Lake Ecology Research Technician
About The Position
The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University is hiring two lake ecology research technicians to work on a collaborative project with the Preston and Almeida aquatic ecology labs, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Northern Water, and other stakeholders. The positions will involve field and laboratory work, with a focus on running and maintaining a lake mesocosm experiment in Grand Lake (Grand County, CO) near Rocky Mountain National Park. The experiment is designed to manipulate non-native Mysis diluviana densities and evaluate lake ecosystem responses, especially zooplankton, phytoplankton, and water clarity. The successful candidates will be stationed on or near Grand Lake for a large part of the summer to collect experimental data from floating docks, including sampling at nighttime. Lodging in Grand Lake will be provided, in addition to per diem. When not engaged in field research, the candidate will have opportunities for laboratory work to help with processing of samples to characterize the lake food web.
Requirements
- Valid drivers license
- Ability to pass a background check
- Ability to work well with a group, communicate clearly, have a positive attitude, and treat everyone on the research team with respect.
- Attention to detail and ability to follow protocols and record data carefully and accurately
- The candidates will be stationed in or near Grand Lake, Colorado during the experiments and will likely work five days on, two off with flexible scheduling to align with needs of the experimental sampling
- Must be comfortable working during both the day and night while on boats and floating docks.
- Strong decision-making skills in the field; ability to troubleshoot independently
- Ability to work safely in poor weather
Nice To Haves
- Experience operating small boats, including towing and backing a trailer, navigating a boat ramp, and operating on the water
- Experience with lake sampling of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and water chemistry
- Experience with data entry and organization
Responsibilities
- Deployment and maintenance of mesocosm structures, to include daily monitoring and cleaning/repairs between experiments.
- Lake sample collection, to include mysis, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and a suite of limnological data (e.g., nutrients, Secchi depth, temperature profiles).
- Lake sample processing, to include quantifying composition of Mysis and zooplankton samples.
- Operation of motor boats
- Data entry and organization tasks in coordination with a team of researchers.
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, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
