Title: Botany/Vegetation Ecology Field Technician

Position Type: Full-time, Temporary

Number of Positions: 1 - 3 in total

Work Location: Based in Fort Collins, CO with extensive statewide travel required

Pay Rate: $18.00 - $23.00/hour, depending on experience

Benefits: Per diem of $60.00/day when traveling beyond base location; health insurance, overtime pay, retirement, and paid sick leave provided. Duration: April 10, 2024 – October 20, 2024 (dates are approximate)

Position Summary

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) of Colorado State University seeks a Technician to support projects for the Botany/Vegetation Ecology Team.

The CNHP Botany/Vegetation Ecology Team supports Colorado’s native plant species and native plant communities through rare plant inventories and population monitoring, weed mapping, vegetation sampling and mapping, ecological restoration, rare species distribution modeling, and curating information on plant species and native plant communities in CNHP’s centralized database (BIOTICS). CNHP is Colorado’s primary biological conservation information center housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU and is a key player in Colorado’s conservation of open lands and a member of the NatureServe Network. CNHP serves a wide variety of users including federal, state, and local agencies, consultants, environmental groups, non-government organizations, private landowners, and the public.

This is a very hands-on position which will assist staff primarily with weed mapping and manual treatment; however, other projects may include native plant material collection, rare plant and vegetation inventories, rare plant monitoring, and vegetation plot sampling. The position requires extensive and frequent travel throughout the state of Colorado and may also include travel to field sites in Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and/or Kansas. The field work involves week-long to 8-day field hitches, camping in remote settings and full field days, driving and hiking to field sites, collection of data using tablets, and detailed completion of field forms. The position prefers prior experience with collecting botanical and ecological field data. A valid driver’s license is required, as is the ability to hike and navigate to field sites. The position will be supervised by permanent staff on the CNHP Botany/Vegetation Ecology Team and may also help other teams at CNHP with vegetation related activities.

At CNHP, our work is not just guided by projects; it is rooted in our values. We are committed to diversity, fostering respect for all people, cultures, and communities. We believe in building a team that mirrors the diversity of the places we serve, recognizing the richness that diverse talents, experiences, and skills bring to the table. We understand that life experiences matter as much as professional qualifications. Your unique contributions are valued here.

If you are passionate about conservation and making a positive impact, we encourage you to apply. Join the CNHP Botany/Vegetation Ecology Team and play a pivotal role in preserving our natural landscapes! We can't wait to hear from you!

Responsibilities/Duties

1. Conduct botanical and ecological field work on projects, including weed mapping and manual weed treatment, native plant material collection, rare plant and vegetation inventory, rare plant monitoring, and other tasks.

2. Using GPS and provided maps, drive to and from sites and navigate to plot locations via paved roads, dirt roads, hiking trails, and off-trail travel. Travel will often be through dense vegetation and over long distances in various temperatures and weather conditions.

3. Using Survey123 and Field Maps, work with field crew leaders to collect biological and spatial data, including identification of plant species, counts of plants to obtain plant population abundance, assessment of condition, phenology, and habitat type, description of soils and hydrology, and landscape context following CNHP methodologies. Collect seeds and reference herbarium specimens where suitable. Ensure accurate data recording and collection of native plant material. Follow safety protocols using proper documentation, consistent communication, and field awareness.

4. Assist with pre-field logistics and planning, survey site identification using spatial analysis software, data collection preparation, creation of Field Maps projects and Survey123 data collection forms and securing permission/permits to access survey sites on public and private land.

5. Assist with the management, quality assurance, and reporting of field-collected data and prepare field data for incorporation into BIOTICS database.

Required Qualifications

1. Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field.

2. Ability to work both independently and with a team of diverse individuals, to maintain effective working relationships, and be self-motivated. 

3. The ability to organize, manage time, and problem-solve; ability to handle complex tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.  4. Strong oral and written communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

5. Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and/or field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and/or knowledge of western flora.  

6. 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.).  

7. 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.  8. A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

1. A completed bachelor’s degree (or expectation of a completed degree by May 2024) in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or a related field. 

2. Experience collecting scientific data related to vegetation sampling, plant population abundance, plant identification, plant phenology, and/or habitat assessment. 

3. Experience working in habitats like the study areas including the Rocky Mountains and/or Great Plains. 

4. Experience weed mapping and conducting manual weed treatments and knowledge of weed mapping techniques and weed species of Colorado.

5. Familiarity or experience with Natural Heritage Methodology.

6. Experience working on a field crew.  

7. Experience with field navigation with a GPS unit or a tablet, field navigation apps, and a topographic map.  

8. Experience with ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, development of Field Maps projects or Survey123 forms, and map making. 

9. Experience driving 4x4 vehicles on rough roads and camping in remote locations.  

10. Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices.

Application Instructions

To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and three references (please include phone number and email contact information for references) to Jessica Cheadle at jcheadle@colostate.edu. Please mention how you found the position and please include the full position title in the email subject line. If you are interested in any other positions we are hiring for this summer, please include the names of those positions in your email. There is no need to apply to each separately!

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but for first consideration, apply by February 2nd, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled or until March 31, 2024, whichever comes first.

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