Mountain Plover Research Technician

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Faculty Level/Title: Professional Research Assistant

Working Title: Mountain Plover Research Technician

FTE: Full-time

Salary Range: $3,260.42-$3,500/month

Position #00050030 - Requisition #36016

Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver
The University of Colorado Denver is the state's premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across seven schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through break through innovations and impactful research, and creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. For more information, visit ucdenver.edu.

Assistants will work with a PhD student and contribute directly to doctoral research, while discussing their own research ideas. Assistants may also have opportunities to collaborate and network with partners from the Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Bureau of Land Management, and the Karval Community Alliance.

Denver is 1.5-2 hours from either study site, with the mountains close by, providing a wealth of recreational opportunities whether assistants want civilization or wilderness in their free time. Assistants are encouraged to explore on their days off.

Job Description

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

The Wunder Lab has openings for 3 temporary full-time Professional Research Assistant position to begin 4/14/2025 until 8/15/2025.

PRAs will form a 4-person field crew with PhD student Casey Weissburg (Project Lead). This is an exciting opportunity to conduct nest and brood monitoring for the Mountain Plover, a declining shorebird species, at two separate study sites in beautiful Colorado. Fieldwork will occur on the eastern prairies near Karval, CO and in the high prairies of South Park, near Hartsel, CO. Work in Karval starts 4/15/2025 and in South Park mid-May and continues until mid-August. All positions will work in both locations.

The prairie landscape is beautiful but harsh, wide open with no shade. Temperature extremes range from near freezing in the early season morning/nights to 90-100 degrees F during the summer. Inclement summer monsoon weather (rain, lightning, hail) is a common occurrence. Work hours may be irregular, depending on storm activity, but typically include morning and late afternoon work with 2-3 hours off during the middle/hottest part of the day. Technicians will have weekends off. Lodging or free camping is provided at the study sites, but housing arrangements away from the study sites during off days are not provided.

Mountain Plover Research Technician

What you will do:

• Nest searching and monitoring for a ground-nesting shorebird (50%)
• Mountain Plover capture and banding (10%)
• Radiotelemetry of tagged chicks for brood monitoring (30%)
• Data entry (5%)
• Weekly arthropod sample collection (5%)

Please Note: NOTE: (PRA Series) Please include percentages of time spent on each duty function.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $3,260.42-$3,500/month.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by February 15, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:

To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae / Resume outlining experience(s).
• Three to five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. (We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references).

Questions should be directed to CASEY WEISSBURG, casey.weissburg@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Policy

The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.

Diversity and Equity

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

The University of Colorado Denver is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse faculty and staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equity in education and employment.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• A B.S. degree in a natural resource-related field is preferred for all employees, but a combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• At least 2 seasons experience working on wildlife-related field research projects.
• Previous experience with bird capture and handling.
• At least one season of nest searching for ground-nesting birds, and/or radiotelemetry.
• Prior experience driving ATVs, as well as driving 4x4 vehicles and trailering in muddy conditions.
• Some experience with primitive camping.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Outdoor safety hazard awareness is required: common hazards include venomous snakes, rapid temperature shifts, and electrical storms.
• Ability to take direction, work independently, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, a desire to gain experience while maintaining an enthusiastic attitude, and good communication skills with project lead and landowners are essential for all positions.

Conditions of Employment

• Occasional work during the evening may be required depending on weather disruptions.
• Work outdoors in the prairie means common hazards such as venomous snakes.
• Temperature extremes range from near freezing in the early season morning/nights to 90-100 degrees F during the summer. Inclement summer monsoon weather (rain, lightning, hail) is a common occurrence.
• Employees will always have weekends off from work.

Physical Requirements

• Most fieldwork will be conducted from ATVs but successful applicants should possess the ability to hike moderate distances over uneven terrain, sometimes in inclement weather (rain, hail, high winds).
• Plover nest searching and brood monitoring require the ability to visually scan grasslands with and without binoculars and the ability to hear bird calls and the radio signal of radio-transmitting tags during telemetry duties.

As of 7/1/2023, The University of Colorado recommends employees be fully vaccinated from the COVID-19 but is not required. COVID recommendations and information can be found at: https://www.ucdenver.edu/coronavirus.