Vegetation Technician

Job Summary

The Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research group is looking for a summer vegetation technician to assist with vegetation surveys, plant biomass harvests and general plot maintenance in long-term experimental plots in the alpine tundra at our research site on Niwot Ridge.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Niwot Ridge LTER i s an integrated research project with the goal of understanding ecological processes in high-elevation mountain ecosystems. Mountain ecosystems – where high topographic relief means habitat can vary greatly over short distances, and seemingly small changes in temperature will transform snowfall into rain- are among the most vulnerable to climate change. The Niwot Ridge LTER seeks to better understand how climate change leads to ecological change, and we need your help!

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Most of the work will be done outdoors, in the alpine tundra, and much will require accurate plant species identification in plots from a range of long-term projects established to detect and document changes in alpine vegetation in response to various and changing climatic conditions.
• Some work will also be done in the laboratory and entering data.
• Driving the field work suburban on 4WD Forest Service roads, and between the University of Colorado’s East Campus and the Mountain Research Station in Nederland may be part of the position.

What You Should Know

• The position is based at the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station, north of Nederland, CO at 818 County Road 116. Field sites range in elevation from 9,500 feet at the Mountain Research Station, to over 12,000 feet at some of our higher elevation sites. Transportation via a shared university vehicle may be available from Boulder to the Mountain Research Station.
• Work will be primarily outdoor for 36-40 hours per week from mid-June through late-August. After August there will also be the opportunity to continue working temporarily for a limited number of hours each week entering data.
• All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement. New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.

What We Can Offer

The hiring range for this part-time appointment is $17.50 - $18.00 per hour.

Benefits
Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave .

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Please note that while this position details both required and desired skills and experience, applicants do not need to have the desired skills and experience to be considered. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work and some experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We provide on-the-job training for skills and knowledge relevant to the position.

• Strong interest in plant identification and botany, plant ecology or similar plant fields.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Enjoy being and working all day in an outdoor setting.
• The ability to hike 2-8 miles during the day at high elevation (10,000 to 12,000 feet) with a full backpack over rough and changing terrain.
• The desire to work as part of a team to achieve goals even in challenging conditions (rain, wind, cold temperatures).

What We Would Like You to Have

• Knowledge of local alpine plant species.
• Experience with plant identification using field guides and keys.
• Previous fieldwork experience.
• The ability to serve as a shuttle (Suburban) driver between CU east campus and the Mountain Research station at least 2 days a week and to drive 4wd vehicles on Forest Service roads.
• The ability to work on multiple projects both as part of a team, and independently to achieve goals and solve problems as they arise in the field.
• Flexibility to rearrange priorities and expectations as changing weather conditions or resources require.
• Demonstrated ability to self-motivate and help keep your team motivated when challenges arise.
• The ability to remain organized and focused amidst a variety of tasks, and creatively solve problems in the field as they arise.
• Knowledge of back country travel and safety practices, or willingness to learn, including CPR, Basic and/or Wilderness First Aid
• The ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A resume or CV, outlining education and relevant work or volunteer experience.
   • Please include contact information for at least two professional references
2. A brief cover letter with answers to the following application questions:
   • Why are you interested in this position? Why do you think you would be a good fit for this job? What will you bring to the job that other applicants may not?
   • Describe any relevant experience you have through, e.g., jobs, volunteering, course work, outdoor recreation, and any outdoor safety certifications (wilderness first aid, CPR, etc.).
   • Are you capable of performing a physically demanding job and working outdoors at a high elevation in an environment where there is lots of sun exposure and often cold, windy, stormy weather?
   • The Niwot Ridge LTER is dedicated to supporting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific communities. Please describe how you, based on your personal background and life experiences (including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges) will contribute to this mission during your time at Niwot Ridge (200 words or less).
   • Are you available to work starting June 12 through August 25 or September 1?
   • Would you be interested in continuing to work part-time after August 25 on entering data?
   • Are you able to drive the Suburban-type shuttle vehicle between Boulder and the Mountain Research Station in Nederland at least two days a week?
   • Where did you hear about this job?

Please apply by April 9th, 2023 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.


Select here for additional information regarding Classified Staff positions: https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/special-instructions-classified-staff-applicants

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu