Vegetation Mapping Specialist - Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 19 Sep 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Vegetation Mapping Specialist - Fort Collins, CO
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work?
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202201349AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate II
Number of Vacancies 2
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $55,000 to $60,000
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 10/10/2022
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 09/19/2022
Description of Work Unit
CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU. CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DOD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.
To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/ .
Position Summary
A Vegetation Mapping Specialist (Research Associate II) position with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) assigned at Fort Collins, Colorado. Under direction from the Project Manager, this position provides support to a vegetation mapping project, digitizes and interprets aerial imagery, develops maps and feature layers for field deployment, manages and prepares field equipment for data collection, identifies flora species and vegetative communities, supervises student technicians in field data collection, and develops final deliverable maps and technical documents. This is a position that often requires travel to U.S. Air Force bases for field data collection. The vegetation mapping specialist collaborates as part of a team to complete project objectives.
Required Job Qualifications
  • BS or BA in Ecology, Forestry, Environmental Science, Geography, Botany, or related field.
  • Demonstrated three years minimum of related work experience; not including course work
  • Demonstrated field experience identifying plants to the species level.
  • Demonstrated experience with environmental-related GIS, interpreting aerial imagery, cartography and geospatial technical writing and documentation.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Esri ArcGIS software and Microsoft Office suite
  • Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather and rugged terrain, including navigating backcountry terrain using topographic/satellite maps and GPS
  • Demonstrated initiative to resolve issues, a strong attention to detail, superior verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Familiarity with the US National Vegetation Classification system is preferred.
  • Prior experience leading a field crew (particularly managing conflict and meeting objectives in often difficult and dynamic settings) is desired.
  • Ability to work both independently and with others.
  • Familiarity with GPS devices, field data collection equipment and software is preferred. In particular, an individual with experience using Avenza Maps software will be viewed favorably.
  • Formal training in wetlands delineation with the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual will also be viewed favorably.
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 Spatial Data Development
Duty/Responsibility
Interpret aerial imagery and delineate vegetative communities. Photointerpretation and delineation of vegetative polygons yields distinct vegetative communities that can be field tested and classified following U.S. National Vegetation Classification protocol, and meet project objectives. The vegetation mapping specialist will use a variety of imagery sources to differentiate between vegetative types, and then ground-truth created data to improve accuracy of data.
Percentage Of Time 45
Job Duty Category Field Work Preparation
Duty/Responsibility
Create maps and feature layers for use in field data collection. Maps and feature layers are used to record changes and document relevant attributes during field work, which can then be applied to developed spatial data. The vegetation mapping specialist will create and print physical maps as well as features deployed to mobile devices to prepare for field work.
Percentage Of Time 5
Job Duty Category Field Work / Travel
Duty/Responsibility
Work as part of a team to travel to sites and collect field data. Travel and field work are essential to collecting data and determining relevant attributes (such as: plant species present, condition, notes, GPS data, and field photos) in order to improve the accuracy of spatial data and classify vegetation. To implement this, individuals will collaborate with team members to determine which data need to be collected, and then will travel to sites. In the field, the vegetation mapping specialist will use GPS devices to navigate to selected sites, identify flora species, determine and record relevant attributes, and collect any additional data that will useful for refining spatial data in the office.
Percentage Of Time 30
Job Duty Category Develop Professional Documents
Duty/Responsibility
Develop finalized, professional maps and technical reports to be delivered to the sponsor. In order to satisfy the project objectives, technical reports and maps will be created as part of a final deliverable describing the vegetation classification. These final deliverables will reflect the spatial data developed. The vegetation mapping specialist will use field data collected, in collaboration with team members, and defined project objectives to develop these professional documents. 
Percentage Of Time 20

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than September 19, 2022, for full consideration. 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
  • Transcripts (for each degree earned that is listed under qualifications) uploaded in the ‘Official Transcripts’ or ‘Unofficial Transcripts’ slot.
  • Degree Conferral (copy of diploma if transcripts do not include confirmation that degree was awarded) uploaded in the ‘Other’ slot.
  • References – please include within your application 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 Thomas Ruzycki ([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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