Posting Details
- Working Title Wildlife Biologist – Edwards AFB, CA
- Position Location Edwards AFB, CA
- Research Professional Position Yes
- Posting Number 202000916AP
- Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
- Classification Title Research Associate II
- Number of Vacancies 1
- Work Hours/Week 40
- Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,000-$55,000
- Desired Start Date 01/04/2021
- To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/06/2020
Apply here: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/81477
Description of Work Unit
The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (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 Colorado State University (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, please visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/
Position Summary
A Wildlife Biologist (Research Associate II) position is available with CEMML. This is a full-time (12-month) appointment located at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California.
A Wildlife Biologist (hereafter biologist) with experience in handling nuisance animal issues, including trapping and transporting animals, is needed to implement a Wildlife Rapid Response Program (WRRP). The WRRP will provide management of nuisance animals, removal and disposal of illegal trash dumps and debris that attract wildlife, and education and outreach to the EAFB community.
During normal work hours, the biologist, with assistance from a field technician, will provide a rapid response service for calls related to nuisance animals and, after hours, the biologist will be on call to respond to handle emergency situations. In the past, typically there have been 6–10 calls per year for stray and feral animals and 10–15 calls per year for veterinary services.
The biologist will have three plans of action when responding to nuisance wildlife calls, depending on circumstances: (1) for most wild animals, drive off the animal if it is still present and remove/dispose of potential wildlife attractants; (2) for small, stray domestic animals or small, escaped pets or nonnative animals (e.g., dog, cat, bird), trap and transport it to a nearby animal shelter or, if the animal is injured or sick, transport it to an off-base veterinarian for treatment or euthanasia; and (3) in the unlikely event that a livestock animal strays on base (e.g., horse, cow, goat, burro), attempt to track down its owner and arrange to have it transferred off EAFB property or, if the owner cannot be located, work with the EAFB POC to determine appropriate removal and re-location strategies on a case-by-case basis.
Stray animal capture and control methods will (1) adhere to the DoD technical Guidance No. 37 Integrated Management of Stray Animals on Military Installations, (2) meet the guidelines outlined by the American Society of Mammalogists, and (3) be approved by the CSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
The biologist and field tech also will investigate reported dump sites and, when on duty, they will (1) drive the EAFB perimeter and interior to look for illegal trash dumps, (2) inspect the barbed wire perimeter fencing for breaches, and (3) inspect both no trespassing and desert tortoise presence signage for damage or loss. Any trash that may be an attractant to wildlife will be removed and taken to an appropriate disposal or recycling location.
In addition to trash- and animal-related duties, the biologist will reach out to the EAFB community members to help them understand how to avoid drawing animals into the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) and to develop and implement strategies for reducing negative interactions with wildlife.
In addition to the duties described above, the biologist and a field technician will assist with
large mammal surveys and predator-trapping efforts as part of a larger research effort, to include but not be limited to (1) selecting locations for installing remote cameras; (2) baiting remote camera stations and moving or servicing remote cameras; (3) downloading and managing remote camera data; (4) image and survey data analysis and reporting; (5) trapping coyotes and bobcats; and (6) transporting animals to a shelter or veterinarian, as needed.
Required Job Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, natural resources management, ecology, or similar field of study
- At least three years of experience consisting of:
- At least two years of experience handling and trapping wildlife, including predators
- At least two years of experience conducting wildlife monitoring and/or research activities
- At least one year of experience performing community education and outreach
- Commitment to humane handling of wildlife and educating the public to reduce human-wildlife conflict
- Willing to receive a vaccination for rabies or booster shot if previously vaccinated
- Experience maintaining remote wildlife cameras and downloading, managing, and organizing large amounts of data
- Experience with GPS data collection in the field
- Experience with ArcGIS and using it for database development and cartographic production
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Must be able to walk for long periods of time in inclement weather and under strenuous and uncomfortable environmental conditions while carrying heavy equipment (up to 50lbs).
- Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations and pass a federal background check to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC)
- Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the employment start date; CEMML will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
- Previously licensed to trap animals in the State of California (i.e., license does not need to be current)
- At least two years of experience trapping and tracking bobcats and/or coyotes
- Previous experience with managing nuisance wildlife in accordance with DoD technical Guidance No. 37 Integrated Management of Stray Animals on Military Installations
- Previous experience working on military installations
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 Category Field Work
Duty/Responsibility
Conduct a variety of wildlife monitoring and management activities related to management of predator and nuisance species. Activities include (1) responding to calls about injured, trapped, or dangerous wild animals and transporting them for veterinary/rehabilitation services or to a shelter; (2) inspecting fencing for damage; (3) installing nuisance wildlife deterrents and interpretative signage; (4) removing trash and debris that may attract wildlife and transporting it to a waste or recycling facility; (5) installing/moving/repairing/ maintaining remote wildlife cameras and image data; and (5) conducting public outreach and education.
Percentage Of Time 70%
Job Duty Category Data, entry management and analysis
Duty/Responsibility
Collect, store, manage, analyze, and summarize wildlife management and monitoring data. Create new geodatabase and tracking systems to store data associated with wildlife calls and responses.
Percentage Of Time 15%
Job Duty Category Document production
Duty/Responsibility
Prepare monthly progress reports, a final technical report, and develop training and outreach materials.
Percentage Of Time 15%
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than 12/06/2020 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 birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
1) Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
2) Resume
3) Transcripts (for each degree earned that is listed under qualifications) uploaded in the ‘Official Transcripts’ or ‘Unofficial Transcripts’ slot.
4) Degree Conferral (copy of diploma if transcripts do not include confirmation that degree was awarded) uploaded in the ‘Other’ slot.
5) 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 of candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Search Contact Jennie Anderson, jennie.anderson@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 or expression, or pregnancy and 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/equal access/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. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Acting Title IX Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO. 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836.
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. 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
Minimum Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3