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State of Colorado · 11 hours ago

TEMPORARY Lead & NON Lead Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Crew– Grand Junction, CO.

Mesa County, CO

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid, Senior Level

$18.50/hr - $19.50/hr

1+ years exp

The State of Colorado is seeking individuals for a temporary position in the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to conduct aquatic invasive species monitoring. The role involves conducting surveys for various invasive species, ensuring safety and compliance with state protocols, and leading a crew in the field.

AssociationHealth CareNon Profit

No H1B

Responsibilities

Conduct aquatic nuisance species (ANS) surveys, using standardized scientific protocols, in various waters throughout Colorado

Specifically, this position will conduct standardized monitoring for zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and Eurasian watermilfoil including infestation mapping and population monitoring

Crews will also assist with other ANS and native species baseline mapping for aquatic plants, mollusks, crayfish, and other invertebrates

Water quality monitoring will also be conducted

Detailed record keeping and the ability to follow strict field protocols is required including with the use of state owned equipment

Candidates must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, to survey select lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers

Candidates should be comfortable interacting with members of the public in a professional manner while representing the Invasive Species Program and the agency as a whole

This position will require traveling Monday through Thursday weekly with significant overnight camping

Candidates should be able to work in inclement weather conditions, including working off boats, in and around the water, and should be comfortable in backcountry settings

Candidates must have their own reliable camping equipment although some nights will be spent in motels

Candidates must also assist the Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) Specialist and Invasive Species Program Manager with any rapid response efforts that arise as a result of the sampling and monitoring program

Daily hours will vary, but work hours will be strictly limited to 40 per week (overtime compensation will only be granted in special circumstances)

Perform leadership duties to accomplish broad statewide objectives for invasive species sampling and monitoring

Crew leads are responsible for the following tasks in addition to crew member duties:

Serve as the lead communicator between the EDRR Specialist, ANS Laboratory, and crew members

Serve as the primary decision maker when working in the field with limited supervision from the EDRR Specialist

Ensure the safety of all crew members during operations and report safety violations to the EDRR Specialist

Ensure all crew members are respectful and conflict management occurs when needed

Ensure crew members follow State of Colorado ANS Sampling and Monitoring Manual procedures

Ensure decontamination procedures are followed to official state watercraft inspection and decontamination standards

Ensure the crew has all necessary working equipment for the week’s operations, maintain equipment in good working order, and report any problems or issues directly to the EDRR Specialist

Perform ArcGIS Field Maps data collection, processing, and quality control/assurance of said data

Other duties may include: Map production and analysis using ArcGIS Pro and technical report writing

Qualification

Aquatic species monitoringData collectionArcGIS softwareBiological field surveysLeadership experienceCommunication skillsOrganization skillsAttention to detailTeamworkFlexibility

Required

Must be 16 years of age or older

Must have a current and valid driver's license required for operating a state vehicle and an acceptable driving record

Possess basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite)

Willingness to be flexible with the weekday work schedule

Ability to travel extensively with overnight stays including camping

Ability to drive long hours and remain alert

Ability to work closely in small crews for long hours in a professional manner

Ability to work in and around the water

Preferred

B.S. in natural resources/botany/fisheries/wildlife or other natural resource field OR at least 1 year completed coursework toward a degree in the field

Experience leading field crews, especially for the Lead Technician

Experience performing data entry

Experience conducting biological field surveys especially with aquatics and/or water quality including performing species identification

Experience with zebra mussel, quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, Eurasian watermilfoil, or other invasive species

Experience boating and/or trailering – including knowledge of boat and trailer anatomy, ability to launch and land in inclement weather, and ability to tow trailers on highways and steep mountain roads

Experience with ArcGIS software

Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)

Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and multitask

Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences or comparable work experience