Job Information
Colorado State University Prairie Dog Field Technician in Fort Collins, Colorado
Position Information
Classification TitleTemporary Hourly
Employment CategoryTemporary
Is this an Hourly position?Yes
Work Hours/Week0-40
Overtime Eligible?Yes
Position LocationFort Collins, CO 80523
Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?No
Description of Work Unit
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program ( CNHP ) is a Department at CSU that tracks and ranks Colorado’s rare and imperiled species and habitats, and provides information and expertise on these topics to promote the conservation of Colorado’s valuable biological resources. Data maintained in the CNHP database are an integral part of ongoing research at CSU and reflect the observations of many scientists, institutions and our current state of knowledge. These data are acquired from various sources, with varying levels of accuracy, and are continually being updated and revised. CNHP also offers a wide range of related services including biological monitoring, research, mapping, and conservation planning services.
Search Contact Emailana.davidson@colostate.edu
Position Summary
Some populations of prairie dogs appear to have developed some level of resistance to plague. Our team is working to identify the spatial distribution, rate of evolution, and potential fitness costs of resistance-associated alleles in black-tailed and Gunnison’s prairie dogs. The field technician will work with our collaborative team to sample prairie dogs along transects spanning the range of both species and via capture-mark-recapture at long-term study sites; collect ectoparasites, tissue, blood, as well as phenotypic and demographic information whilst determining the genetic composition of each population.
Because prairie dogs function as keystone species in North America’s grasslands, their conservation and management lies at the core of many conservation efforts. One of the greatest threats to the prairie dog ecosystem is sylvatic plague; a non-native disease introduced from Asia that devastates prairie dog populations. The dramatic decline in prairie dogs has resulted in consequent losses in species that associate with the grassland habitat they create, including burrowing owls and mountain plovers, and those dependent or heavily reliant on prairie dogs as prey, including black-footed ferrets and ferruginous hawks.
Potential Start date: August 1, 2024
Duration of position: 3 months August 1st – October 31st
Position Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in wildlife, environmental sciences, or related field and possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license. Applicants should have extensive field experience, excellent data management skills, willingness to work under harsh field conditions, and an ability to work independently while following safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who have completed an M.S. in wildlife, ecology, environmental science or a related field, as well as applicants with extensive field experience in trapping and handling of small mammals.
Posting Details
Working TitlePrairie Dog Field Technician
Posting Number202400504T
DepartmentColorado Natural Heritage Program
Salary Range$16.00/hour
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 todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here.
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/) .
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/) !
Close Date07/07/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please send the following to ana.davidson@colostate.edu and lise.aubry@colostate.edu in a single PDF : (1) letter of interest that describes your qualifications and how this position fits into your interests and career goals; (2) CV or resume that includes contact information for three references (including a direct supervisor. Please apply by July 7th for full consideration.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to applicant.
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 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. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) 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,titleix@colostate.edu.
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,oeo@colostate.edu.
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,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
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 Job Duties
Job Duty CategoryPrairie dog field technician assistance
Duty/Responsibility
Trapping and handling of prairie dogs. Conduct capture-mark-recapture at long-term study sites; collect ectoparasites, tissue, and blood, as well as phenotypic and demographic information. Field technician will spend extensive periods trapping and handling prairie dogs across the Central Grasslands.
Percentage Of Time100
References
Minimum References Required3
Maximum References Required3
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
Optional Documents