Biological Technician

Colorado State University; Santa Rita (GU); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) in Guam seeks a Biological Technician to conduct field-based invasive species monitoring, habitat management, and environmental stewardship. You will collect and manage field data, operate specialized equipment, and assist with surveys for threatened species.

The role supports biosecurity measures on military lands, requires readiness for night/weekend work, and deployment to CNMI locations as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Experience with landscaping, agriculture, pest-control, or natural resources.
• Experience conducting fieldwork and data recording/entry.
• Experience with field data collection apps, compasses, maps, GPS.
• Experience invasive species management with various control methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field work including invasive species monitoring and operational management activities.
• Perform vegetation clearing, transect cutting, and trail maintenance in jungle areas.
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, backpack sprayers, radios, etc.).
• Take photographs and log location, date, and content; use GPS/GNSS to collect data and transfer to programs.
• Assist with surveys for Threatened and Endangered Species and follow safety protocols.
• Coordinate DoD access authorizations for work sites and communicate progress to supervisors.
• Support biosecurity inspections of military cargo and deployments to neighboring islands.
• Participate in rapid response to biosecurity issues and related duties.

Skills

Invasive species management

Field data collection

GPS data logging

Pesticide handling

Laboratory work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in botany, horticulture, biology, ecology or related

Tools

GPS units and GIS software

Job description

Job Description Position Summary: The Biological Technician position is with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) and is duty-stationed on Guam, in compliance with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Mariana Islands Training and Testing Biological Opinion of 2015 and the Navy-funded Project Statement of Work that implements regional biosecurity measures to prevent introduction and promote control and management of invasive species. The majority of the work will be conducted on US military installations, but a military affiliation is not required to apply for this position. Guam has a substantial military presence consisting of three major military installations – Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. Each year major military training exercises are conducted within the Joint Region Marianas Area of Responsibility (JRM AOR) where large quantities of military equipment and other materials are transported into Guam and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Due to the sensitive ecological balance of island ecosystems, including the Mariana Islands, CEMML provides support to implement biosecurity measures within the JRM AOR to prevent unintentional biological introductions and to detect, control, and manage non-native species that have already become established. This position will support a variety of field, laboratory, and data management activities related to biosecurity activities, biological monitoring, habitat management, and environmental stewardship. The technician will be part of a dynamic team of field technicians. The biological technician should be team-oriented, maintain a positive attitude, and understand that continued employment is dependent on project funding. CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU. To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

Full Consideration Date: Please apply by Septembr 13, 2026, 11:59 PM (MST).

Essential Job Duties

Field Work Conduct a variety of invasive species monitoring and operational management activities. Control and interdiction for brown treesnakes, coconut rhinoceros beetles, and little fire ants, among other species. Vegetation clearing, transect cutting and trail maintenance within jungle areas. Operate and maintain tools and equipment, which may include but is not limited to, hand tools, chainsaws, weed and brush-cutters, backpack sprayers, radios, smartphone applications, and 4×4 trucks. Take photographs and log appropriately (location, date, and content). Use GPS and GNSS devices (Trimble, Arrow, Garmin) to collect data and transfer to appropriate programs; Utilize ESRI Field Maps and Survey123 to collect and manage field data. Assist with surveys for Threatened and Endangered Species. Follow all CSU, CEMML and military installation environmental and safety protocols. Data entry and management, lab work, prepping supplies and gear for field work; maintain proper pesticide PPE, safe and accurate pesticide mixing, handling, storage, and record keeping. Reporting and Communication Regularly and routinely communicate via in-person meetings, tele/video conferences, and email to provide Task Lead Biologist and CEMML Supervisors with progress updates and coordinates to schedule field activities. Coordinate closely with the Task Lead Biologist to schedule DoD authorizations to access work sites on military lands. Biosecurity Conducting biosecurity inspections of military cargo on Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and associated Joint Region Marianas (JRM) training areas. Support military units and contractors to implement biosecurity measures by detecting, controlling and managing biological materials to prevent accidental transportation of potential invasive species. Communicate cleanliness standards to military personnel and contractors Supporting the coordination and scheduling of biosecurity inspections of incoming and outgoing materiel and military cargo. Participating in the deployment of teams to neighboring islands for biosecurity mission support. Provide rapid response to biosecurity issues. Other related duties as assigned.

Supervision

No supervisory duties.

Conditions of Employment

Legally eligible to work in the U.S. by the proposed start date, CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Pre-employment Criminal Background Check. Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date; ability to drive a pickup truck, 4WD truck and ATV/UTV. Must be in good physical condition, and capable of walking several consecutive miles while carrying gear up to 35 pounds in a hot tropical environment on uneven terrain. Ability to take photographs and collect biological samples for identification. Must be able to work night and weekend work. Must be able to deploy from Guam to locations in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), sometimes on short notice. Must be able to work in a culturally diverse office and respect all Team members.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Professional work experience with landscaping, agriculture, pest-control, or natural resources.
• Experience needs to be well-documented and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, and non-profit organization in the appropriate field.
• Experience conducting fieldwork and accurately recording, entering, and proofing data.
• Demonstrated proficiency using field data collection applications, compasses, maps, data tablets, and GPS units.
• Experience conducting invasive species management utilizing chemical, cultural, biological and/or mechanical control techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in botany, horticulture, biology, ecology, or a closely related science.
• 1+ year(s) of experience with natural resource management, agricultural sciences, or invasive species management.
• Experience implementing methods for operational control of brown treesnakes, coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, or other vertebrate or invertebrate pest species.
• Experience working in the Pacific Region or other tropical islands in the biological, natural resources, or agricultural fields.
• Experience working on a military installation and interacting with military staff, and familiarity with DoD/Navy environmental and safety regulations.
• Prior experience applying herbicide and/or insecticide, and the ability to obtain a Guam CORE pesticide applicator’s license.

Salary Range

Salary Range $40,000-$50,000

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. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked as a top cities to live in!

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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