Full job description: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/158146  
Apply by date: 03/09/2025
Salary Range: $55,700-$62,000

Position Summary:    
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) at Colorado State University (CSU) is seeking a Wetland Ecologist / Crew Manager to manage data collection for wetland monitoring projects in Colorado and Wyoming under the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s Riparian & Wetland (R&W) Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Program. The R&W AIM Field Protocol involves collecting data on vegetation, soils, hydrology, water quality, and human disturbances.

Standard duties will involve interviewing, hiring, and supervising hourly field technicians; planning logistics for multi-day field hitches; assisting with field training; reviewing detailed field forms to check for errors; and communication with project partners. The position involves occasional travel throughout multiple states, camping in remote settings, and long field days. However, field time will be balanced with time in the office for coordination, data review, and project management. The position requires experience with field ecology specific to wetland environments and experience working with the BLM AIM program. Experience working in the Rocky Mountain and/or Intermountain West is preferred. A valid driver’s license for travel between sites is required, as is the ability to hike and navigate to field sites.

The position may assist with proposal writing, budget management, data analysis, and annual project reporting, as needed. The position requires proficiency in scientific report writing, as well as the use of Microsoft Office programs and ESRI ArcGIS programs. This position is supervised by the CNHP Wetland Team Lead and is a member of CNHP’s Wetland Team.

The position will be located on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, CO. The position can be either full-time in-person or part-time in-person/part-time remote. Fully remote work is not an option. The position must be based in Colorado and be able to work from the CNHP offices at CSU two or three times a week throughout the year. CNHP provides a flexible work environment to support work-life balance with excellent benefits and CSU is dedicated to taking care of faculty and staff by providing a wide range of benefits that promote health, financial security, and overall well-being. The University also offers many perks to eligible employees – from educational benefits and work-life programs to discounts and deals.

CNHP is interested in finding the best candidate for the Wetland Ecologist position. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications – use your application to let us know what excites you about this role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related professional experience; OR recent M.S. degree.
• Four field seasons (typically April-September) of experience collecting scientific data.
• Two field seasons of experience working with the BLM AIM Program or other large-scale data collection program.
• Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in these environments.
• Experience interpreting aerial photography (e.g., Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS.
• Experience with ArcGIS and associated mapping applications.
• Willingness to initiate contacts with private landowners and State and Federal Agencies with a professional demeanor that will facilitate this contact.
• 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.
• 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 by the employment start date.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CNHP will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Employee Benefits: 
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/  & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/. 

Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates.

CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer.