Description
Join Our Parks Team!
Are you passionate about plants and enjoy working outdoors? We’re looking for a skilled and motivated individual to help maintain and beautify our parks, the Highlands Ranch Mansion and the Highlands Ranch Senior Center. This position focuses on horticulture and includes hands-on work with plant care and landscape projects. If you have experience in grounds maintenance, love working with your hands, and want to make a visible impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Technician 1 - pay is up to $26.12
- Complies with District and industry related safety policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the safety of self, co-workers, park users and the community.
- Park related maintenance including but not limited to care of plant material, maintenance of park infrastructure, landscape projects, various equipment operations, minor construction projects, litter control, weed eradication, pesticide application, shelter and restroom cleaning, rule enforcement, snow removal, sidewalk sweeping, and assistance with special events.
- Operate specialized equipment and tools as listed below under “Tools and Equipment Used.”
- Create/accept/complete work orders through web-based software.
- Assists other Sections as needed such as Facilities, Fleet, Open Space, Parkways, Recreation, Sports Fields, Forestry and Park Services.
- Assists in the training of and provides guidance for seasonal employees.
- Fulfills alternate duties and responsibilities as required or assigned by the Supervisor.
- Performs snow removal as required. (see on-call schedule listed below)
- Serves as a member of various employee committees, as assigned.
This position’s area of emphasis is Horticulture. Associated duties include but are not limited to:
- Possess a broad understanding of plant care.
- Exercise all aspects of weed and pest control.
- Demonstrate proper pruning and cutting techniques.
- Plan, design and install shrubs and flowerbeds.
- Thoroughly and properly train and supervise seasonal staff.
- Efficiently coordinates large plant orders.
- Communication with irrigation staff.
- Recommend and purchase approved parts and materials for assigned projects.
Technician 2 – pay is up to $30.24
In addition to the above.
- Operate and maintain specialized equipment and tools as listed below under “Tools and Equipment Used.”
- Assists with the training, guidance, and/or supervision of Technician I or temporary employees.
- Fulfill alternate duties and responsibilities as required or assigned by Supervisor.
- Serve as a member of various employee committees, as assigned.
Qualifications
Technician 1
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Two years’ progressive experience in park maintenance or related area of emphasis.
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
- Possession of a valid State of Colorado Pesticide Applicators license or obtain within six months of hire.
Technician 2
- High School graduate or completion of G.E.D., with emphasis on vocational trades and 4 years’ experience in horticulture, turf maintenance or landscaping trades.
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
- Possession of a valid State of Colorado Pesticide Applicators license.
- Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in general landscaping projects and grounds maintenance.
- Certified in first aid and CPR.
Necessary Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities
- Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in landscaping and grounds maintenance; working knowledge of equipment and supplies used to do minor repairs; working knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions.
- Experience with planning, designing and installing shrubs and flower beds.
- Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule as well as follow and implement written and verbal instructions.
- Must be able to lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time, and to perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to train and supervise seasonal staff.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments, contractors, officials and the public and work with people from diverse backgrounds and points of view as part of a team.
- Represent the District in a professional manner.
- Ability to perform the essential duties listed above.
- Must be available to respond to on-call snow removal duties within 60 minutes of notification.
Supervision Received
Works under the direct supervision of the Parks Maintenance Supervisor and receives directions from Technicians II and III on projects and tasks as assigned.
Supervision Exercised
Supervise seasonal or volunteer employees as required and assigned.
Work Schedule
Generally, the schedule is 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Potential exists to work 4-day, 10-hour shifts. The work schedule will vary depending on weather conditions, projects, events, programs, meetings, and staffing levels, and will include some evening, early morning, weekend, and overtime hours.
This position is part of the Metro District’s on-call/weekend schedule for snow removal. This position is required to be on-call and work nights and weekends as scheduled by the snow removal leader.
Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.
Tools and Equipment Used
High-pressure washer, pruning tools, chain saw, chipper, trencher, pickup truck with automatic/manual transmission, trailers and water truck. Lawn and landscape equipment including tractors, mowers, aerators, edgers, weed trimmers, gas powered shears, roto tillers, two-cycle engines, seeders, sprayers, spreaders, utility vehicles, sweepers, plows, blowers, electric motors, pumps, sprinklers, irrigation systems, miscellaneous hand and power tools for turf maintenance, carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, and cement finishing work, valves, filtration devices, gauges, etc. Operation of motor vehicles in tight spaces.
Computers, cell phone, Microsoft products (Excel, Outlook, etc.), web and database software, and desk phone. General office equipment such as multi-function printer scanner copier, desk phone, calculator, etc.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and near moving mechanical parts. The employee frequently works in high, precarious places, and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Selection Guidelines
Formal applications, rating of education and experience; panel interview(s) and reference check; job related tests might be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
About Us
The Highlands Ranch Metro District, as the local government in our community, is committed to providing the following high-quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for Highlands Ranch such as; construction of major roads, installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads, installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads, construction and maintenance of parks and trails, youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs, management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas and so much more. We have been recognized as Colorado's District of the Year by the Special District Association of Colorado!
Our Benefits
We prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:
Health & Retirement!
100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
100% contribution match for the pension plan
Up to 6% employer contribution for the optional retirement plan
Work/life Balance!
80 hours of earned vacation per year, increasing after 5 years
80 hours of annual sick leave
32 hours of annual personal leave
10 paid holidays
200 hours of medical leave with certification
Wellness & Improvement!
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses.
Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement.
Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee.
Saving, Planning & Other!
Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
Generous stipend for personal cell phone.
Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services.
Application Information
Pre-employment screening includes a background check, illegal substances screening and motor vehicle record review.
We will be accepting applications through November 30, 2026
Submit applications at highlandsranch.org/apply or if viewing this posting from our career center, click "Apply" below.
