Full job description and application instructions link: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/165310 
Apply by full consideration date: 9/15/2025
Salary Range: $62,000 - $68,000

Position Summary (include Description of Work Unit and Position Summary):    
A Botanist/Invasive Plant Specialist position is available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands. The Botanist/Invasive Plant Specialist is a full-time position located on-site at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California. The position will report to the project manager based in Fort Collins. They will work closely with the other CEMML staff located on-site, the Edwards AFB Natural Resource Manager, and subcontractors. This position is eligible to work hybrid; the candidate is expected to work on-site at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, at minimum 3 days a week (or more during certain times of year requiring field work), and the remaining time work from home.

CEMML has been working with Edwards AFB on invasive species management since fall 2024. The successful candidate will be responsible for the oversight and implementation of the invasive plant management program. The botanist may also oversee restoration and revegetation projects, dependent on funding.

The Botanist’s key roles will be to:

• Become and maintain strong familiarity with the target invasive plant species on base, including the locations and status of infestation across the installation;
• Cultivate awareness of regional invasive species topics, such as new control techniques, incipient invaders, etc.;
• Perform field work including scouting, formal surveys, and invasive plant treatments (mostly herbicide application, occasionally mechanical or manual control);
• Plan and oversee revegetation projects in priority locations. This may include riparian or upland areas, or in critical wildlife habitat;
• Communicate regular status updates to all partners;
• Collect and manage data consistent with Edwards AFB’s data management scheme;
• Synthesize data to evaluate invasive species treatment or other project success and guide future priorities;
• Write annual technical reports discussing results and accomplishments;
• Develop annual work plans and set priorities and schedules for each year’s work;
• Work with project manager to subcontract and oversee field work. Future potential to hire and oversee field staff;
• Develop and disseminate outreach and education material. Liaise, when possible, with facilities, military operations or other groups to improve biosecurity.

The Botanist will also have the opportunity and be expected to assist with other natural resource, vegetation and wildlife projects as needed and as funding arises. This may involve assisting with nuisance and injured wildlife response, desert tortoise monitoring and compliance duties, recreation enhancement projects, and various other wildlife and botanical surveys to support the natural resources program.

This is a full-time salaried position but work hours will vary over the course of the year, particularly to meet field season needs.

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, ecology, environmental science or a similarly relevant field
• Two or more years of experience with invasive plant management or research
• One or more years of education or experience in ecological restoration
• Ability to identify native and invasive plant species of the Mojave Desert
• Experience developing technical reports including writing, data summarization and interpretation
• Possession or ability to obtain a Qualified Applicator License (categories B and C) with the State of California
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• 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.

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. To learn more, please visit: 

• https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf 
• https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/   
• https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/ 
• https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/  

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.

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.