Intern II - Open Space

City Equity Statement The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job – someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, and education. Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described; we invite you to apply. Position Purpose The Intern II – Open Space position is intended to serve in diverse capacities supporting the Open Space Division. This internship will specifically emphasize learning and educational projects related to noxious weed control and restoration within the City of Westminster. Work is performed under the general direction of the Open Space Natural Resources Specialist. This is a temporary position that will end at the end of November. The starting pay is dependent on qualifications and experience. The City will pay for one attempt at the Colorado Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator’s License general test and any category tests of interest; if the intern passes all required tests, the City will cover the one‑time cost of the license. Job Specific Functions Assist with land management activities within City of Westminster’s 3,800 acres of Open Space that connect the community with nature through programming, native plant community enhancement, and park improvements. Control noxious and invasive plants by utilizing mechanical methods (digging, hand pulling, tractor/mower operation, chainsaw, weed trimmer, etc.), educational methods (community educational nature programs, interpretive signage, etc.), cultural methods (goat/cattle grazing, seeding), biological control methods (agent dissemination/monitoring), and chemical control methods (backpack, cut‑stump, and broadcast applications). Learn and understand GPS technology to collect, monitor, and update natural resource data. Perform hands‑on restoration projects such as native tree/forb planting, watering duties, re‑seeding, seed collection, mulching, mitigation tasks, and wildlife enhancements. Develop office skills by assisting with various tasks as needed (including, but not limited to, plant identification, report writing, data collection, monitoring, data entry, analysis, and calling partner agencies). May work on projects with partner agencies. Refine record‑keeping skills by documenting work performed, resources utilized, and public interaction. Maintain regular and punctual attendance. Required Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a two‑year or four‑year college. A valid driver’s license with a safe driving record, maintained for continued employment. Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word, and Outlook). Experience in one or more of the following: outdoor/environmental education, natural resource management, or park maintenance. Preferred Qualifications College level coursework in a related field. Plant identification experience. Vegetation mapping/monitoring experience. Experience using light and/or heavy equipment for natural resource management. Fluency in Spanish and/or Hmong. Physical Requirements Occasionally sit while driving to work assignments and performing office tasks; frequently stand and continuously walk on uneven terrain in all weather conditions to safely complete assigned tasks. Occasional squatting, twisting, climbing, and balancing to inspect assigned areas. Frequent bending, kneeling, and reaching below shoulder to perform open space maintenance. Frequent light/firm grasp to properly use tools and equipment; occasional fine manipulation for office duties; constant handling to safely operate machinery and light duty equipment. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds from ground to waist; constant carrying of up to 25 pounds at waist level; occasional carrying of up to 50 pounds to use a backpack sprayer. Standard near and/or far acuity and hearing. Working Conditions Work is performed indoors and outdoors with constant exposure to extreme temperatures year‑round. The position requires assisting with the maintenance of all City right‑of‑ways, forestry, and open space sites throughout the year, including snow removal when needed. The role involves a great deal of communication with City employees, the public, and outside agencies. Required Materials and Equipment Operates light and heavy equipment such as pick‑up truck, small dump truck, skid loader, tractors, horticultural hand tools, pruners, self‑propelled and walk‑behind mowers, riding mowers, 20‑foot trailers, watering equipment, vegetation mapping/monitoring equipment, and various herbicide application equipment as necessary. Depending on the project, may also utilize personal computers, keyboards, calculators, telephones, copy machines, other standard office equipment, and an AED machine. Pre‑Employment Requirements Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the United States and must successfully pass a criminal background check, reference check, and substance screen. There may be additional pre‑employment requirements depending on the nature of the position. Closing Date 5/18/2026 8:30 AM Mountain #J-18808-Ljbffr Careers In Government