Natural Resources Specialist-1

Colorado State University; California; On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking a Natural Resources Specialist stationed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to support a range of field and office projects. You will conduct wildlife surveys, assist researchers, manage data and prepare regulatory documents, and contribute to outreach activities with military partners and local communities.

These duties require a Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, at least two years of field experience, and capability with ArcGIS, ArcMap, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a natural resource field.
• 2 years of field experience on natural resource projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys and monitoring of wildlife species for various projects.
• Assist researchers and contractors supporting VSFB and relocate wildlife as needed.
• Maintain data sheets and manage data in spreadsheets/databases.
• Prepare and process regulatory documentation (notices, reviews, reports).
• Coordinate document delivery and meetings with CSU and Federal team members.
• Perform ArcGIS spatial analysis to create map deliverables.
• Engage with VSFB and local communities through outreach events.

Skills

Field experience

Wildlife ID

ArcGIS

Technical reports

ATV/UTV driving

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resource field

Tools

ArcGIS

ArcMap

Job description

Position Summary

The Natural Resources Specialist position works in the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) and is duty-stationed on Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) in Lompoc, California.

Primary responsibility is to support the CEMML team with project support for a wide variety of office and field projects. These field tasks may include entomological surveys, bat acoustic and visual surveys, vegetation management, habitat restoration, avian surveys, herpetofauna surveys, feral hog surveys and other surveys as assigned. Office tasks may include equipment/vehicle maintenance, printing reports, preparing field equipment, scheduling/planning, coordinating with regulators, and coordinating report delivery.

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). To learn more about CEMML's contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit

Essential Job Duties

Field Work

• Conduct field surveys and monitoring activities for a variety of wildlife species and conservation projects, including Southwestern pond turtles, California red-legged frogs, bats, Western monarchs, feral hogs, and other assigned monitoring efforts.
• Perform additional field and conservation support activities under the guidance of a Wildlife Biologist or Vegetation Ecologist, including assisting researchers and contractors supporting VSFB, relocating Southern Pacific rattlesnakes from housing and cantonment areas, maintaining beach boundary lines and signage, recruiting volunteers to assist with field surveys, and completing other assigned tasks.

Office Work

• Provide administrative and project support to the VSFB conservation program through data sheet management, data entry, and data management within spreadsheets and databases.
• Support the development and processing of regulatory and project documentation, including pre-notifications, project reviews, work tasks (813s, 883s, and 103s), annual reports, quarterly progress reports, and other related documents as assigned.
• Coordinate operational and communication activities by copying and printing materials, mailing or delivering documents, coordinating with CSU and Federal team members, and attending meetings.
• Perform ArcGIS spatial analysis and mapping tasks to create and refine project deliverables, while providing additional administrative and project support as assigned.

Outreach

• Engage with VSFB and local communities through games, activities, presentations, classroom visits, field trips, educational outreach, and volunteer events, including Earth Day, Western snowy plover education programs, Salute the Youth, Neighborhood Block Party events, annual beach cleanups, school career days, and other community engagement activities.

Supervision

This position does not include supervisory duties.

Conditions Of Employment

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) and public trust clearance for VSFB.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. by the proposed start date, CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Must be able to drive a standard pickup truck, 4WD truck, and ATV/UTV. A UTV certification from VSFB will be required. Training provided.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science in a natural resource field.
• 2 years of field experience working on natural resource projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 2 years conducting fieldwork.
• Experience identifying wild animals and/or plants.
• Experience working with herpetofauna, avifauna, and invertebrates.
• Experience writing technical reports.
• Experience working with ArcGIS and ArcMap.
• Experience with 4WD, off road & ATV/UTV driving.
• Experience working on a military installation.

Salary Range

$65,000-$75,000

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 in the 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.