Job Description

Position Summary

The employee will work with their supervisor and other team members in the Restoration Ecology Lab to implement rangeland monitoring at National Park Service (NPS) grazing allotments in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. Responsible for coordinating travel and logistics with other crew members and NPS contacts and inventorying and organizing field research equipment, and conducting field data collection. Crew leader will additionally be responsible for leading a monitoring crew of 2-3 technicians in the field. Employee will support other Restoration Ecology Lab research projects as necessary but will primarily be tasked with coordinating and implementing NPS rangeland monitoring projects. The position is expected to start in May 2026 and last for approximately four months, with the possibility of extension based on funding and need. The selected candidate will be expected to work 30-40 hours/week.

The position will require camping and working in remote locations with limited connectivity for 5-7 days at a time. The selected candidate is expected to supply their own personal camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, etc.), but crew will have access to a shared camp kitchen to prepare meals. Employee will receive per diem ($40/day) while camping in the field.

1. Full Consideration Date

February 20, 2026

2. Signing Bonus

None

3. Brief Work Unit Description

Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship (https://warnercnr.colostate.edu/frs/)

Essential Job Duties

• Coordinating travel and logistics for field monitoring activities with other crew members and NPS staff (crew leader).

• Ability to travel for 5-7 day work trips to NPS units in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona.  

• Working with supervisor to procure, organize, and maintain field equipment to support field monitoring activities.

• Conduct and/or lead (crew leader) field monitoring crew of 2-3 technicians to ensure timely completion of field monitoring and data collection activities.

• Oversee data entry and checking.

Conditions of Employment

• Required to complete background check.

• Must have or obtain valid driver's license prior to start date.

Supervision

• Supervision will be required if candidate is hired as a crew leader, but not for technicians.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work independently or collaboratively with others, as part of a team.

• Ability to work in strenuous and challenging environmental conditions such as inclement weather and meet daily work requirements (hiking up to 3 miles, repeatedly lifting up to 40 pounds, installing steel fence posts).

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license prior to the position start date.  

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Previous experience conducting field vegetation research.

• Previous experience supervising a field crew in remote work locations (crew leader).

• Experience safely operating a 4WD vehicle on rough dirt/gravel roads in remote locations.

• Detail-oriented and self-motivated.

• Capable and experienced using ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel.

• Strong desire to work in rangeland management or conduct rangeland management research. 

Application Instructions

To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references to [email protected]. Please indicate whether you are applying to be a crew leader, technician, or either in your cover letter.

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

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• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

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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.