Open Space Forestry Crew Member - Full-time

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

January 20, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range22.98 - 33.32Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Seasonal Max

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

Job Description Summary:

Under direct supervision, the Open Space Forestry Crew Member role emphasizes improving forest ecosystem health, enhancing wildlife habitat and mitigating wildland fire hazard through long-term forest thinning projects focused on cutting and removing trees to restore ecosystem function and resilience. Crew members will have the opportunity to learn various aspects of forest restoration and become a proficient chainsaw and heavy machinery operator. This position also provides the opportunity to certify as a wildland firefighter and crew members will be expected to respond to local wildland fire incidents around Boulder, including the option to respond nationally if needed. The job demands focus and attention to detail, as well as a team-oriented mindset, as each individual is accountable for the safety and well-being of the group.

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 driver’s 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 riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.