Natural Resources Technician

A Natural Resources Technician (Temporary Research Associate I) position is available with CEMML. This is a temporary, full-time appointment located at Luke Air Force Base (LAFB) and Barry M. Goldwater Range East (BMGR East). LAFB is a United States (U.S.) military installation located in Glendale, Arizona, approximately 9 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona. LAFB also oversees operations at Auxiliary Field 1 (AUX-1; located 13 miles northwest of Luke AFB) and Fort Tuthill Recreation Area (FTRA; located 2 miles south of Flagstaff, Arizona). BMGR East is a U.S. military installation located 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, AZ. Predominant military practices on LAFB and BMGR East consist of flight training, however, practices on BMGR East also include tactical and weapons training. 

A Natural Resources Technician (hereafter technician) with experience monitoring flora and fauna is needed to conduct invasive plant species and bird surveys on LAFB and BMGR East lands, respectively.  Invasive species work will take place on LAFB, Aux-1, and FTRA. The technician will use visual survey techniques to identify invasive plants to the species level and document the location and severity of each infestation. The technician will use GPS enabled tablets to map infestations and record other relevant survey data. Common invasive species that could be encountered during surveys include, but are not limited to: stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum), Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii), tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), knapweed (Centaurea spp.), and common mullein (Verbascum thapsus). The technician will also have opportunity to assist with a study examining the effects of mechanical treatments for stinknet control. Duties associated with this effort include installing study plots, assisting with mulching and surface scraping efforts, and performing post-treatment surveys.  Bird work will take place on BMGR East. The technician will conduct point count surveys and time/area constrained searches for migrating and breeding bird species in the Sonoran desert. Special attention will be made to detecting high-interest species such as the Bendire’s thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei), LeConte’s thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei), and loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). Duties associated with this effort include identifying birds visually and by song/call, estimating distances to detected birds, nest searching, and conducting a brief habitat survey. Other duties involve early wake-ups; driving on uneven, sometimes treacherous terrain; hiking long distances in remote, hot locations; and data entry and management.  

Beginning Monday, August 16, 2021, Colorado State University has mandated vaccinations against COVID-19. Faculty and staff are required to submit their vaccine status or declare an exemption. More information about the vaccination mandate can be found on the CSU COVID-19 Information & Resources site here, https://covid.colostate.edu/pandemic-preparedness-team-broad-guidance-for-all-summer-and-fall-2021-activities/. 
 

Required Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Botany, Natural Resources, or another relevant discipline 

Prior experience conducting breeding bird surveys 

Prior experience conducting invasive species surveys 

Ability to identify common/dominant Arizona native plant species and common invasive plant species 

Ability to work safely with hand tools such as shovels, rakes, hammers, etc., and lift up to 40lbs. 

Ability to walk long distances and stay focused and goal-driven in harsh environmental conditions (hot, dry) 

Experience navigating and collecting data using GPS-enabled devices.

Strong observational skills in regards to data collection and management  

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; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position

Preferred Job Qualifications

At least two years of experience conducting bird surveys targeting Sonoran desert species 

Experience surveying for and mapping invasive plant species 

Experience with basic vegetation monitoring techniques such as percent cover estimation and repeat photography 

Experience with field data collection using ESRI mobile technology including Collector and Survey123. 

Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on treacherous, uneven roads 

Prior experience working on military installations

For further details and how to apply: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/97107