Introduce Yourself!
At Jefferson Conservation District, we are always looking for committed and thoughtful individuals interested in local conservation and the environment. We are a small and growing organization and we are looking forward to hearing from you!
Current Job Openings
- Conservation Forester
Title: Conservation Forester
Status: Non-exempt (hourly); Full-time (40 hours/week)
Full Potential Hourly Wage Range: $28.16 - $39.43
Benefits: Employer-matched retirement, health/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, hybrid work environment including telework options, flexible work scheduling, educational stipend, clothing/field gear stipend.
Location: Jefferson Conservation District’s (JCD) office is in Lakewood, Colorado at the
Denver Federal Center (but JCD is not a federal agency). JCD’s district boundaries are generally unincorporated Jefferson County, and our conservation projects typically occur in the foothills/mountains.
Closing Date: Open until filled, but application review will begin after 2/9/25
______________________________________________________________________________
Organization Overview: Established in 1942, Jefferson Conservation District, a special district and political subdivision of the State of Colorado, provides natural resources technical assistance to private landowners in Jefferson County and surrounding areas. JCD’s mission is to provide leadership, in a partnership effort, to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. Current programs focus on forestry and noxious weed management.
JCD is overseen by a volunteer Board of Supervisors.
Position Overview: Position reports to the Director and undertakes a variety of office (approx.
50%) and fieldwork (approx. 50%) duties in support of JCD’s private-lands ecological forestry program. This position involves significant project management, landowner outreach, and contractor coordination. This work occurs in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which provides logistical support to JCD at the Colorado NRCS State Office at the Denver Federal Center (This position is not a federal job; JCD and NRCS are separate employers).
Essential Duties
Conduct Forest Management Planning
● Promote JCD’s programs with landowners: conduct outreach and education on forest ecology and management; discuss forest management plans and treatment unit design, and project logistics and budgets
● Assess terrain operability for forestry equipment
● Collect and analyze forest inventory data; write forest management plans
● Use ESRI GIS software in the field and in the office; manage spatial data; create maps in ArcPro and ArcGIS Online
● Provide technical information for grants
● Implement Forest Management Plans
● Conduct on-the-ground management unit layout:
● Delineate boundaries with flagging/paint
● Mark trees with flagging/paint
● Work with private logging contractors
● Create scopes of work, maps, and operational plans; create RFP’s and solicit competitive bids
● Monitor contractor operations and work quality; communicate concerns; certify completed work meets scope of contract and standards
● Communicate project updates with landowners as they progress
● This position will not operate chainsaws or other forestry equipment
Outreach and Development
● Plan and attend meetings, give presentations, and host field tours involving landowners, contractors, grantors, researchers, agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders.
● Provide technical information toward the creation of educational and promotional documents, presentations, and other products.
Coordination with NRCS
Because of JCD's partnership with NRCS, many aspects of the work described above occur within the context of NRCS planning processes and funding programs. Therefore, this position will also:
● Regularly communicate and attend relevant meetings with NRCS employees
● Follow NRCS planning processes and fill out documentation to identify natural resource
concerns, develop conservation plans and practices, conduct surveys for NEPA compliance, and assist landowners in applying for NRCS funding
● Utilize NRCS software such as Conservation Desktop and Protracts
These duties are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Necessary Skills
Soft Skills
● Possess a genuine interest in conservation of natural resources
● Work collaboratively with people and be a team player
● Be self-motivated, self-directed, innovative, and enthusiastic
● Have flexibility to perform a variety of duties and adapt to changing situations
● Communicate clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing
● Solve problems independently and have well-rounded interpersonal and customer service skills
● Maintain a positive attitude, enjoy working with people, respect and tolerate different viewpoints and personalities
● Think ahead and be able to anticipate various situations and outcomes
Hard Skills
● Manage complex projects: be highly organized, detail-oriented, and efficient in managing schedules, task lists, computer files, supplies, and equipment
● Have a working knowledge of general ecological principles and Colorado Front Range forest ecosystems
● Understand scientific and technical information
● Write clearly, concisely, and efficiently, both technically and for laypeople
● Create and maintain spreadsheets, documents, and other project management and tracking tools
● Develop and deliver visual presentations for a variety of groups
● Use basic computer functions efficiently and be able to learn new technology and software
Required Job Functions
● Fluency in written and spoken English
● Ability to use computers and mobile devices
● Ability to work safely outdoors, independently and as a team, during all seasons and weather conditions; hike over steep, uneven terrain; use a map, compass, GPS, and other equipment; carry up to 25 pounds
● Ability to safely operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in urban and rural mountainous settings on- and off-road.
● During the first year of employment, employee must provide their own boots, clothing, and other personal gear for field work, after which they will receive the clothing and field gear stipend benefit
Job Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
● Able to pass criminal background check
● Bachelor’s degree in forestry, ecology, restoration ecology, wildlife management, natural
resources, environmental science, botany, biology or a related field
● At least 12 months of natural resource-related job experience in the Western U.S.
● Proficient in the following computer software applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word,
Excel, Power Point), Google Suite (such as Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets), ESRI
ArcMap (data management and organization, basic geoprocessing, creating PDF maps)
● Experience working outdoors doing the duties described above
● Experience driving a vehicle in the mountains
● Hold or able to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license
● Able to work weekend or evening hours (after 6pm) 3-5 times per year
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience working with private landowners
● Experience working with logging contractors
● Experience working with NRCS
● 18 months of forestry-related job experience carrying out the essential duties described above
Application Instructions
Please email your resume as an attachment to:
Additionally, if you have graduated with your bachelor’s degree less than 3 years ago, please provide a copy of your transcripts combined into a single attachment with your resume. Use the below naming convention for your resume attachment (and transcripts, if necessary), and also use it for the subject line of your email.
“Application Forester January 2025 YourLastName”
- Natural Resource Specialist
Title: Natural Resource Specialist
Status: Non-exempt (hourly); Full-time (40 hours/week)
Full Potential Hourly Wage Range: $27.56 - $38.59
Benefits: Employer-matched retirement, health/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, hybrid work environment including telework options, flexible work scheduling, educational stipend, clothing/field gear stipend.
Location: Jefferson Conservation District’s (JCD) office is in Lakewood, Colorado on the Denver Federal Center (but JCD is not a federal agency). JCD’s district boundaries are generally unincorporated Jefferson County, and our conservation projects typically occur in the foothills/mountains.
Closing Date: Open until filled, but application review will begin after 2/9/25
______________________________________________________________________________
Organization Overview: Established in 1942, Jefferson Conservation District, a special district and political subdivision of the State of Colorado, provides natural resources technical assistance to private landowners in Jefferson County and surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. Under a broad vision of watershed restoration, current programs focus on forestry, noxious weed management, and stream restoration. JCD is overseen by a volunteer Board of Supervisors.
Position Overview: Position reports to the Director and undertakes a variety of office/computer and fieldwork duties (about a 50/50 split over the course of a year). Supporting JCD’s grant administration year-round is a major focus of the office/computer work. Noxious weed inventory and program support during the summer/fall is the primary fieldwork focus of this position.
Occasional support of other conservation programs will occur as well.
Essential Duties
Grant Administration
● Research available public and private grants
● Coordinate with internal staff to apply for grants
● Coordinate with external partners and attend meetings to collaboratively apply for grants
● Coordinate all aspects of awarded grants including contracting, tracking, reimbursements, and reporting
Technical Conservation Program Work
In coordination with other JCD staff:
● Collect spatial data, perform simple analyses, and create maps using GPS devices, mobile
devices, and computers and software such as ESRI ArcGIS and Avenza
● Communicate with contractors and landowners as directed
● Conduct on-the-ground surveys of native and exotic vegetation and trees, cultural
resources, and other land and water resources
● Observe and record information about on-the-ground activities of JCD contractors
● Flag/mark boundaries and trees
● Occasionally use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, and clippers.
Required Job Functions
● Fluency in written and spoken English
● Ability to use computers and mobile devices
● Ability to work safely outdoors, independently and as a team, during all seasons and weather conditions; hike over steep, uneven terrain all day; use a map, compass, GPS, and other equipment; carry up to 30 pounds
● Ability to safely operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in urban and rural (mountain) settings on- and off-road.
