Vegetation Ecology Technician (Fuels Management)

City of Boulder•Boulder, CO

2d•$23 - $33

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Vegetation Ecology Technician supports the Science and Climate Resilience team in field-based vegetation management project support, monitoring and scientific research aimed at understanding long-term changes in natural resources on Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) lands. The primary role is to conduct field work (75-90%). This job demands sustained focus, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The position provides opportunities to learn the local ecosystems and to collaborate with resource managers. FUELS MANAGEMENT TECHNICIAN ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Wildfire Mitigation Monitoring in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Works with the Wildland Fire Sr. Program manager to survey potential treatment sites for sensitive resources and baseline conditions and to document the initial status after fuels treatments (type, extent, location of treatments). Assists the Wildland Fire Sr. Program manager to install study plots and monitor the vegetation, fuels, and environmental conditions of areas treated for fuel reduction in the wildland urban interface following established protocols. Provides technical and general support to wildfire risk reduction and vegetation management programs, including prescribed fire, strategic grazing, strategic mowing, forest thinning, etc. Additional Monitoring and Vegetation Stewardship Tasks Works collaboratively with other ecological services work groups as needed if time allows depending on the demands of wildfire risk reduction and fuels management support. Supports OSMP’s native seed program by scouting for collection sites, processing collected seed, inventorying seed, preparing seed mixes, co-leading seed collections and maintaining the seed storage facility. Monitors forest understory vegetation and/or or tallgrass vegetation in long-term plots. Conducts photographic, vegetation, and/or soil monitoring to inform management of rare plants and sensitive habitats, nonnative invasive species, and tilled/untilled grassland sites where prairie dogs will be removed or relocated. Mounts and label collected plants for OSMP’s herbarium. Assists in ecological restoration projects through collection and potting up of dormant woody plant materials, seeding, planting, fence repair and watering. Controls invasive weeds using weed whipping, cutting, or hand pulling.

Requirements

Ability to work independently and safely in the field.
Ability to perform work with high level of attention to detail and accuracy, to follow detailed field monitoring protocols and to meticulously organize and maintain data and equipment.
Ability to maintain accurate records of progress status and concerns.
Knowledge and experience in fuels management, including monitoring fuel loads or implementing fuel reduction treatments equivalent to one full field season or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of ecological principles and data collection and analyses frameworks.
Knowledge of computer software, preferably using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access).
Valid driver's license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
Have and maintain an acceptable background information including criminal history is required.
High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
At least one (1) year of work experience in ecology, preferably within natural resources.

Nice To Haves

Ability to learn and comply with department and program safety policies including using proper safety precautions and equipment in the field and acting accordingly to prevent and report accidents and injuries.
Ability to judge weather conditions.
Ability to practices active listening and is open to the ideas of colleagues and customers.
Ability to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and evidence of ability to regularly track and communicate work progress and challenges.
Ability to express ideas effectively and organizes and delivers information appropriately.
Ability to uses time effectively and efficiently; concentrates efforts on the more important priorities, seeking supervisor input when needed; gets more done in less time than others; self-motivated with ability to work independently during unscheduled time periods from a list of ongoing projects.
Ability to read and interpret maps and aerial photos and to navigate using a compass and GPS.
Knowledge of Colorado Front Range wildfire regimes, fuel types, ecosystems and flora.
Knowledge of and/or interest in climate change impacts on ecosystems, and/or experience working on climate change field experiments.
Skills in ArcGIS software, preferably with ArcGIS Online, ArcMap, and ArcGIS field apps.
Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Botany, Geography, Environmental Studies or related degree, or Bachelor’s degree in another field and at least 2 years of specialized field experience conducting natural resource inventories, research or monitoring, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience operating trucks, trailers, and mechanized vegetation management equipment (e.g. chainsaws, tractors).
Experience with data entry and data management, QA/QC, and basic statistical analyses skills.
Experience in plant identification and/or vegetation monitoring or mapping.
Experience or training supporting native seed programs.
NWCG Basic Firefighter (FFT2) qualification.
Current Red Cross or equivalent certifications in CPR and First Aid.

Responsibilities

Wildfire Mitigation Monitoring in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
Works with the Wildland Fire Sr. Program manager to survey potential treatment sites for sensitive resources and baseline conditions and to document the initial status after fuels treatments (type, extent, location of treatments).
Assists the Wildland Fire Sr. Program manager to install study plots and monitor the vegetation, fuels, and environmental conditions of areas treated for fuel reduction in the wildland urban interface following established protocols.
Provides technical and general support to wildfire risk reduction and vegetation management programs, including prescribed fire, strategic grazing, strategic mowing, forest thinning, etc.
Works collaboratively with other ecological services work groups as needed if time allows depending on the demands of wildfire risk reduction and fuels management support.
Supports OSMP’s native seed program by scouting for collection sites, processing collected seed, inventorying seed, preparing seed mixes, co-leading seed collections and maintaining the seed storage facility.
Monitors forest understory vegetation and/or or tallgrass vegetation in long-term plots.
Conducts photographic, vegetation, and/or soil monitoring to inform management of rare plants and sensitive habitats, nonnative invasive species, and tilled/untilled grassland sites where prairie dogs will be removed or relocated.
Mounts and label collected plants for OSMP’s herbarium.
Assists in ecological restoration projects through collection and potting up of dormant woody plant materials, seeding, planting, fence repair and watering.
Controls invasive weeds using weed whipping, cutting, or hand pulling.