It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

January 30, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

83,616.00 - 121,118.40

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under general supervision, the primary role of the Senior Ecologist position on the City’s Nature-Based Solutions Team is to support the protection of community and ecosystem health through management of the city’s ecosystems-based Integrated Pest Management policy and oversight of the City’s biodiversity-based Mosquito/vector control program. Central to this role is the synthesis of the best available science or development of related applied research to inform the city’s numerous departments conducting ecosystem-based land management. The Senior Ecologist for Public Health and Ecosystem Management has three overall areas of responsibility: management of the city’s ecosystems-based IPM policy implementation across all city departments; management of the City’s ongoing ecosystem-based mosquito management program; and support for broader efforts to research, develop and test nature-based solutions designed to utilize ecosystem-based approaches to increase community resilience to climate change while enhancing the health, safety and welfare of the Boulder community.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• City-wide Ecologically Based IPM Policy and Program Management

  • Administers the city’s ecosystem-based IPM Policy which is based on >30 years of collaborative inter-departmental coordination using a decision-making process that evaluates treatment options based on both efficacy of treatment and the associated risks to human and ecosystem health. Coordinates inter-departmental, multi-disciplinary teams to develop policies, programs and practices in support of the city’s management of land, waterways, wildlife and biodiversity, developing risk-reduction strategies for all invasive species and management methods, including chemical, mechanical, and cultural controls.

  • Manages the citywide IPM implementation and decision-making process, including ongoing risk assessments for chemical and other treatment methods and updating the approved pesticide list and IPM operations manual consistent with IPM policy direction and state and/or federal requirements. Ensures that the city’s program remains up to date on new chemical and non-chemical management strategies, scientific research, climate and other anthropogenic impacts, and policy changes that affect the city’s IPM and zoonotic disease vector management programs.

  • Facilitates ongoing shared learning opportunities for city staff about IPM, potential pest challenges and least toxic and ecosystem-focused strategies.

  • Manages the production, synthesis and analysis of data related to IPM and related management of vegetation, insects, and/or vectors of disease including evaluation of measures being utilized by the city, its contractors or other entities implementing control measures. (see Boulder IPM Program).

• Mosquito Management Program

  • Manages all aspects of the city’s annual ecosystems-based Mosquito control program in coordination with multiple departments across the city organization as the primary method for protection against West Nile virus and other vector borne illnesses.

  • Develops and administers program budgets, including developing and managing contracts with consultants and contractors implementing the ecosystem-based mosquito larval control program.

  • Develops or participates in cross-jurisdictional collaborations to evaluate a range of different treatment strategies, both efficacy of treatments and evaluation of non-target impacts.

• Natural Climate Solutions Programs and Policy

  • Participates in cross-departmental teams coordinating integration of nature-based solutions and IPM efforts