Ecologist/Forestry Researcher - CSU/CEMML - Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 78,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, is seeking an Ecologist/Forestry Researcher for its Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). The position supports an Early-Career Development Program with hands-on mentorship and development opportunities.

The role focuses on using GIS, remote sensing, and FIA data to map and analyze tree species composition in a tropical environment, helping to understand forest disturbance and resilience.

Qualifications

• PhD in Systems Ecology or related field with relevant coursework in ecology, statistics, spatial analysis, and data visualization.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing; familiarity with FIA plot data in tropical environments is a plus.
• Experience publishing in peer‑reviewed journals focusing on geospatial data and analysis.
• Proficiency in R and Python programming.

Responsibilities

• Combine spatial data with FIA data to map and analyze tree species composition and forest attributes.
• Evaluate model-assisted estimates to reduce FIA uncertainties.
• Link species maps to fire occurrence datasets and analyze where field data are limited.
• Compare FIA-based uncertainties with model-assisted estimates using mapped data.
• Create maps of model-derived composition gradients and related outputs.
• Model composition values for fires and develop related visualizations.

Skills

R

Python

GIS

Remote sensing

Statistics

Science communication

Education

PhD in Systems Ecology or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Remote sensing software

Python libraries (pandas, numpy)

Job description

Position Summary

One Ecologist/Forestry Researcher (Full-time, 40 hrs/week) position available with Colorado State University (CSU) Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position is part of CEMML’s Early-Career Development Program, which helps emerging professionals bridge academic learning and career success through hands‑on experience, mentorship, and professional development. This is a research focus position. The role will use GIS and remotely sensed data, along with Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data to characterize, map, model and analyze tree species composition and related forest attributes in a tropical environment. This will aid in understanding forest ecosystem disturbance and resilience.

Essential Job Duties

• Combine existing spatial data with additional predictor variables developed as needed, with Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data to characterize and map spatial gradients in tree species composition and related forest attributes.
• Evaluate whether mapped outputs or model derived spatial predictors can reduce uncertainties in FIA estimates of tree species basal area, biomass, or related composition metrics through one or more model assisted estimation approaches.
• Link mapped species composition outputs to an existing dataset of fire occurrences to characterize tree species composition where fires occurred, including areas where field surveys of tree species are not available.
• Develop a comparison of uncertainties in FIA estimates of species basal area, biomass, or related composition metrics when estimates are based only on FIA plots versus when model assisted estimation uses mapped auxiliary information.
• Create maps of model derived species composition gradients, or related composition outputs.
• Model derived composition values for places where fires occurred, along with related charts that help characterize the species composition of forests where fires occur.

Decision Making

• Determine and develop appropriate model parameters.
• Determine appropriate spatial predictor data sets.

Supervision

Does not supervise.

Conditions of Employment

Successful completion of CSU’s standard pre-employment background check.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Systems Ecology or related field, including coursework in ecology, ecosystem climatology, statistics, spatial statistics, machine learning, applied bioinformatics, data visualization, geographic information systems and science communication.
• One year experience in systems ecology, including work in GIS and remote sensing and FIA plot data in tropical islands of the US.
• Experience as first author publishing a refereed journal article in a top journal focused on research typically requiring geospatial data and analysis (e.g., Remote Sensing or Ecological Indicators).
• Experience with programming languages including R and Python.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing spatial or statistical models of forest composition, biomass, basal area, or related ecological attributes.
• Experience applying model-assisted estimation or other methods that integrate forest inventory data with auxiliary spatial information.
• Experience integrating remote sensing, climate, topographic, fire, or other disturbance data in geospatial analyses.
• Advanced proficiency using R, Python, and GIS for spatial modeling, uncertainty analysis, visualization, and reproducible workflows.
• Experience communicating geospatial research through peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, maps, or presentations.

Salary Range

$78,000 to $84,000

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.

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 used 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.