Posting DetailsPosting Detail Information
Working Title Wetland Ecologist / Crew Manager
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202500292AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of VacanciesWork Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $55,700-$62,000
Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
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- Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Desired Start DatePosition End Date (if temporary)To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 03/09/2025
Description of Work Unit The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is Colorado's primary biological conservation information center housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. CNHP is a key player in Colorado's conservation of open lands and maintains the only centralized conservation database in Colorado that includes plants, animals, and natural communities. The staff consists of approximately 40 highly experienced biologists and information managers with expertise in inventory, research, and monitoring of Colorado's flora, fauna, plant communities, and conservation issues. CNHP serves a wide variety of users including federal, state and local agencies, consultants, environmental groups, non-government organizations, private landowners, and the public. CNHP's annual revenue is approximately 6 million dollars and is generated from contracts and agreements through CNHP's partners and clients. CNHP generally works on over 50 conservation projects per year. To learn more about CNHP's mission, vision, and values, visit
http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/.
Position Summary The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) at Colorado State University (CSU) is seeking a Wetland Ecologist / Crew Manager to manage data collection for wetland monitoring projects in Colorado and Wyoming under the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)'s Riparian & Wetland (R&W) Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Program. The R&W AIM Field Protocol involves collecting data on vegetation, soils, hydrology, water quality, and human disturbances.
Standard duties will involve interviewing, hiring, and supervising hourly field technicians; planning logistics for multi-day field hitches; assisting with field training; reviewing detailed field forms to check for errors; and communication with project partners. The position involves occasional travel throughout multiple states, camping in remote settings, and long field days. However, field time will be balanced with time in the office for coordination, data review, and project management. The position requires experience with field ecology specific to wetland environments and experience working with the BLM AIM program. Experience working in the Rocky Mountain and/or Intermountain West is preferred. A valid driver's license for travel between sites is required, as is the ability to hike and navigate to field sites.
The position may assist with proposal writing, budget management, data analysis, and annual project reporting, as needed. The position requires proficiency in scientific report writing, as well as the use of Microsoft Office programs and ESRI ArcGIS programs. This position is supervised by the CNHP Wetland Team Lead and is a member of CNHP's Wetland Team.
The position will be located on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, CO. The position can be either full-time in-person or part-time in-person/part-time remote. Fully remote work is not an option. The position must be based in Colorado and be able to work from the CNHP offices at CSU two or three times a week throughout the year. CNHP provides a flexible work environment to support work-life balance with excellent benefits and CSU is dedicated to taking care of faculty and staff by providing a wide range of benefits that promote health, financial security, and overall well-being. The University also offers many perks to eligible employees - from educational benefits and work-life programs to discounts and deals.
CNHP is interested in finding the best candidate for the Wetland Ecologist position. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications - use your application to let us know what excites you about this role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.
Required Job Qualifications - Bachelor's degree and 3 years of related professional experience; OR recent M.S. degree.
- Four field seasons (typically April-September) of experience collecting scientific data.
- Two field seasons of experience working with the BLM AIM Program or other large-scale data collection program.
- Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in these environments.
- Experience interpreting aerial photography (e.g., Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS.
- Experience with ArcGIS and associated mapping applications.
- Willingness to initiate contacts with private landowners and State and Federal Agencies with a professional demeanor that will facilitate this contact.
- Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel during the field season, share living quarters in rustic field housing, bunkhouses, and car camping, and potentially backpack and hike long distances (up to 10 miles / day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs).
- Willingness and ability to work with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather (30-110° F), mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety.
- Demonstrated organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; ability to handle complex tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and to maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to work both independently with guidance and effectively in a team.
- Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license by the employment start date.
- The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CNHP will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications - Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides and familiarity with the major vascular plant families.
- Experience with various vegetation sampling techniques.
- Experience describing soil characteristics and identifying hydric soil indicators.
- Experience with Survey123 and/or other electronic data capture platforms.
- Experience with various statistical analysis software (PC-ORD, R, SPSS, SAS).
- Experience working in the Rocky Mountain and/or Intermountain West.
- Experience with stream and/or wetland restoration techniques and data needs of restoration and land management professionals.
- Experience writing grant proposals and managing budgets.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Supervision
Duty/Responsibility - Hire temporary field technicians.
- Plan and facilitate CNHP-based training on safety and CNHP internal procedures.
- Assist with BLM R&W AIM field methods training.
- Manage field technicians throughout the summer field season (approving hours worked, travel reimbursements, any other administrative requirements).
- Support field crews during data collection by responding to protocol questions or safety concerns.
- Ensure data collection is carried out safely following CNHP's Field Safety Protocol.
- Review all data collected via BLM's data review dashboards and discuss any changes needed with the crew.
Percentage Of Time 40
Job Duty Category Logistics Planning and Communication
Duty/Responsibility - Organize and maintain field gear in advance of and throughout the field session.
- Plan for multi-day field excursions independently or collaboratively with field crew leads.
- Select sites to visit for each excursion.
- Communicate with BLM land managers and, when necessary, with private landowners to secure access to BLM managed lands.
- Determine distance and optimal route between sites and identify optimal camping locations.
- Organize and adapt travel schedules as needed to successfully complete each site survey.
Percentage Of Time 40
Job Duty Category Report Writing
Duty/Responsibility - At the completion of the field season, prepare an annual implementation report following a defined template to describe the accomplishments and challenges of data collection.
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category General Staff Engagement
Duty/Responsibility - Participate in CNHP-wide activities, including full staff meetings, Wetland Ecology team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and other CNHP efforts, as needed.
Percentage Of Time 10
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than March 9, 2025, for full consideration. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials.
A complete application consists of:
- Statement of Qualifications (clearly address how your experiences meets or exceeds each qualification listed in the job announcement); the statement of qualifications can be uploaded to the 'Cover Letter' slot
- Resume
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License
Search Contact Jessica Horvath (Jessica.Horvath@colostate.edu)
EEO Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
