Open Pool - CNHP Conservation Research Associate

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking Conservation Research Associates for various projects in Zoology, Botany, and GIS. Successful candidates will engage in fieldwork, data collection, and analysis, contributing to conservation efforts in Colorado. This role offers hybrid work options and requires a degree in a related field.

Benefits

Robust benefits package

Collaborative atmosphere

Focus on work-life balance

Qualifications

• Degree and experience in a related field required.
• Proficiency in scientific writing and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Support animal inventory and monitoring projects across Colorado.
• Conduct fieldwork and data collection on biodiversity.
• Assist with project logistics and communication with partners.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

BA/BS Degree

MA/MS Degree

PhD

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Statistical Software

Job description

Open Pool - CNHP Conservation Research Associate

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials.

A complete application consists of:
1. Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot); please note the installation and position(s) are you applying for
2. Resume -- 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.

When a position becomes available for the type of position that you have chosen, your application materials will be reviewed by the search committee. If your application is chosen to move forward, a search committee member will reach out to you to provide more information about the location and to invite you to interview (by telephone or video chat).

If you wish to withdraw your application from the Open Pool, you can do so at any time at https://jobs.colostate.edu/.

This pool is valid through August 31, 2025, at which time the pool will expire.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Working Title

Working Title Open Pool - CNHP Conservation Research Associate

Position Location

Position Location Fort Collins, CO

Work Location

Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional Position

Research Professional Position Yes

Posting Number

Posting Number 202500657AP

Position Type

Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week

Proposed Annual Salary Range

Proposed Annual Salary Range $45,000 - $90,000

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.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 08/31/2025

Description of Work Unit

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program ( CNHP ) is Colorado’s primary biological conservation information center housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. CNHP is a key player in Colorado’s conservation of open lands and maintains the only centralized conservation database in Colorado that includes plants, animals, and natural communities. The staff consists of approximately 40 highly experienced biologists and information managers with expertise in inventory, research, and monitoring of Colorado’s flora, fauna, plant communities, and conservation issues.

CNHP serves a wide variety of users including federal, state and local agencies, consultants, environmental groups, non-government organizations, private landowners, and the public. CNHP’s annual revenue is approximately 6 million dollars and is generated from contracts and agreements through CNHP’s partners and clients. CNHP generally works on over 50 conservation projects per year. To learn more about CNHP’s mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/.

Position Summary

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program ( CNHP ) at Colorado State University ( CSU ) has position opportunities for a variety of Conservation Research Associates for both Special and Temporary Administrative Professional assignments. These positions will be in the fields of Zoology, Botany, Vegetation Ecology, GIS , and various Environmental Compliance support areas. These positions will be located on the CSU campus in Fort Collins, CO or at other duty stations around the state depending on project needs. Depending on the position, it can be either full-time in-person, or part-time in-person/part-time remote. Positions are contingent upon funding.

Positions can involve extensive travel, camping in remote settings, and long 10+ hour field days. They can also involve planning logistics for and completing 4 to 8-day field hitches; driving and hiking to field sites; detailed completion of field forms; and communication with project partners.

Some positions will spend a large portion of the time in the field, while others will spend most of the time in an office setting.

Zoology: The Zoology Team supports animal inventory, assessment, and monitoring projects across Colorado. Duties include planning and logistics, securing land access, creating field maps in ArcGIS, and preparing supplies. During summer, the role involves extensive travel and fieldwork to collect animal and habitat data. After the field season, tasks include data quality control, data entry, analysis, and report writing. Additional responsibilities may include managing past data, assisting with proposals, hiring and training field staff, and supporting other projects. Proficiency in scientific writing, Microsoft Office, statistical software, and ArcGIS are required.

Botany and Vegetation Ecology Teams: The Botany and Vegetation Ecology Team supports projects in Colorado and nearby western states through all project phases, including planning, logistics, gaining land access, ArcGIS Field Map projects and Survey123 form creation, and field gear preparation. Summer fieldwork may include data collection on biodiversity and geospatial data, vegetation and other environmental conditions, native seed and herbarium specimen collection, weed mapping and treatment, vegetation and rare plant surveys, and restoration activities, often acting as a crew lead or manager. Field tasks require navigation skills, highway and rough dirt-road vehicle travel, and off-trail hiking in rugged terrain, with detailed data collection following protocols and standards of the NatureServe Core Methodology. Post-season work includes data quality control, entry, analysis, specimen processing, geospatial product creation, presentation creation, and report writing. May also assist with proposals, temporary staff hiring, training, and supervision, sponsor meetings, and other project support.

Geographic Information Systems ( GIS ): The GIS Team provides technical support as needed on multiple projects. May enter data into CNHP’s Biotics Data System, assist with the creation of story maps and other GIS products as needed, and other duties as assigned. Additional duties may include:

• Cartography
• Spatial data collection, including post-processing, development, and standardization
• Spatial analysis and spatial modeling
• Script and tool development using python, SQL , ETL , or ArcGIS Model Builder Survey123, ArcGIS Field Maps, Avenza Maps, or other data form development

Various Environmental Compliance support areas: Other areas of support include Vegetation and Natural Resources, Aquatic, Wetland, Entomology, and other areas where CNHP conducts conservation support.