Necessary Skills
Soft Skills
● Possess a genuine interest in conservation of natural resources
● Work collaboratively with people and be a team player
● Be self-motivated, self-directed, innovative, and enthusiastic
● Have flexibility to perform a variety of duties and adapt to changing situations
● Communicate clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing
● Solve problems independently and have well-rounded interpersonal and customer service skills
● Maintain a positive attitude, enjoy working with people, respect and tolerate different viewpoints and personalities
● Think ahead and be able to anticipate various situations and outcomes
Hard Skills
● Project management
● Working knowledge of general ecological principles, resource management techniques, and Colorado Front Range ecosystems
● Colorado Front Range plant identification
● Understanding scientific and technical information
● Clear and efficient technical writing
● Spreadsheet creation and management
● Highly organized and efficient in managing schedules, tasks/lists, complex projects, computer files, supplies, etc.
● Ability to develop and deliver visual presentations for a variety of groups
● Efficient in basic computer and GIS software; able to learn new software
Natural Resource Specialist, January 2025 – Page 2 of 3
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Job Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
● Able to pass criminal background check
● Bachelor’s degree in AND at least 12 months of job experience in vegetation management, invasive plant ecology, range management, natural resources, environmental science, botany, restoration ecology, soils, forestry, or a related field. Job experience MUST include noxious weed identification (for species common in Colorado).
● Experience driving a vehicle in the mountains
● Experience with the following computer software applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point), Google Suite (such as Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets), ESRI ArcGIS (data management and organization, basic geoprocessing, map building)
● Experience working outdoors doing the duties described above
● Hold or able to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license
● Able to work weekend or evening hours a few times per year
● During the first year of employment, employee must provide their own boots, clothing, and other personal gear for field work, after which they will receive the clothing and field gear stipend benefit
Preferred Qualifications
● Grant experience
● Project management experience
● Experience working with private landowners
Application Instructions
Please email your resume package as an attachment to: jcd@jeffersoncd.com
Additionally, if you have graduated with your bachelor’s degree less than 3 years ago, please provide a copy of your transcripts combined into a single attachment with your resume. Use the below naming convention for your resume attachment (and transcripts, if necessary), and also use it for the subject line of your email:
“Application Natural Resource Specialist 2025 YourLastName”
- Community Forestry Assistant
Position Announcement -
Seasonal
Title
Community Forestry Assistant- hiring 4 positions
Status
Non-exempt (hourly) seasonal position (May-November 2025). Offering full- and
part-time schedules; see below.
Hourly Pay
$19.50 per hour
Location
Jefferson County, Colorado
Closing Date
Open until filled
______________________________________________________________________________Organization Overview
Established in 1942, Jefferson Conservation District (JCD), a political subdivision of the
State of Colorado, provides natural resources technical assistance to private landowners
in Jefferson County and surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide leadership in a
partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources
and environment. Current programs focus on forest restoration, wildfire mitigation,
noxious weed management, and watershed restoration. JCD is overseen by a volunteer
Board of Supervisors.
Position Overview
This position will assist with the operation of community slash collection yards around
Jefferson County where local residents and contractors will drop off slash (i.e. tree
limbs, branches) and woody biomass generated by forest thinning and wildfire
mitigation efforts. See the program website here.Essential Duties
Operate Slash Yards
● Open/close the yard daily
● Greet the public, accurately collect information on a tablet, collect fees
● Inspect and measure volume of material
● Direct traffic and the unloading process
● Drag, pull, pile slash
● Post signs and information
● Provide basic education to the public on forestry and wildfire mitigation
*If hired part-time (four days per week, Thurs-Sun), employees will spend 100% of their
time operating the slash yards. If hired full-time (five days per week, Wed-Sun),
Wednesdays will be spent on duties listed below. See Schedule and Locations section for
part-time and full-time offerings.
