Open Space Crew Lead

GENERAL PURPOSE

Assign daily work activities and perform skilled duties related to the maintenance, preservation, restoration, and improvement of City-owned open spaces, wildlife corridors, natural habitats, and related facilities. Coordinates and leads the daily operations of the Open Space Maintenance program, ensuring safe and efficient completion of projects while supporting the City's Open Space Plan and natural resource management objectives.

SUPERVISOR

Parks Manager

POSITION(S) SUPERVISED

Assigns daily work activities and provides leadership, training, and oversight to Open Space Maintenance Technicians, seasonal employees, volunteers, interns, and contracted personnel as assigned.

essential functions

Responsible for the daily maintenance, repair, and improvement of City open spaces, wildlife corridors, natural habitat areas, open space facilities, and related infrastructure.

Schedules and assigns work activities based on priorities, staffing levels, equipment availability, environmental conditions, and seasonal maintenance needs.

Manages the Goat Grazing program. To include identifying areas, setting up fencing, making sure goats have proper feed & water, and working with goat contractor.

Leads crews in erosion control projects, habitat restoration efforts, native plant revegetation, fencing installation and repair, vegetation management, wildfire fuel reduction projects, and noxious weed control programs.

Performs and oversees pesticide applications for noxious weed abatement and vegetation management in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Operates, maintains, and provides training on a variety of light and heavy equipment used in open space maintenance, including trucks, trailers, skid steers, excavators, tractors, sprayers, chippers, mowers, chainsaws, and other specialized equipment.

Conducts regular inspections of open space facilities, habitat areas, signs, drainage structures, and related improvements to ensure safe public use and identify maintenance needs.

Monitors project activities to ensure instructions are followed, deadlines are met, applicable regulations are observed, and work is completed according to established standards.

Coordinates and assists with wildlife habitat improvement projects, native vegetation establishment, restoration efforts, and environmental stewardship initiatives.

Maintains records related to pesticide applications, equipment maintenance, inspections, project activities, trail conditions, habitat restoration efforts, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Inspects completed work to ensure conformity with specifications, standards, environmental requirements, and City objectives.

Provides training and instruction regarding safety procedures, equipment operation, work standards, environmental stewardship practices, and regulatory compliance.

Orders corrective action when operational problems occur and recommends procedural improvements to increase efficiency, safety, and effectiveness.

Maintains inventory of tools, equipment, chemicals, materials, and supplies necessary for open space operations.

Coordinates with contractors, government agencies, utility providers, conservation organizations, and other City departments on open space projects and maintenance activities.

Interacts with residents and open space users to address concerns, answer questions, provide information, and promote responsible use of public lands.

Assists with emergency response activities including storm damage cleanup, wildfire response support, flooding events, trail closures, and other emergency situations.

Responds to emergency calls as required.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:
2. Graduation from high school or G.E.D.;

AND

1. Four (4) years of experience in a field directly related to above duties, Two (2) years of Open Space Tech;

OR

1. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of Native vegetation, habitat restoration, revegetation, and erosion control methods; Pesticide application principles and noxious weed management; Working with livestock (primarily goats); Forestry practices, tree maintenance, and vegetation management; Wildlife habitat protection and conservation principles; Operation and maintenance of irrigation systems used in restoration projects; Maintenance and repair of tools, equipment, vehicles, and facilities; Safe work practices and applicable OSHA standards; Open space management principles and environmental regulations; Basic computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; GPS and GIS mapping systems preferred.

Skill in Operating light and heavy construction and maintenance equipment; Leading and directing work crews; Equipment troubleshooting and field repairs; Planning and coordinating multiple projects simultaneously; Communicating effectively with employees, contractors, residents, and partner agencies.

Ability to Maintain safe working conditions; Work outdoors in adverse weather and difficult terrain; Interpret maps, plans, specifications, and project documents; Train employees in proper work methods and equipment operation; Prioritize workloads and meet project deadlines; Respond effectively during emergencies; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, volunteers, partner organizations, and the public; Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

1. Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Utah Driver License with a safe driving record.

Required Within First Year

• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Utah Pesticide Applicator License

Preferred Qualifications

• Utah Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• Certified Arborist
• Outdoor Vertebrate Pest Control Certification
• Right-of-Way and Industrial Weed Control Certification
• GIS/ArcGIS Experience
• Wildland Firefighter (Red Card) Certification
• Chainsaw Safety Certification

1. Work Environment:

Incumbents of this position perform work both in office and field environments. Tasks require a variety of physical activities including walking, hiking, climbing, standing, stooping, bending, lifting, reaching, carrying, operating equipment, and traversing uneven terrain. Lifting requirements may range from 25 to 100 pounds. Employees are frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, snow, rain, dust, and uneven ground surfaces.

Work may involve exposure to hazardous vegetation, wildlife, chemicals, loud equipment, heavy machinery, and potential wildfire conditions. Mental application utilizes memory, attention to detail, sound judgment, creative problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.