Little Fire Ant Control (LFA) Biological Technician

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

Job summary

The Little Fire Ant Control Biologial Technician position is with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) and is duty-stationed on Guam, working on invasive little fire ant management on military lands under strict biosecurity protocols. The role emphasizes field sampling, data collection, and coordination with DoD authorizations.

Strong emphasis on teamwork, safety, and following environmental guidelines; the technician will operate field equipment, assist with

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• One year of professional work experience in landscaping, agriculture, pest-control, or natural resources.
• Experience conducting fieldwork and accurate data entry.
• Experience using field data collection apps, compasses, maps, and GPS units.
• Experience with invasive species management using chemical, cultural, biological, or mechanical control methods.
• Preferred: a B.S. degree in biology, ecology, wildlife sciences, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Field Work: implement field sampling under direction of LFA Task Lead Biologist and CEMML Supervisory Entomologist.
• Conduct invasive species monitoring and operational management activities.
• Vegetation clearing, transect cutting and trail maintenance within jungle areas.
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment (chainsaws, weed and brush-cutters, backpack sprayers, radios, etc.).
• Take photographs and log appropriately (location, date, and content).
• Use GPS and GNSS devices 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 update Task Lead Biologist and CEMML Supervisors with progress and coordinate field activities.
• Coordinate closely with the Task Lead Biologist to schedule DoD authorizations to access work sites on military lands.
• Biosecurity: provide rapid response to biosecurity issues related to invasive insects.
• Other related duties as assigned

Skills

Fieldwork

Data collection

GPS usage

Teamwork

Reporting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Trimble GPS

Garmin devices

Esri Field Maps

Survey123

Chainsaws

Backpack sprayers

Pesticide handling

Job description

Position Summary

The Little Fire Ant Control (LFA) 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 comprising 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. The Little Fire Ant Control Biological Technician supports invasive little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) management on military lands through ant surveys, chemical treatments, data collection, vegetation clearing, and operation of field equipment such as chainsaws and bush cutters. 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 September 13, 2026, 11:59 PM (MST).

Essential Job Duties

• Field Work Implement field sampling program under direction of LFA Task Lead Biologist and CEMML Supervisory Entomologist.
• Conduct a variety of invasive species monitoring and operational management activities.
• 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 Provide rapid response to biosecurity issues related to invasive insects.
• 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 in a culturally diverse office and respect all Team members.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• One (1) year of 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, or 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

• B.S. degree in biology, zoology, ecology, wildlife sciences, botany, agriculture, or a closely related science.
• More than two (2) years’ work experience with natural or agricultural resources.
• Experience implementing methods for control of little fire ants or other insect species.
• Experience working in Micronesia, Hawaii or other tropical environments in the biological, natural resources, or agricultural fields.
• Experience working on military installations and interacting with military staff, and familiarity with DOD/Navy environmental and safety regulations.
• Possession of Guam CORE pest control applicator’s license, or equivalent from qualifications from other States.

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.

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.