What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field Technician position at University of Colorado Boulder?
Summary
Job Summary
The Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder welcome applications for one or more Field Technicians. This position will support an ongoing grassland restoration research project beginning in Spring 2026 (anticipated start: April 2026). The project investigates how environmental heterogeneity, plant community composition, and management practices (e.g., simulated grazing) influence the establishment and diversity of native forb species in semi-arid grasslands. Field technicians will work as part of a small research team conducting weekly vegetation surveys and assisting with long-term ecological monitoring at an experimental restoration site at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms. The position is ideal for students interested in plant ecology, restoration ecology, and field-based research.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues including climate change. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global scales. INSTAAR’s research activities integrate field studies, state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, sample analysis, and numerical and laboratory modeling. Our field sites are located across all seven continents and the world's oceans.
Our expertise across disciplines helps us generate influential science that can inform public and policy decisions and move us toward a more sustainable society. INSTAAR's national and international research leadership is augmented by exceptional strength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into the research process.
Responsibilities
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave .
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .
Job Summary
The Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder welcome applications for one or more Field Technicians. This position will support an ongoing grassland restoration research project beginning in Spring 2026 (anticipated start: April 2026). The project investigates how environmental heterogeneity, plant community composition, and management practices (e.g., simulated grazing) influence the establishment and diversity of native forb species in semi-arid grasslands. Field technicians will work as part of a small research team conducting weekly vegetation surveys and assisting with long-term ecological monitoring at an experimental restoration site at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms. The position is ideal for students interested in plant ecology, restoration ecology, and field-based research.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues including climate change. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global scales. INSTAAR’s research activities integrate field studies, state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, sample analysis, and numerical and laboratory modeling. Our field sites are located across all seven continents and the world's oceans.
Our expertise across disciplines helps us generate influential science that can inform public and policy decisions and move us toward a more sustainable society. INSTAAR's national and international research leadership is augmented by exceptional strength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into the research process.
Responsibilities
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Conduct weekly field surveys to quantify seedling emergence of native forb species across experimental plots.
- Perform plant identification and counting within structured sampling frameworks.
- Assist with line-point intercept vegetation surveys to assess plant community composition and biodiversity.
- Record and manage ecological data with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Participate in plot maintenance, including selective weeding to maintain experimental integrity.
- Work collaboratively with a team of undergraduate researchers and the project lead.
- Contribute to maintaining consistency across a large-scale, replicated field experiment (288 plots).
- The hire rate for this temporary position is $19.00 per hour.
- The field technician will gain:
- Hands-on experience with a large, field-based ecological experiment.
- Training in plant identification, vegetation sampling methods, and ecological data collection.
- Mentorship in restoration ecology and experimental design.
- Opportunities to gain experience relevant to graduate school or careers in ecology, conservation, and land management.
- Opportunity to work in a collaborative, outdoor work environment.
Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave .
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Current enrollment in or completion of college-level coursework in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
- Ability to commit to regular weekly fieldwork throughout the growing season.
- Willingness and ability to work outdoors in variable conditions (sun, heat, wind).
- Ability to follow detailed protocols and collect consistent, high-quality data.
- Strong interest in plant ecology, grassland systems, and ecological restoration.
- Attention to detail, particularly when counting and recording plant data.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Comfort performing repetitive but essential field tasks (e.g., counting seedlings, surveying plots).
- Basic organizational and data management skills.
- Physical ability to bend, kneel, and walk between plots for extended periods.
- Prior coursework or experience in plant identification or botany.
- Familiarity with field sampling techniques (e.g., quadrats, line-point intercept).
- Previous experience with ecological fieldwork or restoration projects.
- Interest in research, graduate school, or applied conservation work.
- A genuine enthusiasm for plants and working outdoors.
To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials
- Resume or CV.
- Cover Letter.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .
Salary : $19