Open Space Technician

Our team is growing, and we are looking for dedicated individuals to help us restore and conserve natural areas throughout the city. As an Open Space Maintenance Technician, you will play a vital role in providing front-line stewardship for our public lands and facilities. This position ensures safe, healthy habitats for plants and animals while creating exceptional experiences for community visitors.

We value integrity, respect, professionalism, and customer service. If you are passionate about land conservation ethics and enjoy hands-on outdoor work, we invite you to explore this opportunity and apply to join our team.

The hiring rate for this role is $21.52 - $26.89 per hour.

Salary to be commensurate with experience. 

The deadline to submit applications is July 12, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis. As soon as we determine that we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. 

Position overview.

The Open Space Maintenance Technician is responsible for restoring and conserving natural areas throughout the city. This front-line position provides maintenance and stewardship of public lands and public facilities in order to provide safe and healthy homes for plants and animals, as well as pleasant human visitation experiences.

• →Provides stewardship of public lands, natural areas, and open space properties
• →Performs maintenance and repair work on open space facilities and infrastructure
• →Prepares productivity and activity reports
• →Updates records and makes recommendations concerning materials and equipment used
• →Responds to and resolves complaints from residents
• →Maintains and enforces safety regulations and procedures
• →Implements and monitors preventative maintenance programs
• →Coordinates and completes special projects with user groups and other city departments
• →Participates in selecting and training assigned employees
• →Performs snow and ice removal
• →Performs additional duties as assigned

The listed primary duties and responsibilities are not a comprehensive list of expectations for the job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.  

the the a An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

• High School Diploma or GED

• At least two (2) years of related experience

• Current Driver's License with good driving record
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Colorado Basic Pesticide Training Certificate or ability to obtain within 2 months
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain within 6 months

• Equipment operation and construction practices
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Hazards and safety practices common to machinery and equipment utilized
• Effect of weather conditions on maintenance needs and procedures
• Land conservation ethics

• Use of mobile software applications
• Working effectively with employees and citizens
• Interacting with and resolving complaints and concerns of citizens
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing
• Maintaining tools, equipment, and vehicles
• Prioritizing work assignments
• Safe and effective use of equipment and supplies

• Operation of equipment and tools of assigned function
• Work independently
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and management
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Applies critical thinking and sound judgement to resolve problems and manage challenging situations

• 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.

• Heavy physical work that involves moving no more than 100 pounds with or without assistance at a time
• Continuous walking and standing
• Continuous pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, crouching, and climbing to inspect work sites and implement work
• Continuous hand/eye and hand/foot coordination for operation of equipment and vehicles
• Ability to review and interpret reports, other written documents, and instrument gauges with or without reasonable accommodation
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens 

• Works both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions with exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and fumes

• Operates equipment and vehicles common to maintenance functions
• Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, etc.
• This position 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.