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Research and Monitoring Crew Leader

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO, USA
USD 44,023-50,150 / year
Posted on Nov 22, 2025

Research and Monitoring Crew Leader

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than December 31, 2025 for full consideration.

Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials.

A complete application consists of:
  1. Resume
  2. Statement of Interest/Cover Letter that clearly address how your experiences meets or exceeds each qualification listed in the job announcement. In your statement of interest, clearly state that you are applying for the Crew Leader position. The Statement of Interest can be uploaded to the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
  3. References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including two previous or current supervisors and one supervisee. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Transcripts are not required, and we encourage applicants list in a resume or describe in your cover letter how specific relevant coursework, training, and/or experience relate to the job qualifications and duties.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Posting Details

Posting Detail Information
Working Title Research and Monitoring Crew Leader
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202501754AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week
Proposed Annual Salary Range $44,023 to $50,150 commensurate with experience
Employee 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.
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/31/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University is interdisciplinary with programs of emphasis in forestry, fire science, fire management, natural resource policy/planning, rangeland ecology, and restoration ecology. The Department’s faculty and staff support the Warner College of Natural Resources (WCNR) and the University in fulfilling the Land Grant Mission in these programmatic areas. The Department offers undergraduate majors in Forestry, Rangeland Ecology, and Natural Resources Management in addition to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, and a Master’s in Natural Resource Stewardship degree.

The Warner College is home to five academic departments and several centers and institutes such as the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, the WESTFIRE Research Center, the Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. These programs, institutes and centers provide a foundation for research, education and outreach in this field.

Specifically, the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute is a Congressionally-authorized program within the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University with the mission to develop, compile, synthesize, and apply locally-relevant science-based knowledge to achieve forest restoration and wildfire mitigation goals.
Position Summary
The Colorado Forest Restoration Institute at Colorado State University is hiring experienced crew leaders to assist with field data collection and management in support of our research and monitoring field studies. Crew leaders oversee crews of 2-4 technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality data collection while operating in backcountry forest landscapes. These are full-time positions from April through October 2026, with potential for extension dependent upon funding.

Crews work 10-hour field days, frequently traveling overnight for 4-day or 8-day trips and camping near field sites. Driving short and long distances on improved and unimproved roads to collect ecological data at remote field sites is part of the required work. Benefits include competitive health insurance options and per diem when traveling.
Required Job Qualifications
  • B.S. in Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field of study and demonstration of 2 or more seasons of related field experience, or M.S. degree in a related field of study and demonstration of 1 or more seasons of related field experience.
  • Coursework and/or experience measuring trees and forest characteristics, fuels, herbaceous vegetation, and working outdoors.
  • Coursework and/or experience identifying vascular plants.
  • Ability to transport a 30+ pound pack while hiking off-trail up to 5 miles on rough terrain at 5,000-12,000 feet in elevation.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • One or more seasons of leadership experience with demonstrated ability to plan for logistics of field work and train, supervise, schedule, and safely oversee crew members in field data collection.
  • Two or more years of experience implementing diverse ecological, forestry, and fuels field sampling methods, and knowledge of sampling equipment, procedures and QA/QC protocols. Familiarity with sampling methods and procedures implemented on CFRI research and monitoring projects is desirable.
  • Experience safely conducting fieldwork in remote locations, preferably in Colorado or dry western forests, including navigating across arduous terrain with topographic maps, compass, and GPS technology, and ability to work in adverse conditions with frequent travel and unusual schedules. First-aid and CPR certification, wilderness first aid, or similar advanced certification desired.
  • Demonstrated proficiency identifying vascular plants to species both by sight and using dichotomous keys. Experience with Rocky Mountain flora desired.
  • Basic proficiency using ArcGIS software to create maps.
  • Experience with data entry and data Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols to support ecological and forestry research. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel highly preferred, familiarity with Microsoft Access and R also desired.
  • High-quality oral and written communication skills with keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to implement practices for effective communication across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with students, faculty, and staff, and stakeholders outside the university setting.
Essential Duties
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than December 31, 2025 for full consideration.

Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials.

A complete application consists of:
  1. Resume
  2. Statement of Interest/Cover Letter that clearly address how your experiences meets or exceeds each qualification listed in the job announcement. In your statement of interest, clearly state that you are applying for the Crew Leader position. The Statement of Interest can be uploaded to the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
  3. References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including two previous or current supervisors and one supervisee. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Transcripts are not required, and we encourage applicants list in a resume or describe in your cover letter how specific relevant coursework, training, and/or experience relate to the job qualifications and duties.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Kat Morici (kmorici@colostate.edu)
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested
Minimum Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents