Little Fire Ant Control Technician - Guam
Colorado State University
Job Description
Position Summary:
A full-time, temporary appointment for a qualified Little Fire Ant Control (LFA) Technician position is available with CEMML and duty-stationed on Guam in compliance with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Mariana Islands Training and Testing Biological Opinion of 2015 and the Navy-funded Project Statement of Work that implements regional biosecurity measures to prevent introduction and promote control and management of invasive species. The LFA Technician is expected to carry out their tasks in a safe, conscientious manner with an emphasis on workplace safety, the proper use of pesticides, tools, and biosecurity. Successful candidates will be part of a team of field technicians directed by the field task leader and supervised by the CEMML Supervisory Entomologist. There will likely be opportunities to assist with other ecological tasks, including surveys for endangered species and rapid response to biosecurity issues. This position is contingent upon funding.
CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU. CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DOD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations. To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.
Applicants will be accepted until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 pm (MT) on March 30, 2026.
Essential Job Duties:
Field Work
Implement field sampling program under direction of LFA Task Lead Biologist and CEMML Supervisory Entomologist.
Conduct a variety of invasive species monitoring and operational management activities.
Vegetation clearing, transect cutting and trail maintenance within jungle areas.
Operate tools and equipment commonly used in ecological resource management, which may include but is not limited to, hand tools, chainsaws, weed and brush-cutters, backpack sprayers, radios, smartphone applications, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, and 4×4 trucks.
Take photographs and log appropriately (location, date, and content).
Use GPS and GNSS devices (Trimble, Arrow, Garmin) to collect data and transfer to appropriate programs.
Follow Standard Operating Procedures for the control of little fire ants including surveys, site preparation, pesticide mixing and application.
Follow all CSU, CEMML and military installation environmental and safety protocols.
Data Entry and Management, Prepping Supplies and Gear for Field Work
Input data into the computer database both manually and through daily uploads of field data collected on computer data tablets and smart phone applications.
Responsible for maintenance of proper pesticide PPE, safe and accurate pesticide mixing, handling, storage and record keeping.
Responsible for care and maintenance of field equipment and pesticide application equipment.
Maintain accountability for field supplies and equipment.
Clean, sort, and label target and non-target ant specimens by collection locale, date and survey type.
Reporting and Communication
Regularly and routinely communicate via in-person meetings, tele/video conferences, and email to provide Task Lead Biologist and CEMML Supervisory Entomologist with progress updates and coordinates to schedule field activities and report pesticide use.
Coordinate closely with the Task Lead Biologist to schedule DoD authorizations to access to work sites on military lands.
Biosecurity
Provide rapid response to biosecurity issues.
Other related duties
Conditions of Employment:
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
Must be willing to submit for NACI background check to obtain a DoD Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) card.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Supervision:
This position has no supervisory duties.
Minimum Education:
Must have a minimum of a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
Minimum Experience:
Minimum of six (6) months of professional work experience with landscaping, agriculture, invasive species-control, or natural resources. Experience needs to be well-documented and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, or non-profit organization in the appropriate field.
Must have training or experience conducting fieldwork and accurately recording, entering and proofing data.
Must have training or experience conducting invasive species management utilizing chemical, cultural, biological and/or mechanical control techniques.
Must be able to deploy from Guam to locations in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), sometimes on short notice.
Must be capable of walking several consecutive miles carrying gear of up to 30 pounds and performing light manual labor in a hot tropical environment, often under windy/rainy conditions and on uneven terrain. Work is often conducted on hot, paved surfaces with little shade available.
Must be able to take photographs and collect samples of plants, insects, and animals for identification.
Preferred Experience:
One year of professional work experience with landscaping, agriculture, invasive species-control, or natural resources. Experience needs to be well-documented and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, or non-profit organization in the appropriate field.
One year experience conducting invasive species management utilizing chemical, cultural, biological and/or mechanical control techniques.
Experience operating and maintaining power tools and field equipment in varied environmental conditions.
Demonstrated proficiency using field data collection applications, compasses, maps, data tablets, and GPS units.
Familiarity with mixing and applying herbicides, as well as maintaining pesticide application records and adhering to safety protocols.
Chainsaw certification/experience, such as S212 – Wildland fire chainsaws.
Possession of Guam CORE pest control applicator’s license, or equivalent qualifications from other States.
Experience working in Micronesia, Hawaii or other tropical environments in the biological, natural resources, or agricultural fields.
Salary Range
$40,000 - $50,000Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.
Cover Letter, Resume/CVEmployee 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.
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.
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.