Job Details

Aquatic Field Technician Lead

Position Number: 6836968
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Agriculture - Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry

Aquatic Field Technician Lead

Requisition Number: 69273
Location: San Jose California
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 12-Jan-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Johnson Laboratory (Ecology & Evolutionary Biology) is seeking highly motivated aquatic field technicians to join an intensive, hands-on research program in the Bay Area of California, with a preferred start date of February 2 and continuing through September 2026.
This position is designed for individuals who thrive in demanding field environments and are eager to take on leadership roles. Technicians will lead and coordinate teams of 5-6 field staff while conducting rigorous aquatic sampling in freshwater pond ecosystems. The work focuses on amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates and requires sustained attention to detail, physical endurance, and scientific precision.
Primary responsibilities include:

Macro- and micro-level identification of amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and parasites
Execution of standardized aquatic sampling protocols, including dip-netting, seining, visual encounter surveys, pathogen swabbing, and transects
Necropsy of freshwater snails for parasite isolation
Accurate data collection, entry, and management
Set-up, maintenance, and breakdown of experimental mesocosms
Regular communication and coordination with the Principal Investigator and Research Associate
This role offers exceptional field and leadership experience but requires reliability, independence, and the ability to manage complex field operations under variable conditions.

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.

Who We Are

The Johnson Laboratory at the University of Colorado Boulder (www.johnsonlaboratory.com) is a diverse and multi-faceted research group devoted to the study of disease community ecology. It runs one of the longest observational records of multi-host, multi-parasite communities across over 80 ponds in California. The study of these systems, coupled with experimental research conducted in the lab as well as across whole ecosystems, has helped address fundamental questions about the spread of disease in complex systems.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The primary responsibilities of the individual will lead a team of 5-6 members performing in-depth aquatic field sampling protocol focusing on amphibians, fish and invertebrates within freshwater pond ecosystems. Individual(s) will perform the following duties (1) macro and micro identification of amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and parasites (2) performing field sampling techniques such as but not limited to: dipnet, seine, visual survey, pathogen swabbing, and transects, (3) necropsy of freshwater snails for parasite isolation, (4) data entry, and (5) set up and break down of mesocosm. In addition, individual(s) will be expected to communicate regularly with PI and Research Associate.

What You Should Know

This work involves life animal collected in the field and running of a large scale field experiment. Weekends will be necessary for all team members. Alternate days off will be provided when weekend work is necessary. Housing at the field station (e.g. tent supplied by individual) is required. However the housing fee will be covered by the laboratory.

What We Can Offer

The hiring range for this position is $18-23.00 per hour.

Benefits

Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Competitive candidates must demonstrate prior aquatic field research experience, including snail necropsy and trematode parasite isolation. Strong proficiency in Excel and data management is required, along with hands-on experience in aquatic sampling methods (e.g., seining, dip-netting, transects, and water chemistry). Experience with experimental research and animal care is essential. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in ecology, veterinary science, or a closely related field.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume/CV
A Cover Letter that states your specific management experiences, previous scientific research experiences (highlight field research), why you would like to work for the Johnson Laboratory specifically, contact information for three professional references (include email and phone number), and start date.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We will request letters and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
For consideration, please apply by January 12th, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Aquatic-Field-Technician-Lead/69273