Colorado State University

Description of Work Unit

CEMML is a research, education, and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU. CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on the Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and other CSU departments to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

Hurlburt Field is a United States Air Force installation located in Okaloosa County, Florida, immediately west of the town of Mary Esther. It is part of the greater Eglin Air Force Base reservation and is home to Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the 1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW), the USAF Special Operations School (USAFSOS) and the Air Combat Command’s (ACC) 505th Command and Control Wing. It was named for First Lieutenant Donald Wilson Hurlburt, who died in a crash at Eglin. The installation is nearly 6,700 acres (27 km2) and employs nearly 8,000 military personnel.

To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, please visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

Position Summary

• Are you ready to join a nationwide community of passionate conservation professionals?
• Do you want to gain the skills and experience needed to launch your conservation career?
• Are you interested in conserving the incredible natural and cultural resources on our nation’s military lands?

If so, the CEMML Early Career Development Program (ECDP) might be just what you are looking for!

Our program offers practical experience in fish and wildlife ecology, vegetation and habitat monitoring and management, restoration, environmental compliance, natural and cultural resources planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Ideal for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals. You’ll have the opportunity to earn college credits (and money!), connect with mentors, and build a valuable professional network. You’ll learn about federal land management while gaining real-world experience to advance your career in natural resources. Guided by experienced Resource Managers and Specialists, you’ll engage in hands-on environmental management projects, developing practical skills and enhancing your professional growth.

Paid, temporary positions are available with CSU CEMML at military installations across the United States and at CSUs main campus. These positions include internships, mentorships, and early career opportunities through CEMML’s ECDP. No military affiliation is required to apply.

Ready to take the next step in your conservation career? Join us and make a difference!

One Natural Resource Technician (Seasonal Worker) position is available with the Colorado State University (CSU) Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position will provide support to the natural resources program at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

The Natural Resource Technician will support the Hurlburt Field natural resources program through a wide variety of wildlife and habitat management projects. These will include, but not limited to

1) monitoring and trapping of the federally protected reticulated flatwoods salamander

2) trapping and removal of the invasive apple snail, and surveying specific locations to detect occurrence and estimate density

3) supporting the living shoreline development project by setting minnow traps and gathering baseline information to include in reports

4) gather information on ghost crabs that have been recently detected in areas outside of their typical habitat

5) coordinate community outreach events to support natural resources programs

The many wildlife and habitat monitoring and management, including data collection, data analysis, and reporting tasks associated with this position will provide excellent experience for those entering the field of natural resources.

Wildlife surveys may occur at irregular times and require long days in the field. Surveys may start as early as 3 am or as late as 8 pm, with potential for 12+-hour long days. Surveys are conducted in wetland areas, and there is a high likelihood to encounter snakes, alligators, and bears. As such, the successful candidate must be flexible, can thrive on an irregular schedule with early and/or late shifts, and the ability to work in harsh and uncomfortable conditions. The successful candidate will have times of working independently in remote outdoor locations in wetlands under varying weather conditions, working long hours, and working irregular hours at times when it relates to a project.

This position is through CEMML’s Early-career Development Program (ECDP). The intent of this program is to provide the successful applicant with exposure to careers in military lands management and natural resources work experience, under mentorship of natural resource managers and wildlife biologists at Hurlburt Field.

The ECDP does not provide housing or relocation stipend.

The positions, duration, and the associated projects vary by location. Each position provides unique projects and tasks to help students and recent graduates understand the roles of environmental staff and the methods they use support their programs and environments. ECDP technicians will have the opportunity to expand their skills in various disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Flora and fauna inventory
• Invasive species monitoring and management
• Threatened and endangered species monitoring
• Habitat restoration
• Erosion mitigation
• Forest inventory timber cruise
• Prescribed fire and wildland firefighting
• Outdoor recreation
• Community outreach, volunteer coordination, and public education
• Field-data collection, entry, and management using GPS, ArcGIS, and Excel

Curious to learn more? Head over to CEMML’s ECDP webpage (https://cemml.colostate.edu/ecdp) to explore the current openings and apply. Every position can be tailored into an internship, and our dedicated mentors are eager to help you fulfill your college program’s internship requirements. Don’t hesitate to apply to multiple positions if you qualify. New opportunities are posted regularly, so make sure to check back often and seize your chance to make a difference.

Required Job Qualifications

• Must have an interest in pursuing a career in federal lands management.
• Pursuing a B.S. in natural resources-, cultural resources-, ecosystem science-, or environmental policy-related field (at least a sophomore standing).
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for operating federal vehicles.
• Must be able to pass a federal background investigation to obtain a Department of Defense Installation Access Pass.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• We’d love to hear about your experience with the preferred qualifications listed below! Please also share any additional qualifications you believe make you a great fit for this position. Currently enrolled or holder of a Graduate Degree in natural resources-, biology-, or environmental science-related fields.
• Experience collecting field data and entering data in paper or digital forms.
• Experience using GPS equipment to collect field data.
• Experience flora and/or fauna monitoring or management (specify taxa/ecosystem/regions of prior experience).
• Experience performing habitat restoration or invasive species management.
• Experience with manual labor using powered tools and heavy equipment such as chainsaws, weed-eaters, mowers, tractors, ATVs/UTVs etc.
• Training and experience using GIS software.

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.