Western Invertebrate and Rare Plant Temporary Technicians – Grand Junction

Western Invertebrate and Rare Plant Temporary Technicians – Grand Junction

Join to apply for the Western Invertebrate and Rare Plant Temporary Technicians – Grand Junction role at State of Colorado.

Temporary position (9 months or less) – Pay $20.00‑22.00 per hour.

9‑month position: employment starts 04/01/2026 (or earlier) through 12/30/2026.

6‑month position: employment starts 04/01/2026 (or earlier) through 09/30/2026.

• Perform invertebrate and rare plant surveys & monitoring across ecosystems throughout Colorado, in both front country and backcountry settings, with variable hours.
• Collect information on newly discovered or existing invertebrate and rare plant populations.
• Aid in statewide monitoring for the Bumble Bee Atlas, including training local CPW staff to conduct surveys.
• Collaborate with partners across state, federal, and nonprofit agencies in coordinated monitoring efforts.
• Coordinate with volunteers and other state staff to collect repeat data at strategically placed bee blocks.
• Plan field visits, including assisting with logistical planning, gear management, preparing maps, and coordinating with local stakeholders and property managers.
• Enter, process, and analyze data that has been gathered throughout the field season in order to inform state management decisions, outreach materials, etc.
• Compile data into reports for internal and external outreach.

• Valid driver’s license required for operating a state vehicle.
• Able to travel statewide, for multiple days Mon‑Fri, for at least 60% of the field season (typically April‑September).
• Able to work unconventional hours on occasion (nocturnal invertebrate surveys).
• Experience with backcountry travel under variable weather conditions.
• Must be willing to camp for multiple nights in remote areas of the state.
• Excellent organization, time‑management, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, attentive to detail, and able to work efficiently independently, in a small team, and with diverse partners and landowners.

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, ecology, botany, rangeland science, or other closely related field – or at least 2 years of related experience.
• Experience conducting monitoring surveys, inventories, or other field research on invertebrates and/or rare plants.
• Experience with invertebrate and/or Colorado plant identification.
• Experience with following rigorous protocols for data collection and data entry.
• Proficient in ESRI GIS applications including Arc Map/Arc Pro, ArcGIS Online and Collector/Field Maps.
• Strong scientific and technical writing skills.
• Experience with data entry and analysis.

Temporary employees participate in PERA (State employee retirement program), accrue paid sick leave, but do not receive medical benefits, paid holidays or paid vacation. Great opportunities for professional development and networking with diverse partners across the state in natural resources and conservation.

We will happily discuss and provide ADA accommodations at any time.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation…