Job Description
Position Summary
Title: National Wetland Condition Assessment Lead and Field Technicians
Position Type: Full-time, temporary
Number of Positions: 4 in total, 2 with expertise in botany, 2 with expertise in wetland soils
Work Location: Colorado
Pay Rate: $22-24/hr, depending on experience.
Additional compensation: $60/day tax exempt per diem & gear reimbursement when traveling beyond base location. Total travel reimbursement = $395-455 per two-week hitch. Travel per diem adds approximately $5/hr. to the hourly pay rate. Health insurance, retirement, paid federal holidays, and sick leave provided.
Duration: May-August 2026
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) (http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/) is seeking experienced field technicians to collect wetland assessment data for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA), (https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/nwca) which is conducted every five years. Successful applicants will be trained in data collection methods by Wetland Ecologists from CNHP and the EPA and will spend the summer applying the protocol in wetlands throughout Colorado and Wyoming.
One team of four technicians will be hired. Crews will spend 4 to 8 days in a row in the field traveling to randomly selected sites across Colorado, often camping in the field. Sites will be in both the front and back county and on public and private land. The team will collect data on wetland vegetation, soils, hydrology, water quality, and the condition of buffers. Two technicians will focus on vegetation, and two technicians will focus on wetland soil and water quality. Sampling will follow rigorous protocols used by field teams across the country.
Information on NWCA is available at: https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/nwca
Full Consideration Date: March 31, 2026
Brief Work Unit Description : The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) (http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/) is Colorado's primary biological conservation information center housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University and is Colorado's member of the NatureServe Network (https://www.natureserve.org/) . CNHP is a key player in Colorado's conservation of open lands and maintains a centralized conservation database of plants, animals, and natural communities in Colorado. The staff consists of ~50 experienced biologists and information managers with expertise in inventory, research, and monitoring of Colorado's flora, fauna, plant communities, and conservation. CNHP serves a wide variety of users including federal, state and local agencies, consultants, environmental groups, non-government organizations, private landowners, and the public. To learn more about CNHP's mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/ .
Essential Job Duties
Plan logistics for two-week data collection trips (hitches).
Travel to randomly selected wetland sites across Colorado.
Collect data on wetland vegetation, wetland soil, water quality, and the condition of buffers.
Collect soil and water quality samples and prepare them for shipping to national labs.
Review all collected data for completeness and accuracy before submission.
Minimum Qualifications
Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field.
Field experience collecting scientific data, specifically vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data.
Experience interpreting aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS.
Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, share living quarters, car camp, and potentially backpack and hike long distances (up to 10 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.
Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms.
Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with land managers and private landowners.
A valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
B.S. degree botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field.
Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas.
Experience with the National Wetland Condition Assessment or other similar large-scale monitoring program (e.g., BLM Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring Program)
Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of western flora and/or wetland species.
Experience describing upland or wetland soil profiles and/or experience with hydric soil indicators.
Experience with ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Online.
Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices.
Experience driving 4x4 vehicles on rough roads.
Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training.
Application Instructions : To apply include resume, cover letter, and three references (please include both phone number and email) with application materials.
Salary Range
$22.00 to $24.00 per hour
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
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. (http://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
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For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. (http://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/)
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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.
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.
Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.
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