What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildlife Ecology Technician II position at City of Boulder, CO?
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Application Deadline:
February 25, 2025
Compensation Details:
Full Pay Range
25.42 - 36.87
Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time hourly position.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility Group:
Temporary 30
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the
Employee Benefit Eligibility
document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Job Description Summary:
The primary purpose of this temporary position is to support the Wildlife Program within the Ecological Stewardship Division. This is accomplished through the implementation of existing natural resource inventory and monitoring projects mandated by departmental management plans. This position will support all chartered land uses and open space purposes. The role is primarily field based (70-90%), conducting specialized wildlife surveys, assisting with ongoing biological research, reporting findings to senior ecologists for analysis and integration into management decisions, and the execution of projects that enhance natural habitats and wildlife populations on OSMP properties.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will entail ~80% field work and 20% office work
- Perform wildlife inventory and monitoring of songbirds (forest and grassland), raptors, mammals, and amphibians following specific study plans and established protocols.
- Collect, enter and organize wildlife data using Access, Excel and GIS.
- GPS field mapping and data entry.
- Use GIS software to display spatial information and produce maps
- Operates four-wheel drive vehicles on rough terrain.
- Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Uses all proper safety equipment. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
- Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional trainings and development; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to be flexible. must be available to work early morning and evening hours.
- Ability and willingness to hike long distances alone on steep, uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions: Wildlife technicians primarily work outside and will be exposed to a variety of weather conditions consistent with the variable Front Range climate. Work takes place off trail in OSMP’s mountain parks which contain steep, rocky terrain. Candidate must navigate working landscapes where livestock and barbed wire fencing are encountered.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively: Work with diverse groups of people both in the office and as a public-facing staff member representing OSMP on the trail system. Effective written and verbal communication demonstrating exemplary customer service is a must.
- Ability and willingness to work on a wide array of wildlife monitoring projects: Self-motivated to work individually, yet able to work closely in pairs or as part of a team.
- Knowledge and familiarity with field equipment: Binoculars, spotting scopes, GPS units, remote cameras, water quality measuring equipment, bat detectors, radio telemetry equipment, and rangefinders are used while performing various types of wildlife monitoring. The effective use and maintenance of this equipment is expected.
- Knowledge and experience: experience and working understanding of ecological principles and data collection frameworks
- Skills in careful attention to detail: Detailed and accurate data collection skills, following establish collection protocols, are imperative for this position. This data must be kept organized through the entire collection process, from field planning, to collection, and through data entry. This information is used to inform and drive management decisions.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
- Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years experience with wildlife field monitoring methods in addition to required education or equivalency.
- Familiarity with wildlife and habitats typical of Colorado northern Front Range
- Identification of Western birds by sight and sound
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree or upper division college coursework in Ecology, Biology or Natural Resources related field. Eight (8) years of related experience may substitute for the education requirement.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received: Senior Wildlife Ecologist
Supervision Exercised: None
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Physical and Mental Effort: Physical ability to lift and carry equipment and to stand, walk, and kneel while performing tasks on rough terrain. Able to lift 30 pounds daily. Ability to evaluate conditions in assigned area and make judgments related to safety. Flexibility to work early morning and evening hours.
- Work Environment: Works in a clean, comfortable environment, and also works in an outdoor environment year-round. Potential exposure to hazardous field conditions, toxic chemicals, and dangerous weather conditions.
- Machines and Equipment Used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, calculators, cell phones, and copy machines; vehicles including four-wheel drive vehicles; a range of relevant and appropriate tools and equipment.
Additional Job Description:
Last updated: February 2025
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 statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.