Wetland Technician

It's a great time to join the City of Boulder!
Application Deadline:
April 13, 2024
Hiring Range:
22.20 - 27.10
This is a full-time hourly position.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility Group:
Seasonal Type 2
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Job Description Summary:
Under moderate supervision, the Wetland Ecology Technician will support and assist the Wetland and Riparian Ecology Program in field-based data collection and monitoring aimed at understanding the extent, location, and condition of wetland and riparian areas on Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) lands. The primary role of the Wetland Ecology Technician is to conduct field work (85-90%), including QA/QC on National Wetland Inventory (NWI) mapping, quantitative vegetation sampling, plant identification, and mitigation monitoring. Additional indoor responsibilities (10-15%) may include managing equipment, preparing maps, data entry and QA/QC, and assisting with related research, analysis, reporting and related duties as required. This job demands sustained focus, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The position provides opportunities to learn about wetland and riparian ecosystems, local wetland, and riparian flora, and to collaborate with researchers and resource managers in our outdoor laboratory.
Job Description:
Job Duties and Responsibilities
National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)

• Visit NWI mapped wetland and riparian polygons and conduct assessment on the accurateness of digitized boundaries and classification including the Cowardin Wetland Classification System, USFWS Riparian Classification, CNHP Ecological System descriptions, and hydrogeomorphic modifiers.
• Use ArcGIS field apps and mobile data collection software to navigate to mapped wetland and riparian polygons, and meticulously record, review, and manage data and photographs.
• Manage field equipment and prepare maps for fieldwork using ArcGIS.
• Attend all relevant trainings.
• Comfortably operate 4X4 vehicle on rough roads and navigate off-trail to site locations.

Support Wetland Vegetation Mapping and Mitigation Monitoring Projects

• Assist wetland ecologists with preparation for mapping and monitoring by assembling field equipment and creating field maps.
• Assist with vegetation mapping of wetland and riparian areas using the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (NVC) system.
• Conduct quantitative monitoring of wetland and riparian vegetation composition and soils following established field protocols.
• Conduct wetland Ecological Integrity Assessments (EIAs).

Work collaboratively with Other Ecological Services Work Groups

• Assist in ecological restoration projects through native seed collection, planting wetland plugs and woody plant materials, watering, and weed pulling.
• Mount and label collected plants for OSMP's herbarium.

Minimum Qualifications

• Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field.
• At least one field season of experience collecting scientific data, specifically vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data.
• Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas and familiarity with the Cowardin Wetland Classification System.
• Skills in ArcGIS software, including ArcGIS Online, ArcMap, and ArcGIS field apps.
• Ability to perform work with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy, to follow detailed field monitoring protocols and to meticulously organize and maintain data and equipment.
• Experience with wetland plant identification and use of a dichotomous key and/or wetland monitoring equivalent to one full field season or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Self-motivated, with ability to work and communicate effectively as part of a team and to work safely with limited supervision.
• Ability to walk, hike, stand, bend, and kneel in an outdoor environment for long periods of time under a variety of weather conditions. Ability to carry up to 25 pounds while hiking on rough terrain while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Experience with aerial photography, navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS.
• Candidates must navigate working landscapes where livestock and barbed wire fencing are encountered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access).
• Possession of a valid driver's license and having and maintaining an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Acceptable background information, including criminal history is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in wetland ecology, riparian ecology, natural resource management, ecology, botany, biology, hydrology, environmental science, water resources, or related field
• A minimum of two years of work experience in the field of wetland or riparian ecology.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with wetland and riparian ecology, preferably in the Western High Plains and/or Rocky Mountain Front Range Foothills ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to correctly identify Rocky Mountain front Range plants and/or the ability to use a dichotomous plant identification key to identify wetland and riparian vegetation.
• Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Supervision
Immediate Supervisor: Senior Wetland and Riparian Ecologist
Supervision Exercised: None
Working Conditions and Requirements

• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to observe detailed plant characteristics up-close and to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written and electronic documents.
• Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate hand-held electronic equipment in the field and computer equipment in the office setting.
• Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes, mountain lions, stinging insects), toxic plants or chemicals (e.g., pesticides), and dangerous weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, extreme wind, lightning).
• Hiking in wet muddy conditions and/or crossing wadeable streams.

Additional Job Description:
last updated 12/20/23
The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to HR@bouldercolorado.gov.