Biological Technician

Colorado State University•Santa Rita, GU

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Biological Technician position is with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) and is duty-stationed on Guam. This role supports regional biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and promote the control and management of invasive species, primarily on US military installations. The technician will engage in field, laboratory, and data management activities related to biosecurity, biological monitoring, habitat management, and environmental stewardship. The position is part of a dynamic team, and continued employment is dependent on project funding. CEMML is a research, education, and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU).

Requirements

Legally eligible to work in the U.S. by the proposed start date.
Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one by the employment start date.
Ability to drive a pickup truck, 4WD truck and ATV/UTV.
Must be in good physical condition, and capable of walking several consecutive miles while carrying gear up to 35 pounds in a hot tropical environment on uneven terrain.
Ability to take photographs and collect biological samples for identification.
Must be able to work night and weekend work.
Must be able to deploy from Guam to locations in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), sometimes on short notice.
Must be able to work in a culturally diverse office and respect all Team members.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Professional work experience with landscaping, agriculture, pest-control, or natural resources.
Experience needs to be well-documented and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, or non-profit organization in the appropriate field.
Experience conducting fieldwork and accurately recording, entering, and proofing data.
Demonstrated proficiency using field data collection applications, compasses, maps, data tablets, and GPS units.
Experience conducting invasive species management utilizing chemical, cultural, biological and/or mechanical control techniques.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in botany, horticulture, biology, ecology, or a closely related science.
1+ year(s) of experience with natural resource management, agricultural sciences, or invasive species management.
Experience implementing methods for operational control of brown treesnakes, coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, or other vertebrate or invertebrate pest species.
Experience working in the Pacific Region or other tropical islands in the biological, natural resources, or agricultural fields.
Experience working on a military installation and interacting with military staff, and familiarity with DoD/Navy environmental and safety regulations.
Prior experience applying herbicide and/or insecticide, and the ability to obtain a Guam CORE pesticide applicator’s license.

Responsibilities

Conduct a variety of invasive species monitoring and operational management activities.
Control and interdiction for brown treesnakes, coconut rhinoceros beetles, and little fire ants, among other species.
Vegetation clearing, transect cutting and trail maintenance within jungle areas.
Operate and maintain tools and equipment, including hand tools, chainsaws, weed and brush-cutters, backpack sprayers, radios, smartphone applications, and 4x4 trucks.
Take photographs and log appropriately (location, date, and content).
Use GPS and GNSS devices (Trimble, Arrow, Garmin) to collect data and transfer to appropriate programs.
Utilize ESRI Field Maps and Survey123 to collect and manage field data.
Assist with surveys for Threatened and Endangered Species.
Follow all CSU, CEMML and military installation environmental and safety protocols.
Perform data entry and management, lab work, and prepping supplies and gear for field work.
Maintain proper pesticide PPE, safe and accurate pesticide mixing, handling, storage, and record keeping.
Regularly communicate progress updates and coordinate field activities with the Task Lead Biologist and CEMML Supervisors.
Coordinate closely with the Task Lead Biologist to schedule DoD authorizations to access work sites on military lands.
Conduct biosecurity inspections of military cargo on Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and associated Joint Region Marianas (JRM) training areas.
Support military units and contractors to implement biosecurity measures by detecting, controlling and managing biological materials to prevent accidental transportation of potential invasive species.
Communicate cleanliness standards to military personnel and contractors.
Support the coordination and scheduling of biosecurity inspections of incoming and outgoing materiel and military cargo.
Participate in the deployment of teams to neighboring islands for biosecurity mission support.
Provide rapid response to biosecurity issues.
Perform other related duties as assigned.