Summer Forest Field Technician and Crew Lead Positions in the Colorado

Hiring Organization: University of Wyoming
Employment type: Seasonal
Job Location: Wyoming
Application Due Date: January 31, 2024

The Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD) at the University of Wyoming is seeking applications for nine field technician positions and two lead technician positions to conduct forest field inventories in National Forests on the Colorado Front Range during the summer of 2024. These positions involve measuring and identifying trees, measuring down woody material, and assessing understory vegetation by lifeform to gather data to support LiDAR-based analyses of forest structure. Field technicians will be responsible for learning and following detailed protocols, collecting high-quality ecological data, and contributing to field crew effectiveness and cohesion. Lead technicians will be responsible for supervising a crew of three field technicians, conducting and overseeing crew field sampling efforts, maintaining safety awareness and practices, coordinating daily field logistics, and maintaining field equipment. Work will occur on the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest and the Pike-San Isabel National Forest on the Colorado Front Range. Accessing and measuring plots will require sustained physical effort over lengthy periods in remote, rugged settings. Field housing and transportation are provided. We are looking for crew members that are enthusiastic about working and living in the Colorado Rocky Mountains for a full summer and are willing to embrace the challenges that come with working in the mountains.

Duration: Tentatively May 28 through August 30, with exact dates depending on technician availability

Hours: Minimum 40 hours per week (M-F), with paid overtime for work extending beyond 40 hours

Pay: Technicians $17.00 per hour plus $25.50 per hour overtime and daily per diem
Crew Leads $20.00 per hour plus $30.00 per hour overtime and daily per diem

Minimum Qualifications

Field Technicians
* At least two years of college course work (or equivalent number of credits) toward a degree in biology, ecology, or a closely related field
* Valid driver’s license and a driving record that will pass the motor vehicle records inspection by the University of Wyoming
* Comfortable working or recreating in remote settings without cell service or internet and in adverse weather conditions
* Experience following complex, detailed protocols
* Ability to hike in rough, uneven terrain carrying up to 35 lbs and to engage in prolonged periods of physical work
* Ability to operate on a flexible schedule that may change on short notice
* Ability to accurately record data
* Strong personal motivation and a willingness to maintain a positive, productive attitude under challenging conditions
* Experience camping in primitive settings

Crew Leads
* At least three years of college course work (or equivalent number of credits) toward a degree in biology, ecology, or a closely related field
* A valid driver’s license and a driving record that will pass the motor vehicle records inspection at the University of Wyoming
* Experience driving a 4WD/AWD vehicle on unpaved surfaces and in rough terrain
* Knowledge of western forest trees
* Experience working or recreating in remote settings without cell service or internet and in adverse weather conditions
* At least one season or equivalent course experience collecting biological data in a field setting
* to hike in rough, uneven terrain carrying up to 35 pounds and to engage in prolonged periods of physical work
* Ability to operate on a flexible schedule that may change on short notice
* Demonstrated leadership experience
* Organizational skills

Desired Qualifications

* Previous experience on a field crew
* Knowledge of the ecology, composition, and dynamics of western forests
* Experience working or recreating in bear country

To Apply: Please assemble the following into a single PDF and send to Paige Copenhaver-Parry (pcopenha@uwyo.edu ) with the subject line ‘Forest Technician 2024 Application’
1. A 1-2 page cover letter stating whether you are applying for a technician or crew lead position and describing your interest in the position, your experience and qualifications as they relate to the minimum and desired qualifications, your experience and comfort level with working and/or recreating outdoors, a justification for any minimum qualifications that you do not meet, and your dates of availability including start and end dates and any planned absences (or a statement that you plan no absences).
2. A resume or CV
3. An unofficial transcript
4. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses for three professional references

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

For additional information please contact Dr. Paige Copenhaver-Parry (pcopenha@uwyo.edu )