and take direction well.

+ Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.

+ Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provide outstanding customer service, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and interact with others in a professional manner.

+ Communication skills to express facts, data, and ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

+ General knowledge of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as related to forestry operations.

Material and Equipment Used:

+ Regularly uses various power and hand tools, front-end loaders, tractors and implements (box scraper, trencher, mower, etc.); truck mounted and skid steer mounted tree spades; trencher and back hoe; water tank trucks with associated pumps and backflow preventers; sod cutters and rototillers; skid steer with attachments; compact utility loader with attachments; assorted truck and trailer combinations; ATV w/snow plow or herbicide sprayer, out front mower w/ snow plow: snow blower; snow plow truck; high pressure sprayer, backpack sprayers, drop spreaders; brush chipper, stump grinder; chain saws, line trimmers; hand-held data collectors and GIS/GPS tools and software; pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals; burlap and twine for B&B trees; unmanned aerial vehicle (Drone) or other aerial inspection technologies.

+ Uses standard office equipment including a personal computer, phone, printer, and copier.

+ This position may be required to drive a personal and/or District motor vehicle to various District and off-site facilities.

Working Environment:

+ Regularly requires strenuous work outdoors such as climbing trees with rope and saddle and working off the ground in trees or using aerial lift devises with exposure to a variety of weather conditions, ecosystems, and landscapes.

+ This position has regular exposure to adverse conditions such as tight working quarters, dust, molds, grasses, fumes, odors, noise, wildlife and insects such as bees and wasps, pesticides and cleaning chemicals, solvents, oils, greases, paint, wax stripper, extreme temperatures, ultra-violet radiation, precipitation, and may include unlit or low light situations.

+ This position also performs work in an office environment subject to interruptions and background noises.

Physical Requirements:

+ Extended periods spent performing strenuous manual labor including climbing trees with rope and saddle, working off the ground in trees or using aerial lift devises, and standing, walking, sitting.

+ Occasional physical work lifting up to 75 pounds.

+ Required to use hands and fingers to manually manipulate, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

+ Frequently required to climb with both legs and arms, squat, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach. May occasionally climb stairs and ladders and work in uncomfortable positions for short periods of time.

+ Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate tools, machinery, personal computer and equipment.

+ Foot/eye coordination required for operating motorized equipment.

+ May be required to lift, carry, push, and/or pull/drag heavy amounts of weight up to 100 pounds with assistance, up or down changes in grade, into or out of vehicles or equipment, or over rough terrain or obstacles, such as downed woody debris, or up steep creek banks.

+ Daily duties require the ability to twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movements.

+ Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information. Vision acuity to see close-up and at a distance with the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision.

+ Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effective communication, and to receive and interpret warning signals. Must understand and be understood.

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

South Suburban Park & Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 (https://careers.ssprd.org/portals/2/Full-Time-Employee-Benefits.pdf?undefined&frame=1)

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, a botanical garden event center, 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.

Required Experience:

Keyword: Lead Maintenance Specialist – Forestry

From: South Suburban Parks and Recreation