Posting Detail InformationWorking TitleResearch Associate in Grassland Ecology/Field Crew Leader - Rapid City, SDPosition LocationRapid City, SDWork LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-personResearch Professional PositionYesPosting Number202500200APPosition TypeAdmin Professional/ Research ProfessionalClassification TitleResearch Associate INumber of Vacancies1Work Hours/Week40Proposed Annual Salary Range$49,000 – $51,700Employee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date04/07/2025Position End Date (if temporary)To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on02/24/2025Description of Work UnitHoused within the Warner College of Natural Resources, the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University is an interdisciplinary academic program uniquely poised to advance education, research, and outreach in vegetation measurements and forest biometry. The existing programs in the department include forest ecology, forest economics and management, forest fire science, rangeland ecology and management, resource policy and planning, and geospatial sciences. The Warner College of Natural Resources is home to five academic departments and several centers and institutes such as the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, the WESTFIRE Research Center, the Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. These programs, institutes and centers provide a foundation for research, education and outreach in this field. Linkages across department and colleges, and with federal and state land managers and research centers, form a broader interdisciplinary foundation for increased impact.Position SummaryThe plant ecophysiology lab, in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Rapid City, SD, is seeking applications for a 21-month biological science technician to act as a crew lead for a project investigating the response to- and recovery of plants from severe and seasonal droughts in the northern Great Plains. This position will focus on field crew management and plant data collection during the growing season and data management and lab work during the winter months. The responsibility of the biological science technician crew leader will be to organize, train, and lead a 4-5 person seasonal field crew in data collection of plant species composition, plant development, and biomass production. The crew lead will work in tandem with the site manager to maintain mowing treatments and rainout shelter infrastructure. We expect that in the winter months work will focus on data entry, preparing bud samples for dissection, protocol writing, and conducting initial data analyses. During the winter, the crew lead may assist the site manager with equipment repair and preparation. As times allows, the candidate may work on other projects occurring in the Rapid City lab that may include work with GIS , plant dissection, and/or scientific literature synthesis. The successful applicant will be based at the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Rapid City, SD. The candidate will be expected to plan the calendar and workflow for the seasonal crew, assist with crew hiring, training and management, assist with fleet and safety management, and write progress reports.Required Job Qualifications
BS in botany, plant biology, ecology, or closely aligned field.
The ability to travel for weeklong field trips approximately 5 times throughout the growing season (April through September).
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Evidence of working independently and in a team.
Experience conducting grassland or forest/woodland understory fieldwork (e.g. cover, biomass clipping, etc.)
Knowledge of northern Great Plains plant species.
Experience with 4WD and hauling trailers.
Experience with practical and tactical problem solving and organization, i.e. building your own shelters/equipment; organizing crew activities.
Experience with data management in Excel and/or another program.
Experience supervising individuals during field work.
Essential DutiesJob Duty CategoryResearchDuty/ResponsibilityData collection, data entry, and managing field equipmentPercentage Of Time60Job Duty CategorySupervisionDuty/ResponsibilitySupervising and planning seasonal field crewPercentage Of Time30Job Duty CategoryProject ManagementDuty/ResponsibilityTime management, Report writingPercentage Of Time10Application DetailsSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsApplicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than February 24, 2025 for full consideration at jobs.colostate.edu. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birthdates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
Resume
References may be requested from finalists. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s LicenseSearch ContactTroy Ocheltree, [email protected] 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.Background Check Policy StatementColorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.References RequestedReferences RequestedMinimum Requested3Maximum Requested3Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk ().
This position is located in Rapid City, South Dakota. Are you willing and able to work at this location?
Yes, I am able and willing to work in Rapid City, South Dakota.
No, I am NOT able and willing to work in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents