Field Technician

Full job description Classification Title Temporary Hourly


Employment Category Temporary


Is this an Hourly position? Yes


Work Hours/Week 0-40


Overtime Eligible? Yes


Position Location Fort Collins, CO 80523


Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work? No


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. The Program 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 30 highly experienced biologists and information managers with expertise in inventory, research, and monitoring of Colorado's flora, fauna, plant communities, and conservation issues. The Program serves a wide variety of users including federal, state and local agencies, consultants, environmental groups, non-government organizations, private landowners, and the public. The Program's annual revenue is approximately 4 million dollars and is generated from contracts and agreements through CNHP's partners and clients. The Program generally works on over 40 conservation projects per year.


Search Contact Email Position Summary In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking a Vegetation Ecology Field Technician to collect botanical and ecological data throughout the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Successful applicants will receive training in methods by Botanists and Ecologists from CNHP and will spend the summer applying protocols to gather data throughout the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Botanical and ecological data will be collected using standard quantitative methods for collecting vegetation plot data and may also include using NatureServe Core Methodology.


The field technician will work closely with CNHP staff, CNHP interns, and agency partners. Duties include assisting in vegetation surveys, collecting plant specimens, identifying plant specimens, and entering and error-checking data.


The team will be stationed in Fort Collins, CO. Field crews will spend 4-8 days in a row in the field, often camping on USFS land away from their base location. The typical hitch schedule during the field season is 8 days on with 6 days off. Teams will travel to Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands to collect data.


Position Minimum Qualifications A completed B.S. degree in botany, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, ecosystem science or related field is required. Experience using dichotomous keys and familiarity with the major plant families is required. Field experience collecting and interpreting scientific data and/or environmental data is required. Experience with vegetation sampling techniques is required. Experience with aerial photography, navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS is required. Experience with Microsoft Office including MS Excel and experience with ArcGIS and associated mapping applications is required. A willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, car camp, and hike long distances (up to 6+ miles/day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs) is and the ability to do so through September 2024 is required. Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms is required. Effective oral communication skills for professional interactions with USFS staff and private landowners required. A valid driver's license is required. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of western flora preferred. Knowledge of natural plant communities native to the Great Plains region and experience working in grassland ecosystems is preferred. Experience with ArcGIS Survey 123 and Field Maps and/or other electronic data capture platforms is preferred. Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough, wet, and sandy roads preferred. Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training is preferred. Experience working with CNHP staff is preferred. Posting Details
Working Title Vegetation Ecology Field Technician


Posting Number ******** T


Department Colorado Natural Heritage Program


Salary Range $21/hour


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 ! Close Date 05/09/2024


Special Instructions to Applicants To apply, email your resume to . References will not be contacted without prior notification to applicant.


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.


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 ******** , , .


The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO ******** , , .


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. ******** , , .


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


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 Job Duties
Job Duty Category Vegetation Ecology Field Technician Assistance


Duty/Responsibility Planning and Coordination/Communication: In coordination with CNHP staff and partners, conduct pre-field logistics and planning, identify potential survey sites, and determine natural plant community and species and habitat targets in the Cimmaron and Comanche National Grasslands. Prepare electronic data collection forms. Communicate with team staff and project partners/sponsors.


Field Data Collection: Conduct outdoor field surveys over 6 to 8-day long periods that require camping overnight. Use navigation tools and maps to drive and/or walk to and from survey sites via paved and unpaved roads, hiking trails, and traversing across terrain off-trail. Effectively locate targeted natural plant communities, and rare species and their habitats within survey sites. Travel will often be through dense vegetation and over long distances in various temperatures and weather conditions. Collect and record botanical, ecological, and spatial data using Survey123, Field Maps, and/or field notebooks. Identify western flora including common and rare species native to Colorado and surrounding states and recognize and identify exotic invasive species. Recognize and document natural plant communities and rare plant habitats. Follow NatureServe-core methodology and project specific methods/protocols and ensure accurate and complete recording, preparation, and reporting field-collected data. Collect voucher herbarium specimens when appropriate and permitted. Follow safety protocols using proper documentation, consistent communication, and field awareness.


Training: Participate in project-specific training, wilderness first aid training, and cultural competency training.


Data Management and Documentation (10%): Organize and manage field-collected data. Responsible for quality assurance and reporting of field-collected data including preparing data for incorporation into the Programs centralized database (Biotics 5) and deliverables to the U.S. Forest Service.



Percentage Of Time 100


References
Minimum References Required 3


Maximum References Required 3