Biological Resources Specialist

  • CEMML Career Opportunity
  • Job Level: Entry-level
  • Location: Pōhakuloa Training Area, Hawaiʻi
  • Job Type: In-person
  • # of Positions Available: 1
  • Annual Salary: $62,000-$72,000

Position Summary

A Biological Resources Specialist position is available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position is located at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island in Hawaii.

The project team manages numerous rare plant and animal species and their habitats and employs large-scale fencing enclosures and threat management to assist with species conservation and recovery. This position coordinates, curates, and manages information pertaining to biological resources at PTA, including 20 plant species listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The Biological Resources Specialist is supervised by the Botanical Program Manager and collaborates with other staff members. The Specialist manages and collects biological program data, specifically in geospatial databases, and provides quality control and summary data analyses. The Specialist assists with interpretation of data analyses for report writing. The specialist is responsible for maintaining electronic information files on selected plant species to include regulatory documents, research, and other scientific publications pertaining to the plants. The Specialist provides training in plant and insect identification, field and office techniques, and electronic data collection techniques for staff in all programs. The Specialist will perform field-related tasks up to 2 days per week. Position is contingent on funding. This position is required to be on-site at PTA and is not eligible for telework.

Position is contingent on funding.

Duties/Responsibilities

  • The Biological Resources Specialist requires working closely and in coordination with the Botanical Program Manager. The position requires ability to creatively solve logistical impediments and novel biological issues. Mental requirements include, but are not necessarily limited to, ability to organize and track multiple tasks, ability to research, compile, and synthesize scientific information regarding plant species. Good interpersonal communication and negotiation skills are needed. The Biological Resources Specialist position requires ability to prioritize work tasks, to recognize real and emergent problems, to provide synthesis of scientific data, information, and concepts to the project sponsor – the PTA Army Biologist.
  • Implements and trains field staff on vegetation control methods and survey and monitoring techniques to ensure consistent and accurate data collection.
  • Provides entomological support for invasive pests on rare plants.
  • Develops botanical and entomological identification training for staff across all programs.
  • Ensures data is properly transferred from collection devices to electronic storage. Performs field work up to 2 days per week.
  • Assists with developing research and sampling designs and associated protocols and SOPs.
  • Administers Botanical data management systems including (geo)databases, spreadsheets, and other electronic and physical files
  • Performs data quality checks and ensures data are as error-free as practical.
  • Produce data summary reports and analyses.
  • Develops and maintains information files for selected plant and animal species including regulatory documents, scientific literature, and other pertinent documents.
  • Reviews and provides comments and recommendations for the Army, as required, of regulatory and other technical documents.
  • Assists with plan and protocol development for all aspects of the Botanical Program.
  • Assists with allocating resources and staff time and prioritizing tasks to achieve performance goals and objectives.
  • Contributes professional opinion and judgement to interpret data analysis and scientific findings.
  • Assists with State and Federal permit-related processes.
  • Inputs data and conduct quality control of data entered by staff. Analyze and report data to support a variety of reporting needs and formats.
  • Coordinates access for external researchers and public volunteers and escorts visitors as needed.
  • Supports other Army-led events and activities that involve the Natural Resources Program. Develops educational/outreach materials.

Minimum Qualifications

  • B.Sc./B.A. degree in botany, entomology, biology, restoration ecology, or related field.
  • Three years of experience with conservation project planning, design, implementation, and management.
  • Three years of experience with surveying and monitoring botanical resources.
  • Three years of experience identifying, monitoring, and managing Hawaiian insects and insect pests.
  • Proficient with data management and basic statistical analysis using computer programs.
  • High proficiency in science/technical writing.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

  • M.S./M.Sc. Degree in botany, entomology biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or related field.
  • Experience with designing monitoring projects and SOPs for biological resources including plant and insect populations.
  • Two years of experience working with threatened and endangered plants, especially in Hawaii.
  • Three years of experience with invasive species management and control techniques.
  • Demonstrated experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including data entry and management, analysis, map creation, and the Collector application and field navigation using the Global Positioning System (GPS).
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Work experience on military installations or in other highly structured organizations such as government agencies or other organizations with well-defined lines of authority, procedures, and protocols.

About CEMML

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. CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) 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 other CSU departments to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

Learn More About CEMML

Application Instructions

Full Consideration Date: November 7, 2025

Full job description and application instructions link (NOTE: This position is being hired through CEMML’s Open Pool): https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/168359

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. To learn more, please visit:

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.

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.