Open Space Parks Steward (Variable Hours)

JOB LOCATION 13650 E Hampden Ave Aurora, Colorado 80014-3948 City of Aurora, Colorado It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Protecting over 8,000 acres of land involves being a watchful guardian for every living thing. Trail maintenance across 100 miles ensures the community has a reliable path to nature. Stewardship of public lands serves as a silent handshake between you and the environment. Moving 100-pound objects keeps the infrastructure strong for every visitor while doubling as a fresh-air gym session. Precise records regarding gear and materials reflect a high level of dedication to the craft. Respecting both nature and people defines the daily mission in every interaction. Winter weather brings snow removal tasks where you become the anchor for city safety during the storm. Strict safety procedures act as a shield against potential hazards in the field. Honest effort drives the work even when you are alone, deep in the open spaces. Pesticide certification proves you are a serious defender of our natural resources against invasive threats. Must be 18 years old by time of hire The hiring rate for this role is $18.00/hour. This is classified as VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee), where the selected candidate will work less than 29 hours per week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act. The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. ** This job announcement is for collecting candidate applications for current and future Parks Stewards. Applicants will be contacted only when a position need is identified, and their qualifications match the position's needs. ** The selected applicant(s) will undergo the following conditions: Background Check (if over 18) MVR Drug Screening Position overview: The Parks Steward is an integral member of the team responsible for maintenance and stewardship of public lands, resources, infrastructure, and facilities in order to provide safe and healthy homes for plants and animals, as well as safe and pleasant human experiences. PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Provides outstanding stewardship of the public lands under care Performs maintenance and repair work on facilities and properties Plants and cares for trees and vegetation Properly operates and maintains equipment Updates records concerning materials and equipment used Maintains and enforces safety regulations and procedures Performs work to complete special functions with all user groups and between city departments Performs snow and ice removal as needed Performs additional duties as assigned This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education: High School diploma or GED Experience: 6 months manual labor experience Preferred Qualifications: CPR and First Aid If employed in the Forestry division, TCIA Chipper Operator Specialist & TCIA Ground Operations Specialist Knowledge: Applicable safety practices and procedures Methods, materials, equipment, and operating procedures utilized in the assigned functions Effect of weather conditions on maintenance needs and procedures Skills: Vehicle operation Working effectively with employees and citizens Maintaining a safe working environment Abilities: Operation of equipment and tools of assigned function Perform manual labor for extended periods of time Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Licenses and Certifications Required: Current Driver's License with good driving record If employed in the Open Space division, Colorado Basic Pesticide Training Certificate or ability to obtain within 2 months WORKING CONDITIONS Essential Personnel: When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. Physical Demands: Heavy work that involves moving no more than 100 pounds with or without assistance at a time Continuous walking and standing to implement projects Continuous pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, crouching, and climbing to implement work Continuous hand/eye and hand/foot coordination for operation of equipment and vehicles Continuous vision to read reports, manuals, written materials, instruments and gauges Continuous good speech communication, hearing, and listening for effective communication with others Work Environment: Works both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions with exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and fumes Equipment Used: If employed in the Forestry division, operates equipment and vehicles common to maintenance functions (trucks, chippers, chainsaws, hand tools, power tools, stump grinder, spray rigs, etc.) If employed in the Parks division, operates zero-turn mowers, string trimmers, push mowers, edgers, and other park maintenance equipment Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), database systems, GIS, etc. This role may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment. The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24. For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission. Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired. Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References: As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies. Why Work for Aurora? Competitive total compensation package Rich benefits package with low employee costs Generous paid-time-off program (Vacation, Sick and Personal leaves) Retirement pension plan Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community Growing city and employee population Expansive perk benefits such as free Recreation Center Membership, wellness programs, tuition assistance, career advancement, performance bonus programs, etc. On-site fitness center and wellness programs Remote work opportunities Benefits & Retirement - City of Aurora (auroragov.org) Please show all your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. Leaving blanks or omitting previous employment may result in your disqualification from employment. City policy requires that selected candidates provide documentation in the form of official transcripts of the highest level of education attained by the candidate that is listed on their application materials. The City of Aurora requires all applicants for employment, who are offered positions with the City, to undergo a thorough criminal background check, drug testing for safety sensitive position and possible credit check for select positions. All job applicants shall be asked to electronically consent to or sign a release authorizing a criminal background check and submit a urine sample for the purpose of testing for a wide variety of prohibited and/or controlled substances. Please click the following link to access the summary of your rights. Applicants who hold a Commercial Drivers License will also be required to undergo alcohol testing using an Evidential Breath Testing Device. Note: The recent legalization of recreational marijuana by the state of Colorado does not change the city's policy. Applicants who test positive for marijuana during a pre-employment drug test will not be hired, and will be ineligible to be employed with the city for one year. The City of Aurora uses E-Verify to determine if employees are legally eligible to work in the United States. Know your rights! The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability or military status. The City shall develop and maintain a plan for diversity. Through its staff, the City shall periodically analyze its employment related practices and its plan for diversity to ensure compliance with this policy. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation for completing this application, please feel free to contact our office at: 303-739-7225 or visit us at 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Suite 3500, Aurora, CO 80012. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity Respect Professionalism Customer Service And we welcome all who share these values to apply.