Requisition Number:

29616Location:

Boulder, Colorado Employment Type:

Research FacultySchedule:

Full-TimePosting Close Date:

12-Apr-2021Date Posted:

05-Apr-2021 Close All Job SummaryThe Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research group is encouraging applications for a summer vegetation technician to assist with vegetation surveys, plant biomass harvests and general plot maintenance in long-term experimental plots in the alpine tundra at our research site on Niwot Ridge. Most of the work will be done outdoors, in the alpine tundra, and much will require accurate plant species identification in plots from a range of long-term projects established to detect and document changes in alpine vegetation in response to various and changing climatic conditions. Some work will also be done in the laboratory and entering data.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Who We AreAs the University’s oldest institute, lNSTAAR (Institute of Arctic & Alpine Research) has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues. Our traditional focus has been on polar and alpine regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global scales. Research topics vary widely and include Quaternary and modern environments, human and ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, landscape evolution, hydrology, oceanography, and climate.
The Niwot Ridge LTER is an integrated research project with the goal of understanding ecological processes in high-elevation mountain ecosystems. Mountain ecosystems – where high topographic relief means habitat can vary greatly over short distances, and seemingly small changes in temperature will transform snowfall into rain- are among the most vulnerable to climate change. The Niwot Ridge LTER seeks to better understand how climate change leads to ecological change, and we need your help!What Your Key Responsibilities Will BeYou will be assisting with vegetation surveys, plant biomass harvests and general plot maintenance in long-term experimental plots in the alpine tundra at our research site on Niwot Ridge. Most of the work will be done outdoors, in the alpine tundra, and much will require accurate plant species identification in plots from a range of long-term projects established to detect and document changes in alpine vegetation in response to various and changing climatic conditions. Some work will also be done in the laboratory and entering data.What You Should Know

• The position is based at the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station, north of Nederland, CO at 818 County Road 116. Field sites range in elevation from 9,500 feet at the Mountain Research Station, to over 12,000 feet at some of our higher elevation sites. Transportation via shared university vehicle may be available from Boulder to the Mountain Research Station.
• The ability to hike 2-10 miles during the day at high altitude (10,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation) with a full backpack over rough and changing terrain.
• Work will be primarily outdoor for 36-40 hrs per week from mid-June through late-August. After August there will also be the opportunity to continue working temporarily for a limited number of hours each week entering data.

What We Can Offer

The pay rate is $16.50 per hour.

BenefitsThe University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.Be StatementsBe Adventurous. Be Proactive. Be Boulder.What We Require

• Strong interest in plant identification and botany, plant ecology or similar plant fields.

What You Will Need

• Strong attention to detail.
• Enjoy being and working all day in an outdoor setting.
• The desire to work as part of a team to achieve goals even in challenging conditions (rain, wind, cold temperatures).
• The ability to work on multiple projects both as part of a team, and independently to achieve goals and solve problems as they arise in the field.
• Flexibility to rearrange priorities and expectations as changing weather conditions or resources require.
• Demonstrated ability to self-motivate and help keep your team motivated when challenges arise.
• The ability to remain organized and focused amidst a variety of tasks, and creatively solve problems in the field as they arise.
• The ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Knowledge of local alpine plant species.
• Experience with plant identification using field guides and keys.
• Previous fieldwork experience.
• Knowledge of back country travel and safety practices, or willingness to learn, including CPR, Basic and/or Wilderness First Aid.

Special Instructions

To apply please submit:

1. A resume or CV: outlining education and relevant work or volunteer experience and contact information for at least two professional references.
2. A brief cover letter with answers to the application questions below. **Please note that while the position details both required skills as well as desired skills and experience, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Required Application Questions

1. Why are you interested in this position? Why do you think you would be a good fit for this job? What will you bring to the job that other applicants may not?
2. Describe any relevant experience you have through, e.g. jobs, volunteering, course work, outdoor recreation, and any outdoor safety certifications (wilderness first aide, CPR, etc.).
3. Are you capable of performing a physically demanding job and working outdoors at a high elevation in an environment where there is lots of sun exposure and often cold, windy, stormy weather?
4. The Niwot Ridge LTER is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the diversity of scientific communities. Please describe how you, based on your personal background and life experiences (including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges) will contribute to this mission during your time at Niwot Ridge (200 words or less)
5. Where did you hear about this job?

Review of applications will begin on Tuesday, April 13th.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

Posting Contact InformationPosting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu