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Job Type: Part time, Hourly
Wage: $23-$27/hr.
Location: Leadville, CO.
Job Description:
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, Lake County, Colorado. Some travel required
Job Classification: Part Time; Temporary, Hourly (Non-Exempt)
Location: Leadville,
CO Supervisor: Lake County Program Manager
Compensation: $23-27 hourly
Position Overview
The Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative (ARWC) seeks a motivated individual to support watershed health projects in Lake County. Reporting to the Lake County Program Manager (LCPM), the Watershed Tech (WT) will coordinate and implement the Lake County Community Chipping program, assist with water quality monitoring, and support a range of on-the-ground conservation efforts in the Arkansas Headwaters. This position has potential for extension under certain conditions.
This role is ideal for a student or early career professional looking to build hands-on experience in natural resources, forestry, or nonprofit conservation. The ideal candidate is responsible, has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, is comfortable doing physical work in variable conditions, and is eager to learn in a collaborative, field oriented environment. ARWC is growing, and this role offers the opportunity to develop professionally while doing meaningful work for the communities and landscapes of the Arkansas Basin. This role may be considered as full-time or may be extended for the right candidate.
About ARWC
ARWC unites partners and communities across Colorado’s Arkansas River Basin to restore landscapes, reduce wildfire risk, and protect water resources. From proactive forest health treatments and stream restoration to community engagement and education, ARWC works across 28,000 square miles – from Leadville to the Kansas border – to build a more resilient basin. We’re a small, mission-driven team doing big work: strengthening forest resilience, restoring watersheds, and empowering the communities that depend on them. Learn more at arkcollaborative.org.
Core Responsibilities
Lake County Community Chipping Program (65%)
● Coordinate Lake County Chipping Program, including public outreach, scheduling with landowners and HOA’s, and tracking grant deliverables.
● Work with Lake County Program Manager to plan and deliver community chipping events.
● Support Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) mitigation education efforts in partnership with LCPM and local partners.
● Conduct community outreach and engagement related to wildfire mitigation planning and implementation.
Water Quality Monitoring (20%)
● Assist with, and eventually lead, water quality sampling at monitoring sites across Lake County.
● Record, organize, and evaluate water quality data to support reporting and public communication.
Watershed Health Project Support (15%)
● Under the guidance of the Lake County Program Manager, support various of watershed health projects, which may include fuels health treatments and wildfire mitigation, stream and wetland restoration, post-fire planning and recovery, and mine remediation efforts.
● Assist with site visits, data collection, photo document, and other fieldwork as assigned.
● Help maintain project records, timelines, and deliverable tracking.
Minimum Requirements
● Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in a relevant field (environmental science, forestry, natural resources, etc), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
● Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
● Excellent interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to operate independently in a self-directed environment.
● Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel and use a personal vehicle, as necessary, to perform work-related activities – travel expenses will be reimbursed.
● Ability to work in a variety of settings including office, vehicle, and outdoor environments in all possible weather conditions. You must possess the physical ability to hike through Colorado's varied landscapes and travel via vehicle over rough terrain, sometimes in remote locations and in varying weather conditions. You must be able to stand, sit, walk, talk, or listen for extended periods. You may be required to carry moderate loads repeatedly.
● Successful applicants must be able to pass a background check before beginning work.
● Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, other typical office software
Preferred Qualifications
● Understanding of wildfire mitigation, forest health, or water quality monitoring principles.
● Experience with volunteer coordination or public-facing outreach
● Experience or willingness to learn forestry hand and power tools
● Familiarity with GIS tools (ESRI, GPS, ArcGIS Collector, Survey123) or data collection applications. Joining ARWC means…
● Gain meaningful, hands-on experience in wildfire mitigation, water quality monitoring, and watershed restoration.
● Work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, mission-driven team.
● Spend your workdays in one of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes, the mountain towns of the Arkansas River Headwaters.
● Build skills and connections that translate directly to a career in natural resources or conservation.
Location To best serve the needs of our basin, ARWC employees are located throughout the organization’s service territory. Staff work primarily from home offices and travel to project sites when necessary. We also have dedicated office space on the CMC Campus in Leadville. This position will be largely responsible for projects in Lake County but travel to adjacent counties or other parts of the state may be required. Preference will be given to candidates residing in or near Leadville, Colorado.
Compensation and Benefits This is a temporary hourly position with an average of 20-25 hours/week. Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience, but we anticipate hiring between $23 and $27/hour. This position is not eligible for benefits.
How to Apply: This position is open until filled, but preference will be given to candidates who apply by May 10. Early applications are strongly recommended. Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter, 2) resume (max 3 pages) by e-mail to jobs@arkcollaborative.org with the subject line: “Watershed Technician”. References will be requested and contacted if you are selected for an interview.
Please address the following in your cover letter: 1. What draws you to hands-on conservation work in the Ark headwaters, and what relevant experience or skills do you bring to this role?
**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.