COLORADO NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM Position Announcement: TITLE: Wetland Ecology and Botany Field POSITION: Technicians / Project Leads Temporary Research Associate I / II - Open Pool NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 2-8 (temporary) WORK LOCATIONS: Statewide Colorado PAY RATE: $1800 - $3000/month DURATION: 2-8 months (approx. April –December 2009)
Summary of All Positions: The Colorado Natural Heritage Program seeks experienced field technicians and project leads for summer field projects in wetland ecology and botany. All projects require field botany or field ecology skills. Knowledge of plant taxonomy and species identification required. Experience in wetland ecology and identifying Colorado flora preferred. Specific positions available include: Wetland Ecology Project Lead and Technicians for Wetland Condition Assessment Projects (Rio Grande Headwaters, North Platte River, and additional locations statewide) • Project Lead will aid the Principal Investigator with pre-field season logistics and planning, such as assisting with the random sample survey design, securing permission to access survey sites on private land, preparing field maps in ArcGIS 9.2, preparing field supplies, etc. During the field season, the Project Lead will work with field technicians to carry out the tasks listed below and will be the point of contact between the Principal Investigator and the field team. Project Lead will begin in April 2009. • Field Technicians will be responsible for collecting data in wetlands within several locations across the state (Rio Grande Headwaters basin, North Platte River basin, and additional locations) as part of three separate wetland condition assessment projects. Data will be collected using both rapid assessment protocols (Floristic Quality Assessment and Ecological Integrity Assessment) and more in-depth vegetation surveys (Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity). Fieldwork will involve extensive collection of vegetation, soil, and environmental data, and detailed completion of field survey forms. Successful applicants will navigate to randomly selected wetlands, both in remote areas that require multi-day backcounty trips and in agricultural areas such as the San Luis Valley and North Park. Field Technicians will begin in June 2009. Wetland Ecology Project Lead and Field Technicians for Gilpin and Jackson County Surveys • Project Lead will direct a survey of wetland natural communities in Gilpin County. The project involves working with stakeholders, targeting wetlands of interest throughout the county, securing permission for access from landowners, conducting surveys and documenting findings, and analyzing collected data and developing the project report. The project lead is responsible for managing field technicians, field equipment, and other project resources for successful completion of the fieldwork. The fieldwork involves extensive collection of vegetation, soil, and environmental data, identifying plant species, and completion of field survey forms. This position will require knowledge of Colorado flora and ability to use GPS and GIS tools. Willingness to travel extensively during field season, work unusual schedules, live in rustic conditions and backpack into remote areas of Colorado are to be expected. Project Lead will begin April 2009. • Field Technicians will be responsible for assisting the Project Lead in all of the above duties. Technician positions are available for both the Gilpin County Survey and a separate Jackson County Survey. Field Technicians will begin in June 2009. Duties Wetland Condition Assessment Projects 1. Assist Principal Investigator with random sample survey design for selecting target wetland sites. 2. Prepare field maps in ArcGIS 9.2 and plan logistics for 7–10 days work sessions. 3. Determine land ownership of targeted wetlands and (if on private land) obtain permission to collect data from property. 4. Using GPS and provided maps, navigate to plot locations via paved roads, dirt roads, trails, and off-trail. 5. Collect data on vegetation, soils, hydrology, and landscape setting following predefined wetland condition assessment methodologies. Requires ability to reliably identify plants and plant communities within Rocky Mountain wetlands and riparian areas. 6. Collect and prepare plant specimens for verification and long term storage in a regional herbarium. 7. Enter and maintain data in electronic formats (databases, spreadsheets, GPS, GIS). 8. Other duties as needed. Gilpin and Jackson County Survey 1. Identify Targeted Inventory Areas (TIA’s) that contain wetlands of interest in Gilpin County. 2. Form Stakeholders Committee. 3. Inventory TIAs to identify rare species and ecological community occurrences. 4. Work with land owners to access and inventory private lands. 5. Use maps, GPS, and GIS tools for orienteering and documentation of occurrences. 6. Map occurrences using maps and/or a field PDA with integrated GPS and GIS. 7. Use computers to review and record data. 8. Record, manage, and archive data on paper and electronic files. 9. Travel by foot, backpack, or motorized vehicles in remote rugged terrain. 10. Process and analyze collected data and develop project reports. Qualifications For All Positions: B.S. or M.S. degree in botany or ecology, natural resources, range management, forestry, or related field, or 3 years equivalent field experience required; 1. Knowledge of dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, and the major angiosperm plant families required. 2. Willingness to travel extensively during field season, work unusual schedules (up to 10 consecutive days), backpack, car camp, and live in rustic conditions for extended periods in remote areas of Colorado required. 3. Good physical condition and ability to work long hours in the field required. 4. Careful attention to detail required. 5. Comfort and familiarity with the use of computers required. 6. Experience with aerial photograph and topographic map interpretation preferred. 7. Experience or familiarity with the use of GPS preferred. 8. Knowledge of Colorado flora preferred. 9. Experience working in wetlands and knowledge of wetland ecology preferred. 10. Experience with species identification and vegetation sampling techniques preferred. 11. Experience with vegetation community classification or habitat typing preferred. 12. Experience with soil sampling and soil taxonomy preferred. 13. Experience in Natural Heritage Methodology preferred. 14. Demonstrated interest in, and enthusiasm for, conservation preferred. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ POSITION(S) WILL REMAIN OPEN AND WILL BE FILLED AS SUITABLE APPLICANTS ARE FOUND. APPLICANTS FOR THE PROJECT LEAD POSITIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY EARLY. RESUME, COVER LETTER, AND 3 REFERENCES (WITH PHONE NUMBERS) MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5PM MARCH 31, 2009, TO: Ecology and Botany Field Technician(s) Colorado Natural Heritage Program 8002 Campus Mail Colorado State University Ft. Collins, CO 80523-8002 Or, preferably, by email as an attachment to: [email protected] (Please indicate which project(s) interest you) HIRING IS CONTINGENT ON FINAL APPROVAL OF FUNDING Announcement will remain open until all positions are filled. Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements in all programs. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in 101 Student Services Building. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and so identify themselves.
