Posting Detail Information

Working TitleBotanist - Vandenberg Space Force Base, California

Position LocationVandenberg Space Force Base, CA

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionYes

Posting Number202400655AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$50,000 - $60,000

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, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on05/13/2024

Description of Work Unit

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University ( CSU ). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visithttp://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will serve as a Botanist supporting Vandenberg Space Force Base ( VSFB ) in California. The primary responsibility of the position is to develop a Vegetation Classification map and dataset for VSFB . The candidate who best fits the position will be the person who: has demonstrated experience working with the Manual of California Vegetation ( MCV ) by the California Native Plant Society, can identify flora using dichotomous keys, enjoys fieldwork in rough/challenging conditions, has demonstrated experience delineating vegetation types in ArcGIS, and has demonstrated experience creating vegetation classification maps using California Native Plant Society, or United States National Vegetation Classification Standard ( USNVCS ) methods.

The Botanist will work in tandem with a Lead Botanist to accomplish all field work, delineations, ground-truthing, mapping, and reporting. The CEMML Botany team at VSFB may support other natural resource management tasks (as necessary) and will be required to coordinate with other CEMML Staff at VSFB , along with Federal Natural Resource Staff at VSFB .

VSFB is approximately 100,000 acres of land that is spread across North Base and South Base. This position will carry a large amount of responsibility to ensure all appropriate and accepted methodologies are being followed, work is being completed within a reasonable timeframe, and to coordinate directly with the Federal Botanist at VSFB . This position is supervised by the CEMML Lead Wildlife Biologist at VSFB .

Field work will require traversing a beautiful, variable, steep, and difficult landscape. There is poison oak found in many drainages on VSFB . Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to manage poison oak risks. There are many Threatened and Endangered species (flora and fauna) found on VSFB that will need to be respected. A capable field vehicle and proper rescue equipment will be provided. Use of helicopter to access remote field sites is likely. Work will stretch from the coastline into the Santa Ynez mountains, within the VSFB boundary. The work can be strenuous with long days in a truck and/or on the ground. The landscape at VSFB is varied and beautiful. It is a privilege to explore and survey the terrain on this gorgeous military installation.

Office work will include sitting at a desk for long hours to: delineate polygons over aerial imagery of VSFB ; edit geodatabases; coordinate with CEMML , VSFB , and contractor natural resource staff; write a vegetation classification technical report; and support routine reporting for the Cooperative Agreement between CEMML and VSFB .

Work location is dependent on the needs of the partner/project/role. In some instances, positions may require staff to be fully in-person. In other instances, hybrid or remote arrangements may be possible.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, or similar/related field, with 3 years of professional experience.

• Experience identifying plants using dichotomous keys.

• Experience with rugged fieldwork.

• Experience working with ArcGIS to delineate and edit boundaries/polygons.

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working in California

• Experience with the California Vegetation Manual by the California Native Plant Society.

• Prior experience developing a vegetation classification map and resulting technical report

• Prior experience working with ArcGIS

• Prior experience writing technical reports

• Prior experience with statistical analysis and reporting

• Prior experience working on a military installation

• Experience with 4wd and offroad driving

Diversity Statement

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryField Work

Duty/Responsibility

• Field work includes travelling by foot, vehicle, and possibly helicopter to visit and verify different habitats on VSFB .

• The purpose is to identify vegetation and their characteristics across the entire installation.

• Field conditions will be challenging at times.

• There is inherent risk in the field work which may include coming into contact with poison oak, wildlife, challenging terrain, and low visibility due to fog.

Percentage Of Time40

Job Duty CategoryOffice Work

Duty/Responsibility

• Office work includes sitting at a desk for extended periods, GIS work, and writing, among other potential related tasks.

Percentage Of Time40

Job Duty CategoryCoordination/Planning

Duty/Responsibility

• Meetings with CEMML , VSFB Federal Staff, contractors, and agency partners will be required.

• All meetings will be to coordinate on the project and plan for the project.

Percentage Of Time10

Job Duty CategoryReporting

Duty/Responsibility

• Produce monthly/quarterly progress reports following a standard set of guidance provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

• Annual project reports will be required.

• A final technical report will be required

Percentage Of Time10

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than May 13, 2024, for full consideration. 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 birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:

• Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.

• Resume

• References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notification to 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.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Special Requirements/Other - Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC). Furthermore, candidates are required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check to remain eligible for employment.

Search ContactChris Herron (Christopher.Herron@colostate.edu)

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

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.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents