Job Information
Colorado State University Plant Ecology Technician in Fort Collins, Colorado
Position Information
Classification TitleTemporary Hourly
Employment CategoryTemporary
Is this an Hourly position?Yes
Work Hours/Week0-40
Overtime Eligible?Yes
Position LocationFort 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 Emailbrenda.wichmann@colostate.edu
Position Summary
TheColorado Natural Heritage Program (https://cnhp.colostate.edu/ourwork/) ( CNHP ) of Colorado State University seeks a temporary Plant Ecology Technician to support Ecological projects for the Botany/Vegetation Ecology Team.
This position will be based in Fort Collins, Colorado. The position requires extensive and frequent travel throughout Colorado and may include travel to surrounding states. The position will work with CNHP staff to survey and document natural plant communities, rare plant species and their habitat, and potential conservation areas. Ecological and botanical data will be collected following standards of the NatureServe-Core Methodology and/or by implementing quantitative methods to collect vegetation plot data.
The position will interact with federal and state agencies and other partners.
The work typically involves week-long to 8-day field hitches, camping in remote settings and full 8-10hr. field days, driving and hiking to field sites, collection of data using tablets, and detailed completion of field forms. The technician will conduct surveys, record data, and provide data to the CO Natural Heritage Program during the term of employment. Work is subject to funding availability and Program needs. Hours are variable, up to 40 hrs./wk.
The Plant Ecology Technician may be required to make decisions on the best way to evaluate and utilize natural history, biological, botanical, and ecological data from various sources. The Plant Ecology Technician will decide when to problem-solve independently and when to see more information from project staff and/or CNHP team lead staff.
The Botany Technician may be required to make decisions on scope, prioritization, and safe execution on field work with no oversight but following a detailed protocol and instruction during field work. The position will independently make complex decisions as part of performing their job, both independently and with the support of their supervisor or more senior staff.
Working with more senior staff, the Plant Ecology Technician may be responsible for checking the quality and completeness of data collected in the field on paper forms or via electronic data capture platforms on tablets. They may work with the Botany/Vegetation Ecology Team project leads to assist in the development of necessary training and resources for technicians and field crews. They will also assist in finalizing protocols and data capture systems for new or emerging projects.
Position Minimum Qualifications
Ability to identify western flora including common and rare species native to Colorado and surrounding states is required. Ability to recognize and identify exotic invasive species is required.
Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, conservation, environmental science, or related field required.
Experience conducting field work to collect botanical and/or ecological data is required.
The ability to work in challenging field conditions, walk across uneven terrain, and stand, sit or stoop for extended periods are required. The ability to hike and navigate to field sites is required.
Experience with field navigation, GIS use, navigation apps, and topographic maps required.
Experience with ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro and ability to make maps is required.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Successful candidates must possess working knowledge of tools, equipment, procedures, and methods necessary to survey for and map natural plant communities and rare plant populations, possess excellent communication skills, excellent attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team.
The ability to plan and carry out field surveys, including locating specific habitats and survey sites, is required.
Experience driving 4X4 vehicles on rough roads and camping in remote locations.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with natural community classification is preferred.
Completed bachelor’s degree botany, ecology, natural resources, conservation, environmental science, or related field is preferred.
Experience working in habitats like the study areas including the Rocky Mountains and/or Great Plains is preferred.
Familiarity or experience with NatureServe-Core Methodology is preferred.
Familiarity or experience with the development of ArcGIS FieldMaps projects and/or Survey 123 forms is preferred.
Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices is preferred.
Posting Details
Working TitlePlant Ecology Technician
Posting Number202400198T
DepartmentColorado Natural Heritage Program
Salary Range$18-23/hour depending on experience and/or education
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 todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , 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 (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/) .
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Close Date06/10/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, email your 1) Cover letter, 2) Resume, and 3) List of References tobrenda.wichmann@colostate.edu. Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.
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. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) 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 theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
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 CategoryPlanning and Coordination/Communication
Duty/Responsibility
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 for areas across Colorado and surrounding states. Prepare electronic data collection forms. Request and secure permission/permits to access survey sites on public and private land. Communicate with team staff and project partners/sponsors.
Percentage Of Time25
Job Duty CategoryField Data Collection
Duty/Responsibility
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.
Percentage Of Time60
Job Duty CategoryTraining
Duty/Responsibility
Participate in project-specific training, wilderness first aid training, and cultural competency training.
Percentage Of Time5
Job Duty CategoryData Management and Documentation
Duty/Responsibility
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).
Percentage Of Time10
References
Minimum References Required3
Maximum References Required3
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Optional Documents
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