Aaron Stafford
Steamboat Springs
Summary
Results-oriented leader with over 15 years of experience managing high-performing teams and delivering exceptional landscape, parks, and arboricultural services. Demonstrated success in overseeing large-scale municipal projects, driving operational excellence, and upholding the highest standards in safety, quality, and productivity. Passionate about mentoring staff, fostering collaboration, and aligning operations with strategic goals. Eager to bring seasoned leadership, technical expertise, and a love for the outdoors to a growth-driven team at SavATree.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Parks & Recreation Project Manager
City of Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs
01.2023 - Current
- Lead capital improvement projects from conception to completion within the Parks & Recreation Department
- Manage capital budgets, project timelines, and coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders
- Ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards throughout project planning and implementation
Parks Supervisor
City of Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs
06.2021 - 01.2023
- Oversaw operations and staffing for parks, urban forestry, and landscaping across municipal facilities
- Managed budgets, contracts, procurement, and construction schedules
- Advanced staff development and safety programs, driving continuous improvement
- Secured City Council approval to expand staffing with specialized full-time landscape positions
- Expanded operating budgets and equipment fleet to meet evolving service needs
- Strengthened community engagement through responsive service delivery and inter-agency collaboration
Parks & Greenhouse Foreperson
City of Westminster
Westminster
04.2018 - 05.2021
- Directed citywide horticultural maintenance, park operations, and infrastructure projects
- Supervised a diverse team including greenhouse and maintenance staff; led hiring, training, and scheduling
- Managed greenhouse operations and public/internship outreach programs
- Led citywide snow removal efforts across multiple departments
Parks Crew Leader
City of Westminster
Westminster
04.2017 - 04.2018
- Supervised park maintenance crews, overseeing irrigation, landscaping, and facility upkeep
- Coordinated contractor work and collaborated with departments to improve park infrastructure
Equipment Operator II
City of Westminster
Westminster
06.2015 - 04.2017
- Operated heavy equipment for municipal landscape improvements, parks, and medians
- Led irrigation installations and infrastructure replacement projects
Park Specialist / Irrigator
City of Westminster
Westminster
07.2012 - 06.2015
- Installed and maintained irrigation systems citywide, conducting audits to improve efficiency
- Supported sustainability initiatives through water conservation and infrastructure upgrades
Crew Foreman / Irrigation Technician
Arrowhead Landscape Services
Golden
01.2012 - 06.2012
- Delivered landscape maintenance and irrigation services for residential and commercial clients
Golf Course Crew Foreman
Omni Interlocken Resort & Golf Club
Broomfield
03.2006 - 12.2011
- Supervised seasonal crews maintaining turf and irrigation on a 27-hole golf course, including clubhouse and hotel grounds
- Scheduled daily crew tasks, monitored quality, and oversaw staff performance
- Trained staff in landscaping techniques, equipment usage, and safe practices
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Sociology
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO05-2009
Skills
- Budget & Asset Management
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Project Management
- Landscape Services
- Client & Community Engagement
- Safety & Compliance
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Asset & Work Order Management Systems
- Budgeting & Procurement Software
- Strategic thinking
Certification
- OSHA Safety Training
- Certified Parks & Recreation Professional
- Irrigation Design & Maintenance
Leadership Highlights
- Fostered a culture of safety, innovation, and accountability across leadership roles.
- Mentored and developed staff into key technical and leadership positions.
- Spearheaded performance improvements through strategic planning and operational efficiencies.
- Recognized for a collaborative leadership style and commitment to service excellence.
Timeline
Parks & Recreation Project Manager
City of Steamboat Springs
01.2023 - Current
Parks Supervisor
City of Steamboat Springs
06.2021 - 01.2023
Parks & Greenhouse Foreperson
City of Westminster
04.2018 - 05.2021
Parks Crew Leader
City of Westminster
04.2017 - 04.2018
Equipment Operator II
City of Westminster
06.2015 - 04.2017
Park Specialist / Irrigator
City of Westminster
07.2012 - 06.2015
Crew Foreman / Irrigation Technician
Arrowhead Landscape Services
01.2012 - 06.2012
Golf Course Crew Foreman
Omni Interlocken Resort & Golf Club
03.2006 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Sociology
Metropolitan State University of Denver
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