Field Ecologist

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

ERG seeks an entry-level team member to join our Ecological Services team to support state and federal agencies during the 2024 field season. A successful candidate will be well-versed and have knowledge of field-based environmental science projects. The position is seasonal, and the successful candidate would join a team that is based out of Golden, CO.

Basic responsibilities include following established field protocols to conduct vegetation identification to species; gathering species cover and composition data; collecting soil stability and soil profile descriptions; plant production; collecting data utilizing ruggedized tablets; and assessing special sage grouse habitat. The team member may also assist with other projects involving collecting biological, chemical, and physical habitat data in streams around Colorado.

ERG anticipates field work finishing by the end of August and potentially staying on through the end of September (depending on assigned work location, performance, and need). Based on work performance and skill, there may be other opportunities within ERG to continue on other projects.

Start Date

• Flexible, preferably by July 1.
  
  
  

Please state availability in the cover letter.

For some projects, camping will be required, typically on a rotating 7-8 days (Tuesday-Tuesday) and six days off schedule. However, you must be willing to stay out in the field for up to 10 days at a time, depending on plot completion and goals. Overtime is paid at time and a half.

Job Description

• Conduct field work consisting of vegetation sampling, plant identification, and soil classification
• Participate in pre- and post-hitch activities, including hitch planning and logistics, plot tracking, data submission, data QA/QC, cleaning and maintenance of trucks and gear, and reporting
• Drive and navigate to remote sites in a 4WD vehicle, often on unpaved and unimproved roads for extended periods of time (2-3 hours)
• Camp multiple days (a ‘Hitch’), often on remote BLM land, with little to no amenities (i.e., not a designated campsite)
• Backcountry camping/backpacking is not required; crews will car camp next to the work vehicle
• Standing and walking (up to 6 miles/day on rough, uneven terrain), bending and crouching for long periods of time, and lifting/carrying items that weigh up to 40 pounds in variable weather conditions, including heat upwards of 100 degrees (F)
  
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• College Graduate (Bachelor’s, at minimum) with a degree in ecology, botany, soil science, agriculture, range, plant ecology, natural resource management, or a related field
• Field experience, including the ability to work in and respond to adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time including extreme heat, monsoonal rains, and hazardous wildlife (i.e., rattlesnakes, scorpions)
• Experience and willingness to spend multiple days (up to 10 days at a time) car-camping in remote areas; familiarity or willingness to learn and adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Positive attitude and attention to detail
• Valid US driver's license and insurable driving record
• Ability to pass background checks (federal, state, education, criminal, and driving record)
• Experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
• Willingness to spend several hours per day and/or per week riding in, navigating, and driving a 4WD vehicle on paved and unpaved roads, often in remote areas on unimproved roads, and driving for extended periods of time (2-3 hours at a time)
• Passionate about learning the world of plants, soils, and rangeland ecology
• Current or ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, and Defensive Driver Training certificates
• At least one year of experience using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species in the field, from photos, and from pressed specimens
• Familiarity with Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming flora (generally sagebrush steppe, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau)
• Experience or education using taxonomic soil keys or equivalent mechanisms to identify ecological sites and using soil series descriptions or equivalent soil datasets
• Experience digging quality soil pits to characterize and document soil horizons and hand texturing various types of soils
• Experience collecting water quality samples and macroinvertebrate collection
• UTV and trailer towing experience
  
  
  

Please highlight this if you have this experience!

$20 - $20 an hour

• Possible overtime paid at time and a half
• Up to $45/day per diem ($15 for each night camped and $30 for Meals and Incidentals (M&IE), totaling an additional $315-$360 per hitch, untaxed)
• Accrued sick leave & medical insurance offered
• Wilderness First Aid reimbursement
  
  
  

This position is eligible for health insurance, overtime, accrued sick leave and 401k participation after four months of employment.

ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC and affirmative action regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. As such, successful candidates must be committed to working with diverse and inclusive teams.

You are not required to display your age, date of birth, or the dates of attendance or graduation from school on your transcript or any other document on your application.

Please be aware, the only authentic corporate domain for ERG is https://www.erg.com . ERG may, on occasion, screen applicants via telephone or video interviews via Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, or another type of video platform. However, any candidate extended a job offer might be asked to meet in person with an ERG employee before providing confidential personal information associated with new employment.

If you’re a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ERG’s online application process as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources via email at Resumes-Lex@erg.com or call (781) 674-7293.

As ERG is a friendly, flexible, inclusive environment and has clients who are committed to making the world a better place, ERGers are incredibly dedicated. We promote and recognize principles of fairness, equity, and social justice in the work we do, the partnerships we foster, and the culture we value both within and outside of our organization.