Natural Resources Specialist / Beach Keeper - Vandenberg Space Force Base, Lompoc, CA
Colorado State University
Position Information
Classification TitleTemporary Hourly
Employment CategoryTemporary
Is this an Hourly position?Yes
Work Hours/Week0-40
Overtime Eligible?Yes
Position LocationVandenberg Space Force Base, Lompoc, CA
Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?No
Description of Work Unit
The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands ( CEMML ) is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University ( CSU ). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions to sustain our resources for future generations. To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management and our mission, vision, and values, please visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.
Search Contact EmailJessica.Griffiths@colostate.edu
Position Summary
The individual(s) hired under this beach keeper position will support the natural resources program at VSFB by interacting with and educating the public on western snowy plover life history and Space Force regulations pertaining to beach recreation limitations during the plover nesting season. This position is for the duration of the western snowy plover nesting season (1 March through 30 September). Primary duties include informing beach users of VSFB rules and regulations related to beach recreation and snowy plover management, reporting violations of beach rules to VSFB Security Forces, and coordinating with VSFB biologists and contractors on plover management. Skills and abilities required for this position include self-motivation, ability to work in challenging weather conditions for extended amounts of time, comfortable approaching and speaking with people recreating on the beach, and effective communication with the (often disgruntled) public, volunteers, and VSFB Security Forces personnel. Other required work will include maintenance of boundary fences and signs (requires carrying up to 50 pounds through sand and using a post pounder), walking the beach, coordination with CEMML and Space Force staff, and reporting violations. Must have the ability to regularly communicate via radio, cell phone, written, and/or email. Training on western snowy plover biology will be provided. This person will not be enforcing the rules, but is required to communicate any issues or violations with VSFB Security Forces immediately via radio (provided) in a professional manner following trained guidance.
Work location will be at Surf Beach and at Ocean Park on VSFB . These two areas have the most public visitation and are the main sources of beach violations on VSFB . The work schedule for this position will be based around times of maximum use of the beach by the public, which could
vary weekly dependent on the weather but would most often be from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Shifts would be no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and no later than 7:00 p.m. Work schedules will be focused around periods of high beach visitation, including weekends and holidays.
The open pool will be from January 6, 2024– January 31, 2025. We will either be hiring 2-3 full- time individuals or 3-5 part-time individuals from 1 March through 30 September 2025.
Schedules would be developed monthly in coordination with their CEMML supervisor and VSFB staff, but will generally be from between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The position is hourly, as-needed with no guarantee of specific number of hours per week.
Position Minimum Qualifications
• High School diploma (or similar).
• Must be able to work most weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work in challenging field conditions (heat, cold, wind, biting insects, ability to walk in sand for moderate distances, etc.).
• Ability to maintain fencing to include installing t-posts, requires lifting 50 pounds, use post pounder, and walk through sand.
• Must follow established protocol when communicating with Security Forces personnel and other VSFB staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, volunteers, and VSFB staff.
• Must remain calm in stressful or tense situations and walk away if needed and contact appropriate personnel per protocol.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• Must have reliable personal transportation and communication (i.e. email and phone).
• The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States by proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Must pass a background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications
• Working toward or completed Bachelor of Science degree or higher in a field related to the project work, OR at least 2 years of applicable field experience.
• Previous experience supporting natural resource projects.
• Previous experience working with the public.
• Demonstrated adaptability to field work related issues.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities and follow established protocol.
Posting Details
Working TitleNatural Resources Specialist / Beach Keeper - Vandenberg Space Force Base, Lompoc, CA
Posting Number202400857T
DepartmentCEMML
Salary RangeThe hourly rate for Natural Resources Specialists will be $18/hr.
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, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf)
+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Close Date01/31/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply for this position please submit the following to Jessica Griffiths (Jessica.Griffiths@colostate.edu) for review:
1. A brief email stating your interest, your background, and a request to submit a full application.
2. If a full application is requested, please submit the following items:
a. A cover letter highlighting your experience related to the position, any experience working within the Department of Defense (with particular emphasis on support at VSFB ), how you meet the Minimum Qualifications, and why you are applying for the position.
b. Most recent resume.
c. Two references.
Point of contact for any inquiries:
* Jessica Griffiths, Wildlife Biologist; Jessica.griffiths@colostate.edu; (805) 605-8399
* Chris Herron, Natural Resources Specialist & Principal Investigator; Christopher.herron@colostate.edu; (970)-491-4146
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. 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.
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 Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Job Duties
Job Duty CategoryNatural Resources Specialist / Beach Keeper support
Duty/Responsibility
The individual(s) hired under this beach keeper position will support the natural resources program at VSFB by interacting with and educating the public on western snowy plover life history and Space Force regulations pertaining to beach recreation limitations during the plover nesting season.
Primary duties include informing beach users of VSFB rules and regulations related to beach recreation and snowy plover management, reporting violations of beach rules to VSFB Security Forces, and coordinating with VSFB biologists and contractors on plover management.
Other required work will include maintenance of boundary fences and signs (requires carrying up to 50 pounds through sand and using a post pounder), walking the beach, coordination with CEMML and Space Force staff, and reporting violations.
Training on western snowy plover biology will be provided. This person will not be enforcing the rules, but is required to communicate any issues or violations with VSFB Security Forces immediately via radio (provided) in a professional manner following trained guidance.
Percentage Of Time100
References
Minimum References Required3
Maximum References Required3
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
+ Resume
Optional Documents
Confirm your E-mail: Send Email
All Jobs from Colorado State University