Ecological Research Assistant/Field Technician

Job Description

Ecological Research Assistant/Field Technician

Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory

Job Title: Ecological Research Assistant/Field Technician

Job Description: The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory is seeking two to five highly motivated research assistants to support multiple ongoing and upcoming projects over the summer of 2026. The candidates would become a part of our team at the Ecological Research and Management Group, which also oversees the Western Ranch Management and Ecosystem Stewardship program (https://westernranchmgmt.nrel.colostate.edu/). Our grant-funded team addresses a variety of applied research questions across multiple ecosystems while collaborating with diverse stakeholders. The projects that the research assistants will support are varied but may surround rangeland monitoring and forest ecology, with research occurring across multiple sites in Colorado, New Mexico, and potentially other states. Topics include monitoring the impacts of new technologies or practices for livestock grazing, effects of forest management, forest carbon inventory, and vegetation recovery post-wildfire. Work will be conducted on public lands and private ranches spanning ecological systems and management goals. The research assistants will be responsible for a range of duties that may include: vegetation field sampling, plant identification, measuring forest structure, the use of GPS and GIS technologies, data management, and organizing logistics for field work and/or summer field courses. The research assistants will be accountable for routine care and operation of CSU-owned scientific equipment and computer hardware. Research assistants will gain exposure to a variety of sampling techniques and exciting technologies such as drones, virtual fencing for livestock grazing management, and remote sensing. Projects may include field botany components, offering opportunities to build or strengthen skills in plant identification and vegetation assessment. The work accomplished in this position provides an essential basis for research conclusions and management recommendations. The quality of the work directly affects the quality and accuracy of the science and recommendations. The successful candidate should have the ability to work positively with peers and have strong organization and communication skills. Work is generally performed in a field setting under a variety of conditions, and the research assistants must be available to travel to field sites for multi-day trips. One of the ecological research assistants will be designated as our crew leader. If you are interested in this role, please mention this when applying.

Job Requirements: The successful candidate(s) must have a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications: The following qualifications are desired, but not required: fieldwork experience, vegetation or forest sampling; plant identification; dendrochronology; demonstrated skills in scientific data management and organization; experience in backcountry environments and conditions; experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS); experience with forest and/or rangeland management; experience with grazing management; experience with drone surveys.

Number of openings: 2-5

Hours per Week: 20-40 with full-time expected during the majority of the summer.

Specific Hours: To be arranged.

Start Date: May 18, 2026. There may be opportunities to work part time ahead of the start date depending on availability and interest.

Time frame: Position ends Aug 21, 2026 but may be extended depending on funding and applicant availability.

Pay Rate: $17-$21/hour based on experience.

Benefit Information: Employee Benefit information can be found on CSU HR’s website: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits.

To Apply: Apply on Handshake or send resume or CV to Miles Innes ([email protected]) with the job title (Ecological Research Assistant/Field Technician) in the subject line. Positions will be hired on a rolling basis and the announcement will be open until filled, with the first review of applications on Feb 2nd.

Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/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.

Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.

Salary Range

$17-$21/hour based on experience.

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.

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.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our 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.