Aquatic Ecologist

Colorado State University • Full-time • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States • $51.75k - $74.50k / year • 3d ago

Posting Details

Posting Detail Information

Working Title
Aquatic Ecologist

Position Location
Fort Collins, CO (or remote)

Work Location
Position is fully remote

Research Professional Position
Yes

Posting Number
202401963AP

Position Type
Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title
Research Associate II

Number of Vacancies
2

Work Hours/Week
40

Proposed Annual Salary Range
$51,750 - $74,500

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, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Review our detailed benefits information here.
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on
11/21/2024

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 and is Colorado's member of the NatureServe Network. CNHP is a key player in Colorado's conservation of open lands and maintains a centralized conservation database of plants, animals, and natural communities in Colorado. The staff consists of ~40 experienced biologists and information managers with expertise in inventory, research, and monitoring of Colorado's flora, fauna, plant communities, and conservation. 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 ~6 million dollars from contracts, agreements, and gifts through CNHP's partners and clients. CNHP works on over 50 conservation projects per year. To learn more about CNHP's mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/.

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation's leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000-foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.

Position Summary

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) at Colorado State University (CSU) is seeking two Aquatic Ecologists. One will focus on work in Colorado and will be required to work in-person on CSU's campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. The other will focus on work in Wyoming and will be remote optional. The Aquatic Ecologist(s) will work independently and collaboratively with CNHP staff to carry out stream monitoring projects under the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)'s Lotic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Program. The Lotic AIM Field Protocol involves collecting data on stream geomorphology, aquatic biota, water quality soil, and human disturbances.

The position(s) will manage day-to-day activities of CNHP's multi-year contracts to monitor stream health on BLM land in Colorado and Wyoming using the Lotic AIM protocol. 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 and project management. The position requires experience with field ecology specific to stream 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 use of Microsoft Office programs and ESRI ArcGIS programs. This position is supervised by the CNHP Aquatic Ecologist RA III and is a member of CNHP's Wetland Ecology Team.
CNHP's home office is located on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, CO. The position that is in-person in Fort Collins must be able to travel to various locations in Colorado for multiple days at a time. The position that is remote eligible must be able to travel to various locations in Wyoming for multiple days at a time.

Required Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 3 years of related professional experience; OR recent M.S. degree.
Knowledge of stream ecology and experience working in these environments.
Four field seasons (typically April-September) of experience collecting scientific data.
Two field seasons of experience working with the BLM AIM Program or other data collection programs within the BLM.
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, State and Federal Agencies and a 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 collecting data on geomorphology, vegetation, soil, water quality, and/or macroinvertebrates.
Familiarity with plant identification.
Experience with various vegetation sampling techniques.
Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices.
Experience working in the Rocky Mountain and/or Intermountain West.
Experience with stream and/or wetland restoration techniques and data needs of restoration and planning professionals.
Experience writing grant proposals and managing budgets.

Diversity Statement

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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 Lotic AIM protocol 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.
Assure 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 November 21, 2024, for full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the 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). 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

References will be requested from finalists. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

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.

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
Joanna Lemly (joanna.lemly@colostate.edu)

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University's Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.

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.

Related Jobs

Wetland Ecologist

Colorado State University • Full-time • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States • $51.75k - $74.50k / year • 2w ago

Conservation / Land Management

2w ago

Apply

Forester - Open Pool

Colorado State University • Full-time • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States • 2m ago

Conservation / Land Management Outdoor/Hands-on Green Job Higher Education State Government

2m ago

Apply

Invasive Species Field Biologist - Guam

Colorado State University • Full-time • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States • 3h ago

Academic / Scientist / R&D Green Products and Services Higher Education State Government

3h ago

Apply

Biologist

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service • Full-time • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States • $60k - $80k / year • 1d ago

Academic / Scientist / R&D

1d ago

Apply

Biologist

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service • Full-time • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States • $90k - $120k / year • 1d ago

Academic / Scientist / R&D

1d ago

Apply

Service Desk Agent I - Loveland, CO

Epsilon • Full-time • Loveland, CO, Larimer County, CO, US • $45k - $60k / year • 2d ago

2d ago

Apply

Fisheries Ecologist Part-time

Colorado State University • Part-time • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States • $46k - $48k / year • 3d ago

Agriculture

3d ago

Apply

Distributed Energy Resources Manager

City of Loveland • Full-time • Loveland, Colorado, United States • $111.02k - $160.98k / year • 5d ago

5d ago

Apply

Solar Sales Representative (OTE 120K-200K+)

Blue Raven Solar • Full-time • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States • $33.60k - $96k / year • 5d ago

Green Energy

5d ago

Apply

Environmental Project Manager V

AECOM • Full-time • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States • $90k - $130k / year • 2w ago

Project Management

2w ago

Apply