Botanist - Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 20 Mar 2023

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Botanist - Fort Collins, CO
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202300449AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate III
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $52,800 - $66,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date 05/08/2023
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 03/20/2023
Description of Work Unit
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (www.cnhp.colostate.edu ) is Colorado’s primary biological conservation information center housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. CNHP is a key player in Colorado’s conservation of open lands and maintains the only centralized database in Colorado that includes information on plants, animals, and natural communities. The staff consists of approximately 30 highly experienced biologists and information managers with expertise in inventory, research, and monitoring of Colorado’s flora, fauna, plant communities, and conservation issues. CNHP serves a wide variety of users including federal, state, and local agencies, consultants, environmental groups, non-government organizations, private landowners, and the public. CNHP’s annual revenue is approximately 2 million dollars and is generated from contracts and agreements through CNHP’s partners and clients. CNHP generally works on over 40 conservation projects per year. The CNHP’s Botany/Vegetation Ecology Team supports Colorado’s native and rare plants and plant communities through rare plant surveys and population monitoring, weed mapping, vegetation mapping, supporting restoration, species distribution modeling, and curating information on plant species and native plant communities in CNHP’s centralized database. CNHP is committed to building diversity and inclusion in natural resources conservation and is an equal opportunity employer.
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
Position Summary
The CNHP botanist will be responsible for conducting botanical and/or ecological field surveys, inventories, and monitoring of rare and invasive plant species populations, as well as managing tabular, spatial, and biological data, compiling data into CNHP field forms, and reporting. The botanist will hire, train, and supervise assistants and technicians, design and propose and manage botanical projects, and collaborate with partners and permanent staff to successfully complete projects. The incumbent will be experienced with the flora and ecological systems of Colorado, including knowledge of rare and invasive plant species and monitoring methodology. A working knowledge of Natural Heritage Methodology is preferred. The position requires extensive and frequent travel throughout the state of Colorado during the growing season and may also include travel to field sites in Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and/or Kansas. The field work involves week-long field hitches, camping in remote settings and full field days, driving and hiking to field sites, navigating to study sites using a GPS, topographic maps, or navigation apps, the collection of data using tablets, and detailed completion of field forms and reports. This position will be supervised by CNHP Botany/Vegetation Ecology Team Leader.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Experienced CSU Research Associate II; OR A completed bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field OR A completed master’s degree in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or a related field.
  • Five years of experience conducting botanical or ecological field surveys collecting scientific data related to vegetation sampling, plant population abundance, phenology, and/or habitat assessment (two years if candidate has an advanced degree, e.g., Master’s degree).
  • Experienced in using dichotomous botanical keys and extensive knowledge of the flora and ecological systems of Colorado or Western United States.
  • Ability to work both independently and with a team of diverse individuals, ability to maintain effective working relationships, and be self-motivated.
  • Demonstrated organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; ability to handle complex tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Proficient with navigation using GPS units, topographic maps, and navigation apps.
  • Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, car camp, and hike long distances (up to 6+ miles/day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs).
  • Willingness and ability to work with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather (30–110° F), mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or a related field.
  • Experience working in habitats like the study areas including the Rocky Mountains and/or Great Plains.
  • Familiarity or experience with Natural Heritage Methodology and/or noxious weed management techniques.
  • Proficient with ArcGIS or ArcGIS Pro.
  • Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices and the development of Field Maps projects and Survey123 forms.
  • Experience supervising field crews, technicians, or volunteers.
  • Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads and camping in remote locations.
  • Experience with writing grant proposals and managing budgets.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Project management
Duty/Responsibility
  • Design and propose and manage botanical or ecological projects, working with CNHP staff partners to determine successful projects,
  • Meet and engage with project stakeholders,
  • Serve as a principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on projects
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Hiring and Supervision
Duty/Responsibility
  • Hire, train and supervise assistants and technicians working on project for which this position is responsible.
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Data Management
Duty/Responsibility
  • Manage collected tabular, spatial, and biological data, analyze data, prepare field data for incorporation into BIOTICS database
Percentage Of Time 15
Job Duty Category Data Management
Duty/Responsibility
  • Map and enter data records into BIOTICS database, implement quality control procedures in BITOICS
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Research
Duty/Responsibility
  • Complete final and interim detailed reports, integrating botanical data into conservation, restoration, or management plans as needed, in completion of project contracts.
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Administrative
Duty/Responsibility
  • Participate thoughtfully in unit management tasks expected of all CNHP employees, including participation in monthly staff meetings, involvement in the bi-annual CNHP Partners Meeting and other administrative duties; contribute to new initiatives to forward CNHP’s mission
Percentage Of Time 5
Job Duty Category Research
Duty/Responsibility
  • Using GPS units, topographic maps and/or navigation apps, drive to and from field sites and navigate to desired plant populations via paved roads, dirt roads, hiking trails, and off-trail travel through dense vegetation and across long distances. 
  • Prepare for and conduct botanical field work on Botany/Vegetation Ecology Team projects, including weed mapping, native plant material collection, native plant community restoration, rare plant inventory and monitoring, or other tasks.
  • Preparation involves pre-field season logistics and planning, including securing permission and permits to access survey sites, preparing field maps and data collection forms, preparing field supplies. 
  • Data to be included for collection includes surrounding vegetation, plant population abundance, plant identification, plant phenology, and/or habitat assessment, with attention to detail, and following set protocols. 
Percentage Of Time 40

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than March 20, 2023 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 – please include within your application email and phone contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor.


    • References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
    Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
    Search Contact Jessica Smith, [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.

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