Deadline: Mon, 04/25/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: Colorado Natural Heritage Program / CSU Job Field: Water and Soil Resources Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Colorado Location Detail: Fort Collins, CO Job Description: In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking experienced field technicians to collect wetland monitoring data through BLM’s new Riparian & Wetland Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Program. Successful applicants will be trained in the methods by Wetland Ecologists from CNHP and BLM’s National Operations Center and will spend the summer applying the protocol in wetlands and riparian areas on BLM lands throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Quantitative vegetation data will be collected using the line-point intercept (LPI) method. Additional data collection will include soils, hydrology, water quality, and surrounding land use. All technicians must be available for the weeklong training May 23-27 in Rawlins, WY. Three field teams of three technicians each (1 Lead Technician and 2 Field Technicians) will be hired. The teams will be stationed in Fort Collins, CO. Crews will spend 4 to 8 days in a row in the field, often camping away from their base location. The typical hitch schedule during the field season is 8 days on with 6 days off. All teams will travel extensively across their base state (CO or WY), collecting data in a wide variety of settings. All teams will have the opportunity to work with BLM Hydrologists, Aquatic Biologists, and Resource Specialists across the West. Lead Technician positions may start up to 3 weeks in advance of the field season (estimated start date is May 2) to plan field season logistics. The Lead Technician will be responsible for supporting and managing crew safety and wellbeing, coordinating field logistics and scheduling, managing the crew’s equipment, and completing administrative paperwork. Before, during, and after field data collection, the Lead Technician will be responsible for the organization and quality control of all data collected using iPad tablets and occasional paper forms. Qualifications: 1. Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field required for all positions. A completed B.S. degree is preferred for all positions and required for Lead Technicians. 2. Field experience collecting scientific data, specifically vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data required for all positions. Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas preferred. 3. Previous experience working on a BLM Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) crew, either Terrestrial or Aquatic AIM, preferred, especially for Lead Technicians. 4. Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of western flora and/or wetland species preferred (required for at least one member of each team). 5. Experience with aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS preferred for all positions and required for Lead Technicians. Experience with ArcGIS preferred for Lead Technicians, but not required. 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) required for all positions. 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 required for all positions. 8. Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms required for all positions. Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices preferred for all positions. 9. Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with BLM staff and private landowners required for all positions. 10. A valid driver’s license required for all positions. Experience driving 4x4 vehicles on rough roads preferred. 11. Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions. Salary: $16.00–$18.50, DOE Benefits: $42.50 per diem when travelling beyond base location. Per diem income is not taxed, so a typical per diem check per hitch is around $272-315, or about $545-630 per month. Health insurance and paid federal holidays also included. How to Apply: To apply email resume, cover letter, and three references (with phone number & email) to Alexa Armstrong at alexa.armstrong@colostate.edu. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for the Crew Lead position, Field Technician position, or both position types, and which state you would prefer to work in. In addition to Colorado and Wyoming, CNHP will also be managing crews in California and Utah. If interested, please see position descriptions here: https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcnhp.colostate.edu… Please note that you do not need to submit separate applications for each state.
To apply email resume, cover letter, and three references (with phone number & email) to Alexa Armstrong at alexa.armstrong@colostate.edu. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for the Crew Lead position, Field Technician position, or both position types, and which state you would prefer to work in. In addition to Colorado and Wyoming, CNHP will also be managing crews in California and Utah. If interested, please see position descriptions here: https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcnhp.colostate.edu… Please note that you do not need to submit separate applications for each state.
