Job Summary

This position works under general supervision of the Adaptive Management Team’s senior supervisor to implement the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Ecological Stewardship Team's conservation and management plans, policies, projects, and practices at a professional level. The position delivers professional fieldwork (~40 – 70%), reporting/communication (~15 – 20%), and research (~10 – 15%) focused on improving ecological health and supporting all chartered land uses and natural areas purposes across all Fort Collins natural area properties (currently 52).

The position provides practical knowledge in ecology and grassland/rangeland management to help develop broad strategies, collect and analyze data, and resolve natural resource management issues. This position will utilize a background in soil, plant, and/or animal interactions to better understand local grassland system ecology, consult with partners and collaborators, and provide technical assistance to support management designed to enhance native biodiversity and ecological function/resilience on natural areas properties.

Primary grassland health questions the successful candidate may work to inform (depending upon candidate’s background/knowledge/interests) include: (1) determining appropriate form (e.g., type of livestock), timing, and intensity of grazing on natural areas properties; (2) monitoring soil health metrics (3) providing recommendations for improving soil health, and (4) assisting in the monitoring and scientific evaluation of various restoration efforts, including grazing, seeding, planting, and non-native species management.