Aquatic Field Technician Position with CU Boulder
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. This position is designed for individuals who thrive in demanding field environments that love both field and laboratory work. Technicians will work together in a 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.
The Johnson Laboratory at the University of Colorado Boulder 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.
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 field and laboratory experience but requires reliability, independence, and the ability to work in complex field operations under variable conditions.
This position will require occasional weekend work. When scheduled (typically once per month), alternative days off will be provided. All staff are required to live at the field station in individual tents (to be supplied by the individual); however, the laboratory will cover all camping fees. The facility includes full bathrooms, hot and cold showers, a kitchen with multiple stoves and refrigerators, and laboratory space. Cell service is limited and varies depending on the number of guests and cellular provider.
The hiring range for this position is $18.00-$22.00 per hour.
Required Qualifications:
- Competitive candidates must have demonstrated aquatic field and laboratory research experience.
- Strong preference will be given to applicants with direct experience in freshwater snail necropsy and trematode parasite isolation, as well as proficiency in aquatic sampling techniques (e.g., seining, dip-netting, transects, and water chemistry).
- High-level competency in Excel and data management is required.
- Experience with experimental research and animal care, particularly involving snails and amphibians, is essential.
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or be near completion in ecology, veterinary science, or a closely related field.
To learn more and apply, please visit the official job posting.