ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors System-wide Grasslands.

• Prepares for monitoring by assembling field equipment creating maps and monitoring documents and relocating and marking historic monitoring sites.

• Conducts quantitative monitoring of grassland vegetation composition following established protocols.

• Uses ArcGIS field apps and mobile data collection software to navigate to sites meticulously record review and manage data and photographs and assist with plant identification.

• Engages in additional monitoring and vegetation stewardship tasks.

• Works collaboratively with other ecological services work groups if time allows.

• Supports OSMPs native seed program by scouting for collection sites processing collected seed inventorying seed preparing seed mixes co-leading seed collections and maintaining the seed storage facility.

• Monitors forest understory vegetation and tallgrass vegetation in long-term plots.

• Conducts photographic vegetation and/or soil monitoring to inform management of rare plants and sensitive habitats nonnative invasive species and tilled/untilled grassland sites where prairie dogs will be removed or relocated.

• Mounts and labels collected plants for OSMPs herbarium.

• Assists in ecological restoration projects through collection and potting up of dormant woody plant materials seeding planting fence repair and watering.

• Controls invasive weeds using weed whipping cutting or hand pulling.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work independently and safely in the field.

• Ability to perform work with high level of attention to detail and accuracy to follow detailed field monitoring protocols and to meticulously organize and maintain data and equipment.

• Ability to maintain accurate records of progress status and concerns.

• Knowledge of ecological principles and data collection and analyses frameworks.

• Knowledge of computer software preferably using Microsoft Office (Excel Word Outlook PowerPoint and Access).

• Valid drivers license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.

• Have and maintain acceptable background information including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work independently during unscheduled time periods from a list of ongoing projects.

• Ability to demonstrate experience or training supporting native seed programs.

• Ability to demonstrate experience in plant identification and/or vegetation monitoring or mapping.

• Ability to demonstrate experience operating trucks trailers and mechanized vegetation management equipment (e.g. chainsaws tractors).

• Ability to demonstrate experience with data entry and data management QA/QC and basic statistical analyses skills.

• Ability to express ideas effectively and organize and deliver information appropriately.

• Ability to judge weather conditions.

• Ability to read and interpret maps and aerial photos and to navigate using a compass and GPS.

• Ability to regularly track and communicate work progress and challenges.

• Ability to practice active listening and open to the ideas of colleagues and customers.

• Ability to use time effectively and efficiently; concentrate efforts on the more important priorities seeking supervisor input when needed; get more done in less time than others.

• Knowledge of and/or interest in climate change impacts on ecosystems and/or experience working on climate change field experiments.

• Knowledge of Colorado Front Range wildfire regimes fuel types ecosystems and flora.

• Ability to learn and comply with department and program safety policies including using proper safety precautions and equipment in the field and acting accordingly to prevent and report accidents and injuries.

• Skills in ArcGIS software preferably with ArcGIS Online ArcMap and ArcGIS field apps.

• Skills in excellent verbal and written communication.

• Bachelors Degree in Natural Resource Management Ecology Restoration Ecology Botany Geography Environmental Studies or related degree or Bachelors degree in another field and at least 2 years of specialized field experience conducting natural resource inventories research or monitoring or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Current Red Cross or equivalent certifications in CPR and First Aid.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma GED or equivalent

• At least one (1) year of work experience in ecology preferably within natural resources.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Sr. Ecologist (Science Policy and Research).

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to observe detailed plant characteristics up-close and to review evaluate and prepare a variety of written and electronic documents. Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate hand-held electronic equipment in the field and computer equipment and other office equipment. Physical ability to stand bend walk and kneel for long periods of time under a variety of weather conditions. Ability to carry up to 40 pounds while hiking on rough terrain.

• Work Environment: Flexibility to work early morning hours. Work schedules are typically 8-10 hours per day Monday to Thursday with occasional work required on Fridays or weekends. Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g. rattlesnakes mountain lions stinging insects) toxic plants or chemicals (e.g. pesticides) and dangerous weather conditions (e.g. heat cold extreme wind lightning).

• Machines and Equipment Used: Technician may be asked to use a personal vehicle for this work and if required to use personal vehicle will be reimbursed for mileage.