Planning & Stewardship Specialist- Open Space & Natural Resources

Eagle County Government is hiring for one open position in the Open Space & Natural Resources (OSNR) Dept. This role is designed to be filled at one of two levels— Planning & Stewardship Specialist or Senior Planning & Stewardship Specialist—depending on the specific qualifications, certifications, and experience of the selected candidate. OSNR Planning & Stewardship Specialist

• $69,118
• 82,941. The maximum pay for this position is $96,765 Senior Resource Planning & Stewardship Specialist
• $76,029
• 91,235.

The maximum pay for this position is $106,441.

Schedule:

Monday

• Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Hybrid or flexible work arrangements can be considered after training. Applicants are encouraged to apply by May 15th; however, the job will be kept open until filled. Working within the Open Space and Natural Resources (OSNR) department, this role protects Eagle County's environment, public health, and quality of life through science-based planning and restoration. OSNR Planning & Stewardship Specialist Working under the supervision of the Open Space and Natural Resources (OSNR) Director or Senior Planners, this support role assists with Eagle County's OSNR policies, planning documents, and restoration projects. This position is ideal for a candidate looking to grow their career in natural resources, who enjoys fieldwork, basic spatial mapping (GIS), and assisting in the review of regulatory and environmental documents. The incumbent will support the team by gathering data, conducting ecological monitoring, and helping draft educational materials. By maintaining accurate data and supporting community outreach, this role helps protect the natural environment, public health, and quality of life within Eagle County.

Key Responsibilities Field Operations:

Actively conduct ecological and recreational monitoring; collect data from trail counters, take photo data points, and administer visitor surveys.

GIS & Mapping:

Perform basic spatial mapping and data updates using ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro to visualize field findings.

Document Support:

Assist in the initial review of land use applications and gather site data for senior staff evaluation.

Outreach:

Help draft educational materials (brochures, social media) and coordinate logistics for community stewardship events.

Administrative Support:

Track grant milestones, maintain organized contract records, and research best practices for restoration projects.

Qualifications Education:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Planning, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Environmental Resource Management, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Minimum two years of related experience in natural resources management with a focus on land use and policy development, Or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which produces the required technical knowledge, skills and abilities. OSNR Planning & Stewardship Specialist Full Job Description Senior Resource Planning & Stewardship Specialist Working under the supervision of the Open Space and Natural Resources Director, this highly analytical role is the technical support behind Eagle County's Open Space & Natural Resource (OSNR) policies, planning documents, and restoration projects. This position is ideal for a candidate who thrives on deep-dive research, complex spatial analysis (GIS), and synthesizing dense regulatory and environmental documents into actionable, science-based recommendations. The incumbent will proactively collaborate with land use planning, technical review teams, and state/federal partners to ensure planning files align with land use regulations, NEPA requirements, and adopted community plans. By transforming complex data into clear white papers, comment letters, and educational products, this role is critical to protecting the natural environment, public health, and quality of life within Eagle County.

Key Responsibilities Technical Analysis:

Serve as the primary researcher for dense environmental documents (NEPA, federal/state policies); translate findings into white papers and official recommendations for the Board of County Commissioners.

Advanced GIS:

Utilize ArcGIS Pro daily for advanced spatial analysis and cartography to drive science-based land management decisions.

Regulatory Oversight:

Assess complex environmental impact reports and establish specific requirements to avoid or mitigate development impacts.

Project Leadership:

Direct the work of external consultants and collaborate directly with state and federal partners to achieve County objectives.

Strategic Outreach:

Lead the development of annual reports and grant applications; cultivate relationships with media and stakeholders to heighten the program's profile.

Qualifications Education:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Planning, Ecology, Environmental Resource Management, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

Minimum four years of related experience in Natural Resources with a focus on land use and policy development. Or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which produces the required technical knowledge, skills and abilities Senior Resource Planning & Stewardship Specialist Full Job Description Culture & Benefits Working in local government is one of the best career paths in the mountains. 'Your Career will Soar with Eagle County'. Get started with us today! Why is Eagle County recognized as a Best Place to Work in 2022? Culture of flexibility and support for mental health / wellness. Check out more awards here. Purpose! A modern, values-driven workplace with more than 550 employees embracing a welcoming culture, supportive leaders and an organization focused on our mission: Creating a Better Eagle County for All. Learning organization focused on professional development opportunities, FREE CMC classes and Tuition reimbursement. Future-focused with our Strategic Plan on improving housing, climate change and more. As a certified healthy workplace, our culture recognizes the importance of individual needs and enjoying life outside of work. Other perks may include flexible work arrangements, paid volunteer time, and daytime fitness classes/bike rides. Great benefits! See the details Comprehensive and low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance (as low as $85/month for employee only) Wellness program where you can earn cash or extra days off 15 paid holidays Paid time off (starting at 12 days) and additional medical leave Paid volunteer hours 8% (dollar-for-dollar match) retirement plan Free classes at Colorado Mountain College Eagle County University classes (internal training) Tuition reimbursement programs Bilingual Pay Incentive Free bus pass and more Relocation & Housing Information