Open Space Vegetation Maintenance Technician

Description

Job Title:                                       Open Space Vegetation Maintenance Technician
Reports To:                                  KCRMA Open Space Director
Starting Salary Range:              $16.00 – $20.00 per hour, paid on a biweekly basis
Employment Classification:     Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Schedule:                                      Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Term:                                             Five (5) weeks, Start/End Date: June 2, 2026 through July 2, 2026

Application Closing Date: March 31, 2026

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association employees' eligibility for benefits varies by employment classification. Regular and Variable Full-Time employees receive healthcare benefits, employer-paid dental and vision insurance for the employee, Life & AD&D insurance, and long-term disability insurance. Regular Full-Time, Variable Full-Time, Regular Part-Time, and Variable Part-time employees also enjoy retirement benefits, paid time off, and paid family medical leave. Seasonal employees are eligible for paid family medical leave and paid-sick leave.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Open Space department, the Open Space Vegetation Maintenance Technician performs short-term vegetation maintenance on Ken-Caryl Ranch Open Space trails. This position focuses on improving trail safety, accessibility, and aesthetics through manual and mechanical vegetation maintenance during a five (5) week seasonal period.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Vegetation Maintenance

• Trim, cut, and remove vegetation encroaching on designated Open Space trails and trail corridors
• Clear overhanging branches, shrubs, and grasses to maintain safe trail clearance standards
• Perform light brushing and pruning using hand tools and powered equipment

Trail Maintenance Support

• Maintain clear sightlines along trails to improve user safety and visibility
• Remove debris, downed branches, and plant material from trails and adjacent areas
• Identify and report trail hazards, erosion, or resource damage to Volunteer Trail Coordinators

Equipment & Tool Use

• Safely operate hand tools such as weed trimmers, hedge trimmers and brush cutters and battery-operated equipment such as loppers, pruners, rakes, pruning saws and hand saws.
• Perform basic equipment inspection, cleaning, and maintenance
• Follow all safety procedures, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, and equipment operating guidelines

Environmental Stewardship

• Conduct work in a manner that minimizes disturbance to native vegetation, wildlife, and natural resources
• Follow best management practices for working in sensitive natural areas
• Support Ken-Caryl Ranch Open Space conservation and land management goals

General Duties

• Work independently or as part of a small crew
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members
• Follow daily work plans, schedules, and safety briefings
• Maintain a professional and respectful presence while interacting with trail users

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age or older 
• Must be available to work full five (5) week term

JOB EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varied weather conditions
• Basic knowledge of vegetation maintenance or landscaping preferred
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Awareness of safety practices for outdoor and equipment-based work
• Build positive and supportive interactions with both the public and team members.
• Communicate effectively with the public and colleagues, offering a friendly and helpful approach.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to handle challenging situations when needed.
• Must be able to work in all-weather elements.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at a level adequate to perform the job.
• Be able to work evenings, holidays, and weekends as needed.

WORK AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires work on the Ken-Caryl Ranch Open Space trail system and in a variety of conditions.

• Be on time at the Ken-Caryl Ranch Office/Volunteer Tool Room, with equipment and in uniform each workday
• Constant standing and walking over uneven terrain in all weather conditions 
• Moderate physical activity will be required
• Work will be required outdoors in all weather conditions
• Work may be required under adverse conditions, including, but not limited to, steep and uneven terrain
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Have ability to stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, bend, lift, squat, push, pull, crawl, jump, slide, climb, pinch, grip, reach overhead, reach away from body, and perform repetitive motions

Candidates 18 years of age and older are subject to pre-employment criminal background and DMV record review (if applicable), along with possible reference check. This Employer Participates in E-Verify.