Natural Resource Technician - Hurlburt Field, FL

One Natural Resource Technician (Seasonal Worker, Full-time, 40 hours/week) 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. 

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 technician will gain entry-level experience on a range of natural resource and wildlife management projects while learning about the regulatory framework that is used to guide management on Department of Defense lands. To learn more about the ECDP, please visit https://cemml.colostate.edu/ecdp/. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

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. 

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be physically capable 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.
• B.S. in a natural resources-, biology-, environmental compliance-, or ecosystem science-related field.
• Must have an interest in pursuing a natural resource-related career.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Completed coursework in ArcGIS
• Experience using a GPS to navigate in remote areas and collect field data.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for operating federal vehicles, including cars.
• Must be able to pass a federal background investigation to obtain a Department of Defense Installation Access Pass.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate U.S. employment eligibility; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong Biology, Natural Resource, or Botany experience.
• Experience trapping and handling wildlife, experience trapping and handling reticulated flatwoods salamander or apple snails is a plus.
• Experience setting minnow traps and estimating species richness and density.
• Experience performing statistical analysis and summarizing results in reports.
• Experience analyzing spatial data using ArcGIS.
• Previous experience working in Gulf Coast Flatwoods habitat and alongside the biological hazards that inhabit these habitats such as alligators, snakes, or bears.

PAY RATE

• Approximately $20 per hour, with potential for overtime.
• Housing or relocation expenses are not provided for this position. Please review housing options prior to applying to ensure you can meet the needs of the position.
• Work period is for approximately 110 working days.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:  

Employee Benefit information for Non-student hourlies can be found on HR’s Website at https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf and https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/.

Apply no later than December 27, 2024, for full consideration. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered. Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. 
To apply, please e-mail the following materials: 
1) Cover letter addressing each qualification described in the job announcement 
2) Résumé 
3) Contact information for three professional references, including one current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. 

Send Application Materials to:  

CEMML_ECDP@colostate.edu  

Subject Line: Hurlburt Field, FL - NR Tech