Required Job Qualifications

• Degree and experience in a related field; the number of years’ experience required is dependent on the Research Associate (RA) level:
  • Research Associate I: BA/BS with less than 3 years of professional, post-baccalaureate (or equivalent) experience.
  • Research Associate II: BA/BS and 3 years of relevant professional experience or a recent MA/MS degree and no other significant professional experience.
  • Research Associate III : BA/BS degree and 5 years of work-related experience or a MA/MS degree with at least 2 years’ experience or a PhD with no additional experience.
  • Research Associate IV: BA/BS degree and 10 years of work-related experience or a MA/MS degree with at least 5 years’ experience or a PhD + 2 years’ experience.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; ability to handle complex tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and to maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work both independently with guidance and effectively in a team.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CNHP will not provide visa sponsorship for this position

Preferred Job Qualifications

In your Statement of Qualifications, please discuss your experience regarding the preferred qualifications listed below and add any other qualifications you believe are relevant to the type of position that you are interested in.

Zoology

• Knowledge and direct experience working with Colorado fauna.
• Experience or familiarity with habitat assessment techniques.
• Experience with Survey123 and/or other electronic data capture platforms.
• Experience or familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., PC- ORD , R, SPSS , SAS ).
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, car camp, and hike long distances (up to 6+ miles/day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 pounds) with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather, mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety.

Botany and Vegetation Ecology

• Strong experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides to identify plant species and familiarity with the major angiosperm plant families in the Rocky Mountain region.
• Experience describing vegetation patterns found on the landscape including recording and describing dominant and diagnostic species by strata.
• Experience with data collection related to seed collection, collecting native seed, and the USFS Region 2 Native Plant Materials Program.
• Experience using NatureServe Core Methodology (Natural Heritage Methodology) in the field to collect data on tracked plants and plant communities.
• Experience weed mapping and weed mapping techniques and weed species of Colorado.
• Experience with the Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan Tier 1 & Tier 2 species of greatest conservation need including threatened, endangered and candidate plant species of Colorado.
• Familiarity with federal, state and local land management agencies in Colorado.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Colorado Natural Areas and their volunteer steward program.
• Familiarity with the U.S. National Vegetation Classification System.
• Experience with quantitative vegetation sampling techniques, quantitative vegetation monitoring, vegetation surveys, and weed mapping and treatment.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out field surveys, including identifying specific targets and survey sites, securing site access, and coordinating with project stakeholders.
• Proficient with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, and navigation apps to locate field sites and collect field data using tablets or other devices.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Experience supervising field staff, field crews, technicians, or volunteers.
• Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads and camping in remote locations.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, car camp, and hike long distances (up to 6+ miles/day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 pounds) with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather, mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety.

GIS

• Currently enrolled or holder of a Graduate Degree in natural resources management, environmental science, geography, geographic information systems ( GIS ), history, anthropology, or computer science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated training and experience using GIS software, database management software, global positioning system technology, and geospatial technical writing and documentation.
• Managing spatial data in geodatabases or Microsoft Access databases.
• Knowledge and experience developing web applications including geo-portal data maintenance, ArcGIS Online or story maps.
• Knowledge and experience with automation processes such as ETL tools, python scripting, R, and/or SQL .
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, car camp, and hike long distances (up to 6+ miles/day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 pounds) with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather, mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety.

Various Environmental Compliance support areas

• Experience flora and/or fauna monitoring or management (specify taxa/ecosystem/regions of prior experience).
• Experience performing habitat restoration or invasive species management.
• Training and experience using GIS software.
• Specific field experience in one or more of the following areas: rare plants, wetland or upland vegetation, small mammals, invertebrates, and/or amphibians.
• Experience interpreting aerial photography (e.g., Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS .
• Experience with various sampling techniques (vegetation sampling or animal trapping).
• Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads and camping in remote locations.
• Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices.
• Experience working in the Rocky Mountain, Intermountain West, or Plains Ecosystems.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, car camp, and hike long distances (up to 6+ miles/day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 pounds) with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather, mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials.

A complete application consists of:
1. Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot); please note the installation and position(s) are you applying for
2. Resume — 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.

When a position becomes available for the type of position that you have chosen, your application materials will be reviewed by the search committee. If your application is chosen to move forward, a search committee member will reach out to you to provide more information about the location and to invite you to interview (by telephone or video chat).

If you wish to withdraw your application from the Open Pool, you can do so at any time at https://jobs.colostate.edu/.

This pool is valid through August 31, 2025, at which time the pool will expire.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search Contact

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.

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.

References Requested

References Requested

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select which type of position(s) you want to be considered for:
  • Zoology
  • Botany and Vegetation Ecology
  • GIS
  • Various Environmental Compliance support areas
• * Please select which level of position that you qualify for, and would like to be considered for:
  • Research Associate I
  • Research Associate II
  • Research Associate III
  • Research Associate IV

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