Field Crew Lead (Field Technician II)

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POSITION SUMMARY

The Field Technician II (Field Crew Lead) will work directly with Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) as part of our dedicated forest monitoring team to support our collaborative forest health partners across the southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico. The Field Crew Lead will assist with forest monitoring, data entry, and other MSI projects as needed.  

EXPECTATIONS

The Field Crew Lead will work alongside MSI project and field managers and associated partners and volunteers to provide monitoring and field support for a variety of Forest Program projects. The Field Crew Lead will assist with the collection of data related to ecological monitoring efforts led by MSI, the US Forest Service, and forest health collaboratives. The field crew lead will work in multiple locations across southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico. In addition to monitoring activities, the Field Crew Lead may assist with non-field activities, such as data entry and field equipment upkeep. A qualified candidate will have a thorough understanding of their own needs in a backcountry setting and be able to evaluate and navigate the needs of their team. A qualified candidate must be able to follow monitoring and safety protocol with fidelity. This position will require lengthy days and traveling on foot over rough terrain. This position will also require overnight car camping for three to four nights at a time for the majority of the term.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-3 seasons of forestry-related field experience
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules across rugged terrain and in adverse weather conditions
• Willingness to camp up to three to four nights per field week
• Ability to carry a 30-45lb pack and work at elevations between 4,000 and 10,000 feet
• Valid Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or the ability to obtain at least a WFA by the employment start date
• MSI will cover the cost of tuition up to $280 for a WFA or WFR course
• Experience in road and backcountry navigation
• Experience navigating to field plots with a GPS unit and/or navigation app (e.g. Avenza or Gaia)
• Experience using satellite communication devices (e.g. Garmin InReach)
• Experience with common forest mensuration techniques
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions, including ability to consistently follow and adhere to detailed field protocols
• Demonstrated field leadership including the ability to meet personal needs in the backcountry while also evaluating and navigating the needs of a team under varied conditions. Ability to model expeditionary behavior for your team in camp and in the field
• Ability to operate independently
• A high school diploma or GED

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Dendrology and vegetation identification course work and/or fieldwork
• Demonstratable experience with safety in backcountry
• Willingness and ability to work with volunteers and crew members of all age ranges and a spectrum of interests
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, forestry or related field