SEASONAL POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION TITLE: Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Seasonal Crew Leader (2 or more positions)
LOCATION: Grand Junction, Colorado and Sheridan, Wyoming.
HOURLY PAY RATE: $15.00 - $19.00 commensurate with experience. Overtime will be made available.
HOUSING: Housing is not provided, but assistance may be available to help find accommodations. Crews will be in travel status for the majority of the field season, but will need to have lodging near their respective duty station.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time seasonal positions are with the Colorado State Forest Service and will generally not exceed six months, with a possibility to extend to nine months. Expected range of employment will be from April 2016 thru the end of October 2016. Actual length of employment is dependent upon workload, weather, and other factors.
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be considered until the positions are filled. Materials received by 11:59pm MST March 15th, 2016 will receive full consideration. Applications after this date will be considered on a need-to-fill basis.
Conditions of Employment:
• Provide daily oversight and management in tandem with FIA Program Manager of at least one seasonal/temporary crew member
• Ability to perform strenuous work in variety of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and rapidly fluctuating daily temperatures
• Ability and willingness to work irregular work hours and periodic long days, evenings, and weekends with frequent overnight travel lasting 10 or more days
• Ability to safely operate 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, and forest machinery and tools
• Ability and willingness to tent-camp and backcountry hike, including off- and on-trail
• Ability to provide suitable work gear, including sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, tent, sleeping bag, and other personal items related to camping, hiking, and outdoor gear
Minimum Requirements:
• A 4-year degree in Biology, Botany, Forest Ecology, Forestry, Geology, Natural Resource Management, or related-field
• Ability to carry a 35+ pound pack while hiking in elevations ranging from 3,500 to 14,000 feet
• Have a valid state driver’s license and the ability to pass a motor vehicle background check
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
• Two seasons of Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) field work, while previously certified FIA crew personnel are highly desired
• Previous experience supervising hourly, seasonal, and/or temporary employees
• Experience participating on teams and ability to work autonomously for extended periods of time
• Capable of using handheld field computers (Allegro MX) and experience using MIDAS software for data collection. Previous use and knowledge of GIS programs and GPS units to collect field data
• Experience in project/logistical planning, implementation, and the ability to keep track of weekly work hours, work-related expenses, and plot production
• Ability to communicate clearly and exhibit confidence when contacting landowners
• Experience with topographic maps, compass, and aerial photos for road navigation, interpreting cover types, identifying point locations, and navigating in wilderness situations
• Experience using inventory tools including clinometer, laser, stereoscope, loggers/diameter tape, chaining tape, and increment borers
• Knowledge of western United States forest management techniques in the following areas: silviculture, forest insect and disease, harvesting systems, and forest management planning
• Familiar with identification of western tree, shrub, and herbaceous species
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including working with the general public
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Committed to safety, quality, demonstrated excellent customer service ethic and professionalism.
• General safety (CPR/First-aid) and wilderness safety training and experience
Job Summary, Duties, and Responsibilities:
These positions are with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program. This FIA unit is part of a nationwide US Forest Service (USFS) program which collects, processes, analyzes, evaluates, and publishes comprehensive information on forest resources. Field-based measurements occur on permanent plots that are located on a systematic grid across public and private ownership. Data collected from these inventories are based on tree measurements, forest health parameters, understory vegetation composition, habitat types, down dead woody material, silvicultural practices, natural disturbances, and land ownership.
Under the direct supervision of the FIA Program Manager within CFSF’s Forest Management Division, this position will be responsible for conducting forest inventory field work across multiple states as the leader of a two or three-person seasonal/temporary crew. In consultation with the FIA Program Manager, the FIA Seasonal Crew Leader is responsible for making all day-to-day decisions regarding the planning and execution of assigned inventory workload for themselves and the crew members under their direct supervision. The incumbent will be performing a variety of field measurements including, but not limited to, those involving tree/sapling/seedling data, vegetation diversity, fuel loading measurements, and soil and erosion data collection in collaboration with the USFS’ national FIA program.
FIA Seasonal Crew Leaders are expected to ensure safe working practices of themselves and their crew at all times and advocate for productive team development. This person will be manage and document all travel and equipment expenses and is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the crew vehicle and all crew equipment. The FIA Seasonal Crew Leader is responsible for reviewing seasonal worker expense and time sheets for accuracy. The FIA Seasonal Crew Leader is also responsible for making all private landowner contacts prior to accessing or crossing private property.
To accomplish the fieldwork, the FIA Seasonal Crew Leaders will need to carry backpacks with 35+ pounds of work and personal gear across steep terrain ranging in elevation from 3,500 to 14,000 feet in potentially inclement weather conditions. In certain circumstances, the incumbent should be comfortable traveling on horseback and ATV. Extensive travel throughout Colorado and Wyoming is expected, requiring frequent stays in hotels and backcountry camping. The typical work schedule is Monday thru Friday, and weekend work may occur.
To Apply:
Please email (preferred and in a PDF format) or mail the application materials to the address below:
1) Cover letter stating interest in this position, ranking preference of duty locations, and addressing one’s skills and experience related to the conditions of employment, position requirements, qualifications, duties and responsibilities. Cover letter should not be longer than 2 pages (one-sided and single-spaced).
2) Professional resume that also includes ranking preference of duty locations. Resume should not be longer than 2 pages (one-sided and single-spaced) and include physical address, phone, and email.
3) Unofficial copy of college transcripts that include cumulative GPA and list of courses completed.
4) A list of 3 professional references that is not longer than one page. Each reference will include full name, professional relationship to applicant, work address, professional affiliation, phone number(s), and email address. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
To submit your application and for questions regarding the position, please contact:
Wilfred Previant Colorado State Forest Service
FIA Program Manager 5060 Campus Delivery
Wilfred.Previant@colostate.edu Fort Collins, CO 80523
Cell: 970.420.8659 Office: 970.491.5342
This announcement is also posted on our website at: http://csfs.colostate.edu/employment
CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer. Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates.