Job Description

This position focuses on collecting field measurements for a drought and grazing study on Buffalo Gap National Grassland in the Northern Great Plains as part of a five-person crew from May through September. The research study is designed to give land managers and scientists a better understanding of northern mixed-grass prairie plant responses to seasonal and extreme drought in the context of grazing. In support of this mission, the successful applicant will collect plant species composition, demography, and biomass data, as well as maintain mowing treatments and rainout shelter infrastructure. As a seasonal position, funding is available to support the position for 18 weeks starting in mid-May.  

Responsibilities/Duties:

Duties may include:

• Collects biological and vegetation specimens and samples. Is responsible for the accumulation, coding, transcription, and processing of information; edits and corrects records; and provides quality control of automatic data processing entries.
• Tabulates results and prepares graphs and charts according to instructions. Assists in the design of new plant projects.
• Lays out experimental plots by taking measurements and marking corners and boundaries.
• Uses botanical key to identify plants encountered during field trips or surveys of forest areas.
• Compiles and summarizes the vegetation types obtained from aerial and ground surveys including forest health monitoring, biological evaluations, and pilot tests conducted as part of the project.
• Participates and conducts a variety of field studies of native and non-native botanical species and their habitats. Collects data for use in habitat and species condition analyses.
• Collects survey/inventory data to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions, and factors affecting the vigor/extent of the species and their habitat. Keeps records of all data and produces maps of survey areas.
• Lays out monitoring plots by taking measurements and marking corners and boundaries.
• Compiles and summarizes the data obtained from surveys, inventories, biological evaluations, and monitoring. Uses computer systems and associated software for recording, organizing, storing, and analyzing data.
• Performs native plant, pollinators, and phenology surveys.
• Carries out pollinator habitat enhancement, tends restoration gardens and other ecological restoration duties such as planting, seed collection and cleaning, weeding, irrigation of past plantings, or native plant nursery work.
• Performs the full range of standard technical assignments consisting of a variety of tasks involving invasive non-native plant treatment, management, inventory, and monitoring.
• Assignments involve the performance of a series of basic related technical tasks, which must be completed according to a predetermined and established routine.

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

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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 for the finalist before a final offer. 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, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.