Professional Research Assistant

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Faculty Level/Title: Professional Research Assistant

Working Title: Mountain Plover Research Technician

FTE: Full-time

Salary Range: $3,343.67-$3,500/month

Position #00050031- Requisition #38906

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About the University of Colorado - Denver
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Job Description

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

The Wunder Lab has openings for 3-4 temporary full-time Professional Research Assistant positions to begin 4/13/2026 until approximately 8/15/2026.

PRAs will form a 4-person field crew managed by 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 4/13/2026 and in South Park mid-May and continues until mid- to late-August depending on start date.

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

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Bachelor of Science 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 experience 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 and thunderstorms.
• 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.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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.

Employment Sponsorship

Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $3,343.67-$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 20th, 2026. 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).
• 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.