Assist Other Programs
● Forest and plant inventory
● Flagging boundaries and marking trees
● GIS and mapping
These duties are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees will perform other related
duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Necessary Skills
● Customer-service oriented
● Humility, dependability, organization
● Outgoing, conversational, enjoys meeting new people
● Collaborative with fellow employees and external partners
● Self-motivated, self-directed, innovative
● Flexible to perform a variety of duties and adaptable to changing situations
● Excellent verbal and written communicator
● Emotionally intelligent; respectful and tolerant of different viewpoints and
personalitiesSchedule and Locations
Jefferson Conservation District is offering full-time and part-time work.
Option Days Estimated
Full-Time Wednesday-Sunday 36-40, Operate Slash Sites Thur-Sun and assist JCD staff
with field work on Wednesdays
Part-Time Thursday-Sunday 32-36 Operate Slash Sites Thur-Sun
● Employees must work at the slash sites approximately 8am-4:30pm, Thurs-Sun.
Wednesday is an optional work day assisting other programs, if the employee
wants to reach 40 hours during the week. Field work is not always guaranteed on
these days, but additional work can be provided (e.g. research projects, data
management tasks).
● Work locations will be various slash collection sites around Jefferson County. The
sites will tentatively be located at:
o Blue Mountain Open Space, Arvada
o Elk Creek Elementary, Pine
o Evergreen Memorial Park, Evergreen
o Tincup Ridge Park, Golden
● Employees will be required to commute to Golden (either Tincup Ridge or a lot
near the Jefferson County Courthouse).
o Full-time/Wednesdays only: Employees will meet at JCD office located at
the Denver Federal Center.
Required Job Qualificatio
● Fluent in speaking and writing English
● Able to pass a criminal background check
● Hold or able to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license
● Must be comfortable working safely outdoors, independently and as a team,
during all seasons and weather conditions to complete required field work.
● Able to safely operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in urban and rural mountain
settings on- and off-pavement
● Able to safely use hand tools
● Employee must provide their own:
o Boots, clothing, and other personal field gear
o Smartphone, for occasional use on the job; employee will be reimbursed a
technology stipend● Full-time/Wednesdays only: walk and hike over steep, uneven terrain; use a
map, compass, GPS, and other equipment; carry up to 30 poundsPreferred Job Qualifications
● Interest and knowledge in forestry, wildfire, ecology, and/or natural resources.
● Proficiency in Google Sheets.
● Experience using point of sale software and devices (Square, Clover, etc.).
● Experience working with the public and great customer service skills.MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:
● Applicants must have a valid Colorado (or state of residency) Driver's License and
a good driving record
● Applicants selected for an interview will be required to provide a current (no
older than 30 days) motor vehicle record (MVR) at the time of interview
● For applicants that hold an Out of state Driver’s License, the MVR must also be
dated within 30 days of the interview.
● If the issuance date of the Colorado Driver's License is within twelve months,
applicants will also be required to provide a current (no older than 30 days)
motor vehicle record from the previous state of residency.
● Employees will be required to commute to the various work locations and must
have a reliable vehicle.Application Instructions
Apply by sending a resume as an attachment (PDF or Word document file) to:In your email please indicate whether you are interested in a part- or full-time schedule.
If selected for an interview, the next step would be obtaining at least 3 professional or
academic references.
Please use this naming convention when naming your attachment file, and also use it for
the subject line of your email:“Application Community Forestry Assistant 2025 Last Name”
Our Benefits
Flexible Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan Options & Matching
Flexible and Remote Work Options
Healthcare Plans
Dental/Vision Plan
Our Team
"JCD has good work-life balance and provides me with the ability to enjoy my hobbies and loved ones."
Kyle, Conservation Forester
"Our team is dedicated, humble, and hardworking. I'm proud to promote the important work of JCD and my coworkers."
Alison, Marketing Manager
"My favorite thing about working for JCD is the satisfaction of seeing a finished project, and knowing that I made a positive impact on the ecology of Colorado's world-class natural areas."
Jake, Vegetation Management Specialist
"The community-based natural resources work in which JCD engages makes it a wonderful and impactful place to work. We have a passionate team striving for excellence in preserving and restoring the ecological communities of the Colorado Front Range."
Matt, Forest Program Manager