COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY is hiring for a FULL TIME WETLAND ECOLOGIST in FORT COLLINS, CO.
Position Summary
The Wetland Ecologist RA II will work within CNHP’s Wetland Ecology Team on all aspects of wetland condition assessment projects in Colorado. This includes pre-field season logistics and planning, securing permission to access survey sites on public and private land, preparing field maps in ArcGIS, and preparing field supplies. Work during the summer field season will depend on the scale of each year’s projects. If a large field crew is required, the position may involve acting as field crew manager, coordinating the work of temporary field technicians and communicating with the Wetland Ecology Team Lead. For smaller-scale projects, the position may involve actively collecting field data on wetland condition. The field work involves extensive collection of wetland vegetation, soil, and environmental data, and identification of plant species and natural communities. This position requires some travel and long days in the field.
Post-field season activities include QC’ing field collected data, identifying collected plant specimens, entering field data or working with interns and work studies to enter data, and working with the Wetland Ecology Team Lead or other CNHP staff on data analysis and report writing. The position requires proficiency in scientific report writing, as well as use of Microsoft Office programs, statistical analysis programs, and ESRI ArcGIS programs. The Wetland Ecology Research Associate will assist with proposal writing, field staff hiring, field trainings, project reporting, and supporting other wetland related inventory projects as needed. This position is supervised by the CNHP Wetland Ecology Team Lead and is a member of CNHP’s Wetland Ecology Team.
Required Job Qualifications
- B.S. or B.A. degree in ecology, botany, watershed science, natural resources, range management, forestry, or related field.
- Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in these environments.
- Three years of experience collecting and analyzing scientific data. This should include at least four field seasons and two years of year-round data collection and analysis.
- Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides and familiarity with the major angiosperm plant families. Experience with vegetation sampling techniques.
- Experience collecting, interpreting, and describing environmental data, such as soils, geology, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
- 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.
- Experience interpreting aerial photography (e.g., Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS.
- Experience with MS Excel, MS Word, and MS Access. Experience with ArcGIS and associated mapping applications.
- 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 or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
- M.S. degree in ecology, botany, watershed science, natural resources, range management, forestry, or related field.
- Knowledge and direct experience working with Colorado flora.
- Experience working in the Rocky Mountain and/or Intermountain West preferred.
- Experience or familiarity with wetland assessment techniques.
- Experience conducting wetland delineations.
- Experience with Survey123 and/or other electronic data capture platforms.
- Experience with various statistical analysis software (PC-ORD, R, SPSS, SAS).
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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 an equal opportunity/equal access/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.
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. 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, at the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
**APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than March 29, 2020 for full consideration at jobs.colostate.edu. 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 birthdates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
1) Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
2) Resume
3) References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor.
References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.