Plant Ecology Tehnician

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder! Hiring Range: $20.15 - $24.65 Job Description Summary: Under moderate supervision, the Plant Ecology Technician supports the Science and Climate Resilience team in field-based vegetation monitoring and scientific research aimed at understanding long-term changes in natural resources on Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) lands. This position will also provide support on vegetation stewardship and restoration projects. The primary role of the Plant Ecology Technician is to conduct field work (75-90%), including quantitative vegetation sampling, data entry and QA/QC, plant identification, biomass collection, installation and maintenance of monitoring and research sites, collection of plant materials for ecological restoration, and invasive species management. Additional indoor responsibilities (10-25%) may include managing equipment, preparing maps, weighing biomass samples, cleaning seeds, mounting plant specimens, assisting with related research, analyses, reporting and related duties as required. This job demands sustained focus, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and as part of a team. The position provides opportunities to learn local grassland flora and to collaborate with researchers and resource managers in our outdoor laboratory. Job Description: JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES System-wide Grassland Monitoring Prepare for monitoring by assembling field equipment, creating maps and monitoring documents, and relocating and marking historic monitoring sites. Conduct quantitative monitoring of grassland vegetation composition following established protocols. Use ArcGIS field apps and mobile data collection software to navigate to sites, meticulously record, review, and manage data and photographs, and assist with plant identification. Support Climate Change Research and Solutions Implement experimental studies related to drought and climate change (Drought-Net) in collaboration with OSMP staff and Colorado University staff and students. Construct and maintain Drought-Net rainout shelters, cattle fencing, and monitoring plots and apply experimental treatments through weed whipping, shelter removal, and watering of sites. Support Drought-Net core measurements of soil conditions, biomass, and plant composition through field monitoring, data recording, photo documentation, data input and management, and data summary. Assist and help train Junior Rangers with microclimate measurements. May support Natural Climate Solutions field pilot project. Additional Ecological Restoration and Vegetation Stewardship Tasks Work collaboratively with other ecological services work groups as needed to: Conduct additional vegetation and/or soil monitoring to inform management of rare plants, nonnative invasive species, and tilled/untilled grassland sites where prairie dogs will be removed or relocated. Assist in ecological restoration projects through collection and potting up of dormant woody plant materials, trail closure, seeding, planting, fence repair and watering. Control invasive weeds using weed whipping, cutting, or hand pulling. Collect and clean native seeds for restoration and help maintain seed collections. Research functional traits and taxonomic nomenclature of grassland plant species to update OSMP’s Master Vegetation table. Mount and label collected plants for OSMP’s herbarium. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Ability to perform work with high level of attention to detail and accuracy, to follow detailed field monitoring protocols and to meticulously organize and maintain data and equipment. Experience in plant identification and/or vegetation monitoring equivalent to one full field season or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of ecological principles and data collection and analyses frameworks. Self-motivated, with ability to work and communicate effectively as part of a team and to work safely with limited supervision. Ability to walk, hike, stand, bend and kneel in an outdoor environment for long periods of time under a variety of weather conditions and ability to carry up to 25 pounds while hiking on rough terrain while maintaining a positive attitude. Candidates must navigate working landscapes where livestock and barbed wire fencing are encountered. Experience with computer software, preferably using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access). Driver's license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record. Acceptable background information including criminal history is required. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Field experience in plant identification in grassland ecosystems of the western U.S. and ability to identify plant species using a dichotomous key. Knowledge of Colorado ecosystems and flora. Skills in ArcGIS software, including ArcGIS Online, ArcMap, and ArcGIS field apps. Ability to navigate using a compass and GPS. Experience with data entry, QA/QC, and basic statistical principal and analyses. Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Expresses ideas effectively, organizes and delivers information appropriately; actively listens to concerns and is open to the ideas of colleagues and customers. Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Botany, Geography, Environmental Studies or related degree, or Bachelor’s degree in another field and at least 2 years of specialized field experience conducting natural resource inventories, research or monitoring, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of and/or interest in climate change effects on ecosystems. Current Red Cross or equivalent certifications in CPR and First Aid. Supervision: Immediate Supervisor: Science and Climate Resilience Ecologist Supervision Exercised: None; may lead contractors, volunteers, and interns. Working Conditions and Requirements Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to observe detailed plant characteristics up-close and to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written and electronic documents. Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate hand-held electronic equipment in the field and computer equipment and other office equipment. Flexibility to work early morning hours. Work schedules are typically 8-10 hours per day Monday to Thursday with occasional work required on Fridays or weekends. Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes, mountain lions, stinging insects), toxic plants or chemicals (e.g., pesticides), and dangerous weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, extreme wind, lightning). Technician may be asked to use a personal vehicle for this work and if required to use personal vehicle, will be reimbursed for mileage. Additional Job Description: The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statue. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to HR@bouldercolorado.gov. The City of Boulder is a great place to live, work, grow and play. With over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways and more than 150 miles of hiking trails, Boulder values active lifestyles and access to nature. Forty-five thousand acres of land provide open space for parks and a green belt around the city. With world class restaurants and art and music venues, The City of Boulder values diverse culture. Respect is one of our five City Values (including Customer Service, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation) and we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and support our differences across all spectrums, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, age, disability and sexuality. Through our focus on Racial Equity, our employee benefits, and the many programs resources we offer our staff, we continually strive to weave respect for one another into the fabric of our organization. Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service excellence for an inspired future.