General Field Technician (14 weeks)

Job Summary

The Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project is hiring a general field technician for the summer of 2023. Come spend your summer working outdoors at our high-altitude research site above Boulder Colorado at the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station and gain experience in a wide variety of field research methods and data collection.
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

As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues including climate change. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global scales. INSTAAR’s research activities integrate field studies, state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, sample analysis, and numerical and laboratory modeling. Our field sites are located across all seven continents and the world's oceans.

The Niwot Ridge LTER is 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

• The General Field Technician position will involve working on several LTER research projects including alpine streamflow, snowpack, and snowmelt observations, plant and animal surveys, alpine lake sampling, soils monitoring, and meteorological instrument installation. Field work in May will entail working in mixed spring and winter alpine conditions, which may include high winds, snow, cold temperatures, and travel to remote locations with snowshoes, skis, or split board. The Niwot LTER will provide any necessary wintertime equipment and field gear for technicians to borrow as needed. Some laboratory and data entry work may be expected as well. 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

This 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 shared university vehicle may be available from Boulder to the Mountain Research Station.

The typical work week will average 36 to 40 hours, and the position runs May 15th through August 18th.

All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to align 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 the position details both required skills as well as desired skills and experience, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• The ability to hike or ski, split board, snowshoe 5-10 miles during the day at high altitude (10,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation) with a full backpack over rough and changing terrain.
• The desire to work as part of a team to achieve goals in challenging conditions (snow, rain, wind, cold temperatures).
• Previous background in, or strong interest in learning more about field research; particularly in topics such as alpine ecology, environmental science, botany, hydrology, climate, limnology.

What We Would Like You to Have

• The ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Previous fieldwork experience, or strong interest in fieldwork experience.
• Strong attention to detail.
• 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 serve as a shuttle (Suburban) driver between CU east campus and the Mountain Research station at least 2 days a week.
• The ability to drive 4WDd vehicles on rough, uneven terrain (Forest Service roads).

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV
2. Cover Letter that addresses the following:
   • Are you available to work from May 15th through August 18th, 2023?
   • Are you willing to drive a Suburban a minimum of two days per week from the University of Colorado Boulder’s East Campus to the Mountain Research Station in Nederland?
   • 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 experiences relevant to the position requirements (from previous jobs, volunteering, course work, other education experiences, outdoor recreation, etc.) you would like us to know about. List any outdoor safety certifications (such as First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, CPR, prior or current) or similar experience you would like us to know about.
   • The Niwot Ridge LTER is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the diversity of 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).
   • Where did you hear about this position?

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