What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate in Grassland Ecology / Site Manager - Rapid City, SD position at Colorado State University?
Posting Details
Posting Detail Information
Working Title
Research Associate in Grassland Ecology / Site Manager - Rapid City, SD
Position Location
Rapid City, SD
Work Location
Position is fully in-office / in-person
Research Professional Position
Posting Number
202500199AP
Position Type
Admin Professional / Research Professional
Classification Title
Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours / Week
Proposed Annual Salary Range
49,000 - $51,700
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
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Desired Start Date
04 / 07 / 2025
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11 : 59pm (MT) on
02 / 24 / 2025
Description of Work Unit
Housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources, the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University is an interdisciplinary academic program uniquely poised to advance education, research, and outreach in vegetation measurements and forest biometry. The existing programs in the department include forest ecology, forest economics and management, forest fire science, rangeland ecology and management, resource policy and planning, and geospatial sciences. The Warner College of Natural Resources is home to five academic departments and several centers and institutes such as the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, the WESTFIRE Research Center, the Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. These programs, institutes and centers provide a foundation for research, education and outreach in this field. Linkages across department and colleges, and with federal and state land managers and research centers, form a broader interdisciplinary foundation for increased impact.
Position Summary
The plant ecophysiology lab at in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Rapid City, SD is seeking applications for a 10-month biological science technician to act as a site manager that works closely with a crew lead for a project investigating the response to- and recovery of plants from severe and seasonal droughts in the northern Great Plains. This position will focus on field site equipment management and plant data collection during the growing season and data management and lab work during the non-growing season months. The responsibility of the biological science technician site manager will be to manage rainout shelter infrastructure, mowing treatments, weather stations, and soil moisture data loggers at two sites in western South Dakota and also collect plant species composition, plant development, and biomass production as part of the larger seasonal crew. We expect that in the non-growing season months work will focus on equipment repair and preparation, preparing bud samples for dissection, and data entry. The successful applicant will be based at the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Rapid City, SD. The candidate will be expected to plan regular maintenance for soil moisture, weather station, and rainout shelter infrastructure and assist the crew lead in planning field crew activities.
Required Job Qualifications
Preferred Job Qualifications
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category
Research
Duty / Responsibility
Percentage Of Time
Job Duty Category
Project Management
Duty / Responsibility
Percentage Of Time
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than February 24, 2025 for full consideration at jobs.colostate.edu. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birthdates from application materials. A complete application consists of :
References may be requested from finalists. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
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.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License
Search Contact
Troy Ocheltree, troy.ocheltree@colostate.edu
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 : $49,000 - $51,700
