Posting Detail Information
Working TitleBotanist/Invasive Plant Specialist - Edwards AFB, CA
Position LocationEdwards AFB, California
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202501154AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$62,000 - $68,000
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, 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 Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/15/2025
Description of Work Unit
CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University ( 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, visithttp://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.
Edwards Air Force Base ( AFB ) is situated in the western Mojave Desert of California, northeast of Los Angeles. The CEMML team based at Edwards AFB consists of three full-time permanent staff and up to 4 seasonal staff. Reach-back support in Fort Collins offers project management and specialist support in GIS , wildlife conservation, research design, vegetation management and other subject matter experts. The team works closely with the Environmental Management staff at Edwards AFB on a daily basis, and occasionally with contractors who specialize in weed control, construction, road maintenance, trash removal, veterinary care, wildlife research, and environmental compliance. You would be joining a friendly, supportive, and high-achieving team of co-workers!
Position Summary
A Botanist/Invasive Plant Specialist position is available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands. The Botanist/Invasive Plant Specialist is a full-time position located on-site at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California. The position will report to the project manager based in Fort Collins. They will work closely with the other CEMML staff located on-site, the Edwards AFB Natural Resource Manager, and subcontractors. This position is eligible to work hybrid; the candidate is expected to work on-site at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, at minimum 3 days a week (or more during certain times of year requiring field work), and the remaining time work from home.
CEMML has been working with Edwards AFB on invasive species management since fall 2024. The successful candidate will be responsible for the oversight and implementation of the invasive plant management program. The botanist may also oversee restoration and revegetation projects, dependent on funding.
The Botanist's key roles will be to:
Become and maintain strong familiarity with the target invasive plant species on base, including the locations and status of infestation across the installation;
Cultivate awareness of regional invasive species topics, such as new control techniques, incipient invaders, etc.;
Perform field work including scouting, formal surveys, and invasive plant treatments (mostly herbicide application, occasionally mechanical or manual control);
Plan and oversee revegetation projects in priority locations. This may include riparian or upland areas, or in critical wildlife habitat;
Communicate regular status updates to all partners;
Collect and manage data consistent with Edwards AFB's data management scheme;
Synthesize data to evaluate invasive species treatment or other project success and guide future priorities;
Write annual technical reports discussing results and accomplishments;
Develop annual work plans and set priorities and schedules for each year's work;
Work with project manager to subcontract and oversee field work. Future potential to hire and oversee field staff;
Develop and disseminate outreach and education material. Liaise, when possible, with facilities, military operations or other groups to improve biosecurity.
The Botanist will also have the opportunity and be expected to assist with other natural resource, vegetation and wildlife projects as needed and as funding arises. This may involve assisting with nuisance and injured wildlife response, desert tortoise monitoring and compliance duties, recreation enhancement projects, and various other wildlife and botanical surveys to support the natural resources program.
This is a full-time salaried position but work hours will vary over the course of the year, particularly to meet field season needs.
Required Job Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in botany, biology, ecology, environmental science or a similarly relevant field
Two or more years of experience with invasive plant management or research
One or more years of education or experience in ecological restoration
Ability to identify native and invasive plant species of the Mojave Desert
Experience developing technical reports including writing, data summarization and interpretation
Possession or ability to obtain a Qualified Applicator License (categories B and C) with the State of California
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; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
A master's degree in botany, biology, ecology, environmental science or a similarly relevant field
Experience analyzing and interpreting data from long-term monitoring projects, drawing conclusions about the effectiveness of invasive plant management effort, and making vegetation management recommendations
Implementation of quality assurance and quality control for environmental field data
Experience with ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and/or Survey 123
Previous experience leading and supervising field crews
Previous experience working on military installations
Strong organizational skills, particularly in regard to managing field season logistics and data
Demonstrated commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive work environment
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryField Work
Duty/Responsibility
Conduct field work including performing surveys, collecting data, and applying invasive plant treatments.
May also perform revegetation treatments such as planting seedlings, sowing seeds, installing irrigation.
Percentage Of Time45
Job Duty CategoryData Management & Analysis
Duty/Responsibility
Collaborate with other team members to develop data collection forms, analyze data, and conduct quality control of data on a continuous basis.
Percentage Of Time25
Job Duty CategoryWriting / Communications
Duty/Responsibility
Conduct regular reporting of field activities and results, write work plans and technical reports.
Percentage Of Time30
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 15, 2025, 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 birth dates 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 contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notification to 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 License, Special Requirements/Other - Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC). Furthermore, candidates are required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check to remain eligible for employment.
Search ContactChristina Herron-Sweet (Christina.Herron-Sweet@colostate.edu)
EEO
Colorado 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 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.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents
