Botany Subject Matter Expert - Fort Polk, LA

Colorado State University • Fort Polk, LA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Botany Subject Matter Expert is a Colorado State University employee and member of the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) team, stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The role independently supports botany fieldwork, database management, and the preparation and submission of deliverables. It supports the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Program Manager with botanical species project development, mapping sensitive botanical resources and plant communities, field data collection, data entry and analysis, report writing, and standard operating procedure (SOP) development.

The position conducts botanical field surveys and supports forest management assessments, NEPA analyses, species and vegetation monitoring, invasive species management, and wetland identification and delineation. It prepares and updates technical documents and reports, maintains plant species lists, and participates in project coordination and reporting. The role may assist other programs and oversee technicians in the field when applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Natural Resources, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience working in the natural resource field.
• Experience with botanical surveys.
• Experience identifying plants using dichotomous keys.
• Experience with ecological data collection and data analysis.
• Experience working with ArcGIS Field Maps or similar software.
• Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills, demonstrated through documenting field activities and writing technical reports and SOPs.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one by the employment start date.
• Ability to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC); U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite.
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S. by the proposed start date; visa sponsorship is not provided.
• Ability to perform strenuous field work and work in challenging conditions, including variable weather, insects, wildlife, and dense brush.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check for new hires.

Nice To Haves

• More than 3 years of experience working in the natural resource field.
• Experience with vegetation mapping.
• Experience using ArcGIS to delineate and edit boundaries or polygons, fix topology errors, and work within a geodatabase.
• Database management experience.
• Experience with wetland delineations.
• Experience surveying and managing invasive plants.
• Natural resource experience in Louisiana.
• Experience working on a military installation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys to identify and map sensitive botanical resources, plant communities, and invasive species using Esri products.
• Support forest compartment prescription assessments through botanical surveys, data collection, mapping, and management recommendations.
• Conduct field reviews and site visits to support NEPA analyses and evaluate potential project effects.
• Maintain species inventories, monitor species of concern and vegetation trends, conduct invasive species management, and perform wetland identification and delineation.
• Develop and update botany SOPs, project reports, and INRMP sections.
• Support NEPA compliance through technical review and recommendations, adhering to established timelines.
• Maintain and update installation plant species lists and support broader program reporting and data calls.
• Participate in project meetings to coordinate schedules and activities, review progress, discuss future work, and provide updates.
• Assist other programs, maneuver damage inspections, equipment and building maintenance, outreach, and special events as needed.
• Oversee technicians while in the field when applicable.

Benefits

• Colorado State University describes a robust benefits package, a collaborative atmosphere, and a focus on work-life balance; additional details are available through the university’s benefits resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level