Colorado State University

Description of Work Unit

The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University is interdisciplinary with programs of emphasis in forestry, fire science, fire management, natural resource policy/planning, rangeland ecology, and restoration ecology. The Department’s faculty and staff support the Warner College of Natural Resources (WCNR) and the University in fulfilling the Land Grant Mission in these programmatic areas. The Department offers undergraduate majors in Forestry, Rangeland Ecology, and Natural Resources Management in addition to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, and a Master’s in Natural Resource Stewardship degree. The Warner College is home to five academic departments and several centers and institutes such as the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, the WESTFIRE Research Center, the Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. These programs, institutes and centers provide a foundation for research, education and outreach in this field.

Specifically, the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute is a Congressionally-authorized program within the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University with the mission to develop, compile, synthesize, and apply locally-relevant science-based knowledge to achieve forest restoration and wildfire mitigation goals.

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.

Position Summary

The Colorado Forest Restoration Institute at Colorado State University is hiring experienced research and monitoring field technicians (Temporary Administrative Professional) to assist with field data collection and management in support of our research and monitoring field studies. These are full-time positions from April through September 2025, with potential for extension dependent upon funding. Senior technicians assist crew leaders working with 2-4 technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality data collection while operating in backcountry forest landscapes. Crews work 10-hour field days, frequently traveling overnight for 4-day or 8-day trips to lodge near field sites. Benefits include competitive health insurance options and per diem when traveling.

Required Job Qualifications

• B.S. in Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field of study and demonstration of 1+ seasons of related field experience, or M.S. degree in a related field of study.
• Coursework and/or experience measuring trees and forest characteristics, fuels, herbaceous vegetation, and working outdoors.
• Ability to transport a 30+ pound pack while hiking off-trail up to 5 miles on rough terrain at 5,000-12,000 feet in elevation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• One or more seasons of experience working with CFRI as a technician to implement diverse ecological, forestry, and fuels field sampling methods, and knowledge of sampling equipment, procedures and QA/QC protocols.
• Experience safely conducting fieldwork in remote locations, preferably in Colorado or dry western forests, including navigating across arduous terrain with topographic maps, compass, and GPS technology, working in adverse conditions, and with frequent travel and unusual schedules. First-aid and CPR certification, wilderness first aid, or similar advanced certification desired.
• Demonstrated proficiency identifying vascular plants. Experience with Rocky Mountain flora desired.
• Basic proficiency using ArcGIS software to create maps.
• Experience with data entry and data QA/QC protocols to support ecological and forestry research. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel highly preferred, familiarity with ArcPro and R also desired.
• High-quality oral and written communication skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to implement inclusion practices for effective communication across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff, and stakeholders outside the university setting.

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.