Native Plant Management Specialist - Outdoor Services

Facilities Management provides outdoor services to general fund areas and to several auxiliary funded facilities. Facilities Management Outdoor Services is responsible for grounds maintenance and irrigation system operation and maintenance for the general fund areas on campus.

Conduct Chemical Applications for Weeds/Pests

• Conduct pre and post-emergent chemical applications using synthetic and organic/natural liquid or granular products. Assist the Manager in researching new synthetic and natural products during the offseason. Safely mix chemical concentrates in the chemical storage area per label. Conduct chemical applications in general fund and recharge areas (under maintenance agreements) of campus for pests/weeds. This duty may require weekend work schedules 1-2 weekends a month throughout the growing season. Maintain records of chemical applications and assist with timely reports to the Manager. Conduct appropriate timely notification prior to all applications. Ensure appropriate pre and post application signage is placed in areas visible to the public and that signs are picked up when re-entry is acceptable. Accurately charge appropriate work orders, maintenance agreements and maintenance projects on a timely basis.

Native Area Management

• Assist with implementation of the noxious weed management program. These areas include native, riparian, aquatic and wetlands by monitoring, mapping, researching, performing cultural treatments and removing invasive weeds by grazing, chemical, biological, mechanical or manual methods. Assist with wildlife management in wetlands area to include physical removal of beaver dams, installation and maintenance of deterrence devices, installing and maintaining preventative tree wrapping materials and monitoring for beaver activity.
• Perform aquatic weed management for ponds and waterways by hand removal, cleaning screens and placing benthic matting materials. Work with the Manager for scheduling types of methods and/or applications for control. Tools used for this work include chemical applications, biological control methods, hand tools, string trimmers, blade cutters, or brush mowers. Ensure adequate signage is posted regarding current mitigation activities. This position may train, instruct and lead other employees, including students, conducting these activities. Assist with scheduling and overseeing native area maintenance activities. Coordinate with supervisory team to allocate labor resources. Maintain assigned tools and equipment and communicate and accurately describe issues/problems.

Safety

• Work towards a safe working environment for self, team, co-workers and the public. Adhere to all Federal, State, Local, and Department safety guidelines, including any concerning chemical applications or release of bio-controls. Report unsafe conditions or accidents to supervisors or Operations Control Center. Attend and participate in safety trainings. Review and be familiar with the Outdoor Services safety manual and ensure staff comply in the same manner. Follow Colorado Department of Agriculture guidelines and University of Colorado - Boulder policies. Follow pesticide storage guidelines. Advise applicators assisting with chemical applications on appropriate safety measures.

Conduct Snow Removal

• Perform mechanical, hand shoveling and ice abatement operations. Remove snow and conduct ice abatement for sidewalks, stairs, bus stops, curb cuts, paved trails, parking lots and ADA ramps using powered equipment or manual methods. This position is designated Essential Services and is expected to respond to perform snow removal as required.

Perform General Landscape Maintenance Activities.

• Assist with projects such as manual weeding of rock beds, mulch beds, annual/perennial beds, pruning, mowing, string trimming, sidewalk edging, rough mowing, trash removal, drainage corrections, irrigation, tree care, turf management, building entry/loading dock maintenance, hardscape and outdoor furniture assets maintenance and installations, and support other grounds maintenance activities/assignments. May be a work leader for temporary and/or student employees. May assist Campus Arborist work activities. Some duties may require adjusted work schedules including off-set work hours and weekends.

This position is eligible for our Facilities Management Employee Referral Program.

This in-person role will work 5 eight-hour workdays per week, Monday-Friday between the hours of 6:00am and 5:00pm, based on staffing requirements of the department.

The annual salary for this position is $46,584.

If you have prior state-classified experience in the same class series as this position, your pay may be set at a higher amount per the state Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024.

• 2 years of increasingly responsible grounds care and maintenance, greenhouse, or plant nursery general labor work experience appropriate to the job assignment.
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license.
• Must be a Colorado resident to apply.
• This role is required to acquire and maintain a Colorado Department of Agriculture Certified Operators License or higher with categories 107 (Rangeland Pest Control) within 12 months of hire or possess one currently.

• The ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• An ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Knowledge of native area and landscape management experience.
• Crew/Lead Worker experience also highly desirable.