Forest Inventory and Analysis Crew Member - Open Pool

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 18 hours ago

Location: Gunnison, COLORADO

Deadline: 15 May 2024

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information

Working Title	Forest Inventory and Analysis Crew Member - Open Pool
Position Location	Ft. Collins, Gunnison, Canon City, Durango, Grand Junction, Steamboat Springs/Meeker/Rifle
Work Location	Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position	Yes
Posting Number	202302194AP
Position Type	Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week
Proposed Annual Salary Range	$45,000 - $50,000 commensurate with experience
Employee Benefits	Colorado 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, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. For detailed benefit plan information for eligible employees, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ . For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/ . For more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on	05/15/2024
Description of Work Unit	The Colorado State Forest Service is an agency of Colorado State University, housed organizationally in the Warner College of Natural Resources. The CSFS also staffs the Division of Forestry for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The CSFS has field offices throughout the state, organized within 4 Areas with a State Office in Fort Collins on the Foothills Campus at CSU. Individual staff members take the lead on one or more program areas and all staff members are expected to assist each other as needed for successful, efficient, and effective delivery of services and programs. The FIA Program is a sub-staff of the Science and Data Division of the Colorado State Forest Service. The FIA Program is managed by the Associate Director of Science and Data and the FIA Program Manager.
Position Summary	With direct guidance of a FIA Crew Leader, and the indirect guidance of a FIA Supervisory Forester and the FIA Program Manager within the Science and Data Division of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), this research position will be autonomous, independent, and responsible for conducting forest inventory field work across multiple states. The FIA Crew Member is responsible for performing a variety of recurring and complex duties in support of both CSFS and the United States Forest Service (USFS) FIA program. This collaborative partnership’s mission is to produce a comprehensive inventory of forests in all U.S. states and territories so that policy makers, land managers and owners, investors, and other non-governmental groups have timely and accurate information about the health and productivity of forests in the United States. The incumbent will conduct a variety of field measurements including, but not limited to, those involving tree/sapling/seedling data, vegetation diversity, fuel loading measurements, stand treatments and disturbances, land ownership, and soil and erosion data collection in collaboration with USFS FIA program. The FIA Crew Member is always expected to ensure safe working practices of themselves and their crew and be an advocate for productive team development. This position will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the crew vehicle and all supplies and equipment they are assigned. The FIA Crew Member will work closely with USFS FIA liaisons to meet production and quality benchmarks. A person who fills the FIA Crew Member position will operate 4-wheel drive vehicles, UTVs, ATVs, and occasionally horses or boats to access various assigned plot locations in Colorado, Wyoming, and the surrounding states. The FIA Crew Member will be required to complete daily check-in safety procedures using email, cell phones, inReach messaging devices, or satellite phones while in travel status. Road and plot navigation skills including use of GIS software and datasets, topographical maps, aerial photos, and GPS units are necessary for this position. The FIA Crew Member will be required to hike while carrying at least 45-pound packs with all related field gear (pack weights can exceed 60 pounds for longer overnight trips). Crews work at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 14,000 feet when accessing permanent inventory plots. Crews will be expected to hike long distances to reach plot locations both on- and off-trail, and work on steep and/or rough terrain. Crews will be working in full sun, rain, and snow conditions across the full range of temperatures which can change rapidly throughout the day. The FIA Crew Member can expect to be in travel status, camping or staying in hotels and cabins, for varying lengths of time depending on plot location. A typical length of time in travel status is five days, with some trips lasting 10 or more days, during a typical nine-month field season. When possible and with general consultation with the FIA Program Manager and/or their FIA Supervisory Forester and FIA Crew Leader, the FIA Crew Member will assist other CSFS Field Office personnel within the following areas: forest management, outreach, and administration. The incumbent will be asked to analyze and interpret findings from technical and scientific reports and be able to present summarized findings in a variety of public settings. This position is expected to assist CSFS Field Office staff with providing service, outreach, and education to landowners and cooperators/partners through written and verbal communication methods. The Colorado State Forest Service is accepting applications on an ongoing basis from individuals who are interested in obtaining research positions within the agency. Positions will be filled as needed when vacancies open throughout the hiring period. Not all listed duty stations may be vacant during the hiring period.
Required Job Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree (or greater) will be considered. Ability to hike long distances over potentially steep terrain ranging in elevations from 3,500 to 14,000 feet while carrying a 45+ pound pack. 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. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States before the employment start date; Colorado State Forest Service will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree (or greater) in Forestry, Forest Ecology, Botany, or a Natural Resources program. Experience with topographic maps, compasses, and aerial photos for navigation. Identifying hazards, hiking off-trail, and navigating in wilderness situations. Capable of using GPS units to navigate and collect field data. Previous use and knowledge of GIS programs (ArcGIS), GIS datasets, and Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Office 365). Ability to address issues with travel scheduling and daily logistics with supervisors prior to entering travel status. Understanding and experience with basic field forestry skills related to timber cruising. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including working with the public. Ability to keep track of weekly work hours and work-related expenses. Dendrology and vegetation identification course work and/or field work. Experience using and calibrating inventory tools that include hypsometer, clinometer, laser, stereoscope, loggers/diameter tape, chaining tape, increment borers, and others related to repeatable and accurate forestry measurements. Experience implementing diverse ecological sampling methods and knowledge of sampling equipment. Committed to safety, data quality, demonstrating excellent customer service ethic with the public, and professionalism with CSFS or USFS staff. Familiarity with FIA national and regional sampling procedures. General safety (CPR/First Aid), Wilderness First Responder, or other safety training and experience.
Diversity Statement	Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.

Essential Duties

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants	Applicants will be expected to provide: A cover letter A resume Contact information of three references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. For full consideration, applications must be received no later than 11:59pm MST on May 15, 2024. Application materials will be held in confidence by the Search Committee through semi-finalist interviews. Confidentiality of application materials detaches at the point where a candidate accepts participation in a finalist interview. This pool expires May 15, 2024. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.
Conditions of Employment	Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact	Lindsay Wade: 469-585-9846 [email protected]
EEO Statement	Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services. The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] . The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] . The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] . Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement	Colorado 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.