Job Description
Position Summary:
The Natural Resources Specialist will assist the Air Force to ensure compliance with existing laws, regulations, policies, and program requirements. This role provides guidance, program evaluation, resource allocation, and other direct support for all natural resources activities including identification, evaluation, and protection of raptors, migratory birds, and state and federally listed species.
This position shall function as part of an interdisciplinary team of specialists and interface with Air Force Sentinel Program Office (SPO) Task Force (SATAF) personnel, installation-level Environmental (CE) personnel, private contractor(s), and other program stakeholders. The role assists with compliance management and oversight for construction activities; coordinate with local/state/federal agencies; and review technical reports and provide quality assurance of data. When needed, the Natural Resources Specialist may also be required to work with field crews conducting on-base and off-base natural resource surveys and/or serve as natural resources monitor during active construction.
Full Consideration Date: November 9, 2026, 11:59 PM (MT).
Essential Job Duties:
- Serve as a technical expert in biological sciences, providing guidance related to wildlife, invasive species, and endangered species considerations during MILCON projects, to include Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), NEPA, and Clean Water Act (CWA).
- Assist Air Force personnel with the review and inspection of construction activities to ensure regulatory compliance pertaining to threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, wetlands, and critical habitats.
- Monitor and assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures associated with MILCON projects.
- Manage project files and documentation via SharePoint and Box file management software.
- Prepare and review technical reports ensuring quality and compliance with program requirements.
- Regularly and routinely communicate with SPO, installation personnel, CEMML colleagues, contractors, and project partners via virtual and in-person meetings, working groups, briefings, and email to provide program level support, technical expertise and guidance.
- Develop agendas and take meeting minutes; prepare training modules; and lead meetings, as needed; prepare progress reports and status updates on weekly, monthly, quarterly basis.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on regulatory requirements and translate them into actionable solutions for SPO.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Conditions of Employment:
- Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).
- Due to the nature of the work, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.
- Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
- Work will be primarily office-based; however, the position may accompany field crews and/or participate in site inspections, which may require hiking long distances across remote and rugged terrain.
- Moving allowance may be available; conditions apply.
Supervision:
- May supervise other full-time AP-Special personnel.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, wildlife management, wildlife biology or related discipline is required.
- Minimum of 5-years of natural resource/biological professional experience.
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, particularly ESRI’s GIS product suite.
- Familiarity with Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act.
- Experience applying environmental principles and practices to support NEPA and natural resource management.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting environmental data and regulations.
- Supervisory experience, leading interdisciplinary teams.
- Experience communicating and enforcing health, safety, and security protocols in field or office settings.
- Experience preparing detailed scientific reports documenting inspections, findings, and recommendations.
- Knowledge of biological and ecological principles relevant to wildlife and habitat management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in technical and scientific reporting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A master's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, wildlife management, wildlife biology or related discipline.
- Greater than 5-years of natural resource/biological project post-graduate professional experience.
- Experience interpreting and implementing the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act.
- Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and/or Survey123.
- Demonstrated experience applying Federal, State, and local environmental laws, regulations, and guidance to make recommendations regarding permitting, pollution prevention, and environmental integration.
- Proficiency in project planning and execution within environmental or natural resource contexts.
- Demonstrated skills integrating an interdisciplinary team of professionals to include attorneys, public health specialists, public affairs specialists, biological scientists, environmental engineers, physical scientists, general engineers, community planners, regulators, other governmental officials, and community groups.
- Background working with the Department of Defense or U.S. Air Force is preferred.
- Project experience within the Upper Mountain West (CO, NE, SD, UT, WY) region preferred.
- Familiarity with other professional disciplines (e.g., engineering, community planning, and environmental science).
Application Instructions:
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Please provide a Statement of Qualifications addressing each qualification listed above prior to the full consideration date.
Salary Range
$73,000-$93,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Statement of Interest
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
