Forestry Technician

This is a seasonal position. Hours are variable up to 40 per week depending on department need.

Final Day To Apply:

05/07/2026

It's fun and rewarding to work for the City of Steamboat Springs!  Our employees are passionate and proud to serve our community with excellence and distinction.  Our teams are awesome, and we are committed to our community and the very special place that is Steamboat Springs, Colorado! 

Job Description:

When joining the City of Steamboat Springs, you can expect to work for an organization with:

• A team that strives to make this the best place you’ve ever worked!

• A focus on supporting our employees’ mental, physical, and financial well-being

• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that creates a welcoming city 

• A highly engaged workforce proudly serving our community with excellence and distinction

• A passion for strategically providing outstanding municipal services

• A promise to each other to support the work we all do for the city, community & Yampa Valley

Uniqueness Fuels Our Innovative Spirit
Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experiences drives us forward every day. It's the collective sum of our experiences that makes Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley a powerful, insightful and welcoming community.  

The City of Steamboat Springs is hiring a Forestry Technician to join their team!

Pay Range: $25.36-$30.83

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Seasonal Forestry Technician supports the City of Steamboat Springs through a collaborative partnership between Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) and the Parks & Recreation Department. This seasonal role assists with forest health management, wildfire mitigation, and stewardship of city-owned parks, open space, and urban trees.

The Forestry Technician will assist with projects focused on reducing wildfire risk within the community while also supporting the health and sustainability of the City’s urban forest and recreational landscapes. This includes assisting with hazardous fuels reduction efforts on city-managed lands, supporting urban forestry initiatives, and helping maintain the City’s public tree inventory, open spaces, and trail systems.

This position supports the City’s broader efforts to maintain healthy forests, safe open spaces, and a resilient community. Work assignments may vary throughout the season depending on operational priorities, weather conditions, wildfire mitigation needs, and Parks & Recreation initiatives.

The position is seasonal, typically operating May through November (end date will be budget and weather dependent) and will work collaboratively with staff across multiple City departments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direct supervision of designated supervisors within Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue and the Parks & Recreation Department, with general oversight provided by the Deputy Fire Chief and Parks & Recreation staff.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as an ambassador of the City of Steamboat Springs and upholds City values of Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Well-being, Respect and Compassion, while always espousing safety.

• Assists with wildfire mitigation and hazardous fuels reduction projects on City-owned open space and park lands.

• Supports vegetation management and forest health improvement efforts including thinning, brush removal, and general fuels mitigation activities.

• May assist with preparation and support of prescribed pile burning operations under the direction of qualified fire personnel when conditions and operational needs allow.

• Assists Parks & Recreation staff with management and monitoring of the City’s urban tree inventory.

• Supports urban forestry programs and initiatives including activities associated with Tree City USA recognition.

• Assists with maintenance and stewardship of City trails, parks, and open space areas.

• Collects field data and assists with documentation related to forestry, fuels mitigation, and land management projects.

• Assists with mapping, inventory, and project tracking efforts as needed.

• Operates or assists with use of forestry and land stewardship tools and equipment.

• Supports community outreach or volunteer stewardship activities when appropriate.

• Maintains safe work practices while performing field duties.

• Communicates with City staff, partner agencies, and the public in a professional manner.

• Attends meetings, training sessions, and briefings related to forestry, wildfire mitigation, and land stewardship activities.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

• Coursework or educational background in forestry, natural resource management, wildland fire, arboriculture, environmental science, or related field is desirable.

• Experience with forestry work, vegetation management, trail maintenance, wildland fire mitigation, or natural resource stewardship is preferred but not required.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge or interest in forestry, natural resource management, and land stewardship practices.

• Knowledge or interest in wildfire mitigation and fuels reduction strategies.

• Basic understanding of tree health and urban forestry principles is desirable.

• Ability to work safely in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.

• Ability to hike and work on uneven terrain.

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with multiple City departments.

• Ability to assist with documentation, data collection, and reporting.

• Basic familiarity with computers and common office software.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment.

• Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license.

• Must be able to perform physically demanding outdoor work.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Occasional extended hours may be required depending on operational needs and weather conditions.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Forestry and vegetation management hand tools, trail maintenance tools, UTVs or similar utility vehicles, GPS units, radios, computers, and other standard field equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently stands, walks, hikes, bends, lifts, and performs physical labor in outdoor environments. Work may include hiking over uneven terrain, carrying tools and equipment, and working in forested or natural areas.

• Employees may be required to lift or move materials and equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The employee regularly works outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.

• The employee may occasionally work in environments that include dust, vegetation debris, or smoke from land management activities.

• Work may occur in parks, open space areas, forested environments, and other City-managed lands.

• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate but may increase when operating equipment.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, review of education and experience, and interview by the appointing authority.

NOTE

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job evolve.

The City of Steamboat Springs is an equal opportunity employer.

If you like serving in a role that will directly and positively impact our great community, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Pay Range:

$25.36 - $30.83

Offers will be negotiated based on each candidate's qualifications.