Colorado State University

Description of Work Unit

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on 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 within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

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

The Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC), Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, is the Marine Corps’ largest combined-arms, live-fire training facility, encompassing 1,102 square miles of mostly public lands in the Mojave Desert, California. MCAGCC’s significant natural resources are fundamental aspects of MCAGCC’s military training environment and are managed per MCAGCC’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). The Wildlife Biologist will work closely with the staff of the Conservation Branch of the Environmental Affairs Division, which is responsible for the long-term management of cultural and natural resources within MCAGCC.

Position Summary

A Wildlife Biologist position is available with Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands to be located at Twentynine Palms, CA.

The Wildlife Biologist will be responsible for implementing the Wildlife Rapid-Response Program at the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC), Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), in Twentynine Palms, CA. Duties include the following:

• Provide timely response to on-base calls of injured, trapped, or dangerous wildlife (e.g., snakes, desert tortoises, and birds). Remove wildlife and transport to on- or off- base veterinarian, or per other installation standard operating procedures. Develop educational and interpretive materials and perform outreach to on-base and contractor personnel to ensure on-base military personnel and contractors are aware of and follow such standard operating procedures.
• Implement desert tortoise clearance surveys for rapid-response tortoise clearances for facilities and training operation footprints. These rapid-response surveys require on-call personnel for routine or emergent small (e.g., 1 to 3 day) clearance efforts to detect desert tortoise sign, burrows, and individuals, and flag active tortoise burrows and relocate individuals likely to be impacted by base activities.
• Perform additional rapid reconnaissance as it relates to wildlife management on base (e.g., rare animal/plant sightings and verification and post rain event wildlife monitoring)
• Maintain GIS layers and conduct data management for the rapid response program, and ensure GIS layers are integrated into MCAGCC’s GIS Natural Resources database.
• Write periodic progress reports and annual reports; compile and analyze data and supporting information to document accomplishments and formulate recommendations

Required Job Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, natural resources management, ecology, or similar field of study
• Demonstrated ability to obtain Authorized Biologist status from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for clearance surveys and handling Agassiz’s desert tortoise. All offers for the Authorized Biologist position are contingent on USFWS approval. Unless the candidate currently holds Authorized Biologist status at MAGTFTC and MCAGCG, CEMML will facilitate candidates’ application for authorization to the Fish and Wildlife Service after an interview.
• At least two years of experience trapping and/or handling wildlife
• Commitment to humane handling of wildlife and educating the public to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Strong written and oral communication skills (English required, Spanish desirable but not required)
• 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; the Colorado State University will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Willing to receive a vaccination for rabies or booster shot if previously vaccinated
• Previous experience working on a DoD installation
• Current or former Authorized Biologist on one or more other projects
• Experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and/or Survey 123
• Experience analyzing biological data with statistical analysis software and using data to develop and produce technical reports
• Strong organizational skills, particularly in regard to managing field season logistics and data
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive work environment

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.