Job Description

The Coalition of the Upper South Platte (CUSP) is a non-profit organization with a mission to protect the water quality and ecological health of the Upper South Platte Watershed through the cooperative efforts of watershed stakeholders, with emphasis placed on community values and economic sustainability. CUSP specializes in forest health, pre-fire mitigation, post fire recovery, recreation impacts, trail maintenance, river restoration and wildfire education.

PURPOSE

• Hire a seasonal a field crew to complete forest health, fire mitigation, habitat restoration, recreation management, and weed mitigation projects in the Upper South Platte Watershed.
• Provide training for and generate interest in Natural Resource career paths for applicants who have interest in working for the outdoors.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Seasonal entry level position with some education and/or work experience

• CUSP will provide all necessary work skills and training opportunities to the crew members. This position is a great first step for applicants who are interested in gaining experience for a natural resources, conservation, or forestry career or for someone who wants to work outdoors in a rural, mountainous environment this summer.

• Crew members will report to the CUSP Lake George office daily
• CUSP field crew will work throughout the Upper South Platte Watershed in the counties of Teller, Park, Jefferson, Douglas and occasionally El Paso
• Reports directly to CUSP Natural Resources Technician II
• Work with assigned staff to complete field projects

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicant must be 18 years of age or older
• 1 year of general work experience

• Strong work ethic
• Possession of a valid Driver’s license and suitable driving record
• Possess listening and communication skills
• Possess a dependable vehicle to make it to work
• Desire to learn new skills
• Must be able to perform extended periods of manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect natural resources
• Must be able to work outside in all environmental conditions

SCHEDULE

• Available to work Saturdays and occasional Holidays
• Crew operates May 1 thru October 15, 2023.

CUSP may be able to accommodate school schedules if applicant needs to start season late or leave early (specify your available dates when you apply).

SALARY

• $18 per hour

TRAINING - This position will work alongside industry professionals to learn mechanical/operator skills, observe how projects are managed, and be exposed to the work involved in managing natural resources.

Selected individuals will be offered training and certifications for selected job duties including:

• First aid and CPR
• Chipper operation and safety
• Chainsaw operation and safety
• Trail construction and maintenance
• S130 Introduction to Wildland Firefighting Techniques
• S190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• Forestry operations
• Volunteer management
• Safety training

• Education efforts for property owners – effective messaging and vital information
• Equipment – TEREX, vehicle operation/inspection

JOB DUTIES

• Follow all organization safety protocols at all times
• Participate in chipping operations throughout the watershed as scheduled
• Assist with slash site operations in Divide, Bailey and/or Fairplay

• Work with volunteers on chipping and special projects
• Work with various federal and state agencies such as US Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, etc.
• Operate and maintain trucks, skid steer, chainsaws, chipper and other equipment
• Participate in forestry tasks including tree thinning, removal of hazardous trees, bucking trees, transporting and planting tree seedlings, and may be asked to assess trees for hazard removal
• Construction of in-stream enhancement projects to control sediment and improve aquatic species habitat
• Participate in recreation improvements on USFS lands, State Parks, National Monument and others and can include fire ring installation, trail construction and maintenance, weed control projects, building or repairing fence

OTHER

· Other duties as assigned

· For information on CUSP please visit

APPLY

· Apply online via or send the hard copy application to [email protected]

· Application deadline: April 15, 2023

Special Benefits

Accrued Holiday, Sick, Vacation Time

Why work here

Work outdoors in the rural Rocky Mountains. Enjoy our gold medal fishing, Pikes Peak views, hikes, and hot springs in your time off.

CUSP will provide all necessary work skills and training opportunities to the crew members. This position is a great first step for applicants who are interested in gaining experience for a natural resources, conservation, or forestry career or for someone who wants to work outdoors in a rural, mountainous environment this summer.

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