Job Type: Full-time, on-site
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Salary: $60,000-$74,000
Application Due Date: 6/29/2025
Position Overview:
This position works under general supervision of the Adaptive Management Team’s senior supervisor to implement the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Ecological Stewardship Team's conservation and management plans, policies, projects, and practices at a professional level. The position delivers professional fieldwork (~40 – 70%), reporting/communication (~15 – 20%), and research (~10 – 15%) focused on improving ecological health and supporting all chartered land uses and natural areas purposes across all Fort Collins natural area properties (currently 52).
The position provides practical knowledge in ecology and grassland/rangeland management to help develop broad strategies, collect and analyze data, and resolve natural resource management issues. This position will utilize a background in soil, plant, and/or animal interactions to better understand local grassland system ecology, consult with partners and collaborators, and provide technical assistance to support management designed to enhance native biodiversity and ecological function/resilience on natural areas properties.
Primary grassland health questions the successful candidate may work to inform (depending upon candidate’s background/knowledge/interests) include: (1) determining appropriate form (e.g., type of livestock), timing, and intensity of grazing on natural areas properties; (2) monitoring soil health metrics (3) providing recommendations for improving soil health, and (4) assisting in the monitoring and scientific evaluation of various restoration efforts, including grazing, seeding, planting, and non-native species management.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Develops, supports, and implements work plans related to natural resource management, water quality monitoring or soil quality monitoring and assessment.
Leads the collection of scientifically valid samples and measurements related to soil condition, water quality, vegetation, or wildlife to support management decisions.
Provides subject matter expertise to planning processes, other City departments, and residents.
Compiles and manages scientific data in computer databases; updates files and generates database reports, as necessary.
Ensures all necessary quality assurance and quality control practices are followed and the associated records are maintained.
Performs data analysis and data summary tasks, including production of summary tables, summary statistics, and graphs.
Prepares presentations and/or written content for variety of reports, including annual operating reports, customer correspondence, technical memoranda, and field summaries.
Provides general oversight of project volunteers, technicians and/or contractors, including training on project-related best management and safety practices.
Prepares, coordinates, and oversees project-based requests for proposals for professional services related to monitoring and/or natural resource management.
Assists with the preparation and submittal of permit applications and/or provide reporting information for a variety of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
Builds effective alliances with other department service areas, city departments, local and public interest groups; coordinate with appropriate agencies and partners to ensure timelines, regulatory requirements, public process requirements, and budgetary constraints are met.
City Competencies:
Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Proficiency with standard office computer software and hardware, ability to use data and information management systems and to perform statistical analysis of data.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal environmental regulations.
Knowledge of approved methods for the collection and analysis of environmental samples and applicable safety practices.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of quality assurance and quality control for laboratory analyses and/or field sampling designs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers, other city staff and outside agencies.
Physical ability and willingness to work in adverse weather and field conditions.
Ability to prepare effective written reports, and to work and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people, including the ability to deal courteously with public and land users.
Experience with application of principles of ecology including ecological field studies, data collection, and management
Experience Requirements:
Minimum of two years of work experience in field research (implementation, data collection), implementing natural resource management strategies based on research and best available practices, and preparing and presenting environmental education program, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum
College degree or equivalent work experience. Some positions may require functionally related certification or advanced degrees
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science or other natural resource management related field from an accredited college or university
See the “Apply” or “Learn More” links below for more information.
