TEMPORARY Lead & NON Lead Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Crew– Grand Junction, CO

About the role

This is a temporary position starting at $19.00-$20.00 per hour and is anticipated to not exceed 9 months.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aquatic nuisance species (ANS) surveys, using standardized scientific protocols, in various waters throughout Colorado.
• Specifically, this position will conduct standardized monitoring for zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and Eurasian watermilfoil including infestation mapping and population monitoring.
• Crews will also assist with other ANS and native species baseline mapping for aquatic plants, mollusks, crayfish, and other invertebrates.
• Water quality monitoring will also be conducted.
• Perform leadership duties to accomplish broad statewide objectives for invasive species sampling and monitoring.
• Ensure the safety of all crew members during operations and report safety violations to the EDRR Specialist.
• Ensure all crew members are respectful and conflict management occurs when needed.
• Ensure crew members follow State of Colorado ANS Sampling and Monitoring Manual procedures.
• Ensure decontamination procedures are followed to official state watercraft inspection and decontamination standards.
• Perform ArcGIS Field Maps data collection, processing, and quality control/assurance of said data.
• Other duties may include: map production and analysis using ArcGIS Pro and technical report writing.

Requirements

• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license required for operating a state vehicle and an acceptable driving record.
• Will need to be flexible with the weekday work schedule and able to travel extensively with overnight stays including camping.
• Must be able to work in and around the water, including working off boats, in and around the water, and be comfortable in backcountry settings.
• Must assist the Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) Specialist and Invasive Species Program Manager with any rapid response efforts that arise as a result of the sampling and monitoring program.
• Daily hours will vary, but work hours will be strictly limited to 40 per week (overtime compensation will only be granted in special circumstances).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences or comparable work experience.
• Experience leading field crews, especially for the Lead Technician.
• Experience performing data entry.
• Experience conducting biological field surveys especially with aquatics and/or water quality including performing species identification.
• Experience with zebra mussel, quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, Eurasian watermilfoil, or other invasive species.
• Experience boating and/or trailering – including knowledge of boat and trailer anatomy, ability to launch and land in inclement weather, and ability to tow trailers on highways and steep mountain roads.
• Experience with ArcGIS software.

Skills

• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Experience performing boat inspections and decontaminations.
• Experience working with the public in a customer service related field.