The Open Space Coordinator leads various projects and initiatives including Wildlife Plan implementation, integrated weed and pest management, coordinating volunteers and engagement with youth and community-driven work groups. This role involves close collaboration with maintenance personnel, the Education and Outreach coordinator, volunteers, and youth corps, focusing on the assessment, conservation, and enhancement of Lafayette's Open Spaces.
The City of Lafayette Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Department’s vison is to be a team of adaptable professionals who capture new opportunities to serve the Lafayette community. Our mission is to serve with integrity to improve quality of all life by nurturing unique community spaces.
 
Located in Southeast Boulder County with panoramic views across the front range, the City of Lafayette Open Space owns an interest in over 1,600 acres of land and water while managing 25 miles of trails that connect locally and regionally. With an active organic farm and historic farmsteads, and diverse habitat along Coal Creek and Rock Creek watersheds, natural resource coordination is essential. The Open Space Division is seeking an individual interested in making a difference in a community driven by sustainability and conservation. 

About the City
Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it’s eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family.
 
We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City’s mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve.
Exceptional City Provided Benefits:

• 100% City-paid Medical, Dental, Vision (up to $25,980 annually for family coverage)
• 401A Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee, immediately 100% vested upon hire)
•  Life Insurance (One year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
• Tuition Assistance (up to $5000 per year for approved expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Bilingual Pay

Additional Benefits:

• Deferred Compensation and Roth Options
• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
• Identity Theft Program
• Recreation Center Pass
• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)

Leave:

• First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation
• 96 hours Sick Leave
• 24 hours Floating Holiday Leave
• 11.5 paid City holidays.
• Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave

The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

• Recruit, manage, and maintain effective communication with volunteers and youth corps including notifications and training.
• Utilize knowledge of local ecosystems to create site-specific work plans based on Open Space plans, goals, and objectives for youth corps and other organizations to implement in the field.
• Coordinate collaborative projects and work plan implementation with staff, volunteers, organizations, and partner agencies.
• Manage and assist with existing designations relevant to Open Space such as Bird City designation, Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, and Pollinator District designation. 
• Coordinate small and large events in conjunction with other divisions, volunteers, organizations, and partner agencies.
• Pilot and maintain outreach plans to engage the community to promote stewardship of Open Space values and other relevant topics.
• Provide communications support for the Open Space division.
• Create and implement programs to help maintain the balance of ecosystem preservation and passive recreation in Open Space. 
• Design and draft educational, interpretive, and safety signage. 
• Represent and safeguard the values and priorities of the department in establishing open space policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Advocate for and draft appropriate code amendments with Open Space Superintendent, Parks and OS Manager, and the Department Director.
• Strategically prepare and manage grant applications, requests for proposals, lease documents, and assist with managing contractors.
• Assist with outreach and education of open space and sustainability initiatives by developing programs, marketing strategies, scheduling, and public relations materials in collaboration with the Education and Outreach Coordinator.
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills. Prepare and deliver presentations to advisory boards, City Council, and a variety of community groups. 
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, or as events and operations may require.
• Perform related work as required and assigned.

KNOWLEDGE: Requires an in-depth comprehension and familiarity with local ecosystems, encompassing native, invasive, and noxious flora and fauna. Thorough understanding of natural areas and open space conservation in the Colorado high plains prairie and the management of urban open space programs to plan for and implement resource conservation and sustainability practices. Experience working with youth, managing volunteers, and coordinating with outside organizations to implement projects. General computer and software knowledge is required.
SKILL:  Demonstrated skill in natural resource management and the ability to research, develop and apply concepts to operations. Experience in program coordination including volunteer management, youth corps oversight, and partner agency collaboration. Creative in developing solutions for ecosystem enhancement in urban settings.
ABILITY:  Develop and implement projects in the field while making executive decisions without supervision. Communicate and present ideas effectively orally and in writing. Maintain a high level of self-motivation and initiative while working with moderate direct supervision. Effective collaboration with internal City departments, partners, contractors, Lafayette businesses, and the public is required and deemed crucial for accomplishing objectives. Establish effective working relationships with peers and supervisors. Deal tactfully and respectfully with residents, property owners, contractors, and partners. Make independent decisions based on sound reasoning, good judgment, and established City values and procedures.
EDUCATION:Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Wildlife or Conservation Sciences, Biology, or closely related field.
EXPERIENCE: 2-3 years of experience in a position that provides evidence that the incumbent possesses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License, provide proof of a safe driving record, and maintain a safe driving record for continued employment.