What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aquatic Ecology Research Technician position at Colorado State University?
Position Location
Fort Collins, CO
Work Location
Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position
Yes
Posting Number
202500486AP
Position Type
Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title
Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
1
Work Hours/Week
40
Proposed Annual Salary Range
$38,000 - $40,000
Employee Benefits
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Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on
04/14/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Department expands the frontiers of knowledge through our broad-based expertise in applied ecology, quantitative methods, and human dimensions in the conservation and management of fish and wildlife. We teach students to think critically about environmental issues, and become ecologically literate citizens with the training to be successful in graduate school and in careers with natural resources agencies, firms, and non-government organizations. Our outreach efforts contribute significantly to life-long learning by assisting individuals and agencies to solve complex environmental problems and to be good stewards of our nation’s natural resources.
Position Summary
The research lab of Dr. Dan Preston at Colorado State University in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology is hiring for one to two aquatic ecology research technician positions. The initial position is for one year, full-time, with starting salary of approximately $38,000 to $40,000. The pay rate will be commensurate with relevant experience. The preferred start time is May of 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The position will involve both laboratory and field work, with a focus on processing samples of benthic macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, and fish stomach contents from freshwater streams, ponds, and lakes. Experience identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates is strongly desired. The position will also involve field work, supervising student technicians, managing data collection and entry, and experimental work involving fish and/or aquatic insects. Field work will occur in summers and will involve driving and/or hiking to sites to quantify food web characteristics and habitat variables. To apply, please submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references to dan.preston@colostate.edu. For more information on the relevant research please see the Preston lab website (https://sites.google.com/rams.colostate.edu/danpreston/home) and reach out with any questions. Applicants from backgrounds that are underrepresented in ecology are especially encouraged to apply.
Required Job Qualifications
- B.S./B.A. in Biology, Ecology, Aquatic Science or related field
- Experience with aquatic ecology
- Must possess a valid driver’s license by position start date.
- Must be legally authorized to work within the U.S.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have:
- Experience identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates
- Experience with aquatic ecology field work
- Experience leading a field crew
- Experience working with data in R
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category
Research
Duty/Responsibility
- Supervise and facilitate the collection of aquatic ecology data from laboratory samples and field work.
- Enter and manage the resulting data into spreadsheets, and communicate findings.
Percentage Of Time
75
Job Duty Category
Project management
Duty/Responsibility
- Communicate with the PI to achieve project goals, including logistics coordination (field logistics, ordering supplies, etc).
Percentage Of Time
10
Job Duty Category
Supervision
Duty/Responsibility
- Help supervise undergraduate researchers working on the project.
Percentage Of Time
15
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Search Contact
Dan Preston, dan.preston@colostate.edu
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
Salary : $38,000 - $40,000
