Job Description
Full Consideration Date: February 18, 2026
Work Unit Description: The Mountain Sentinels (https://mountainsentinels.org/) operate within the Warner College of Natural Resources to grow a network that will connect groups working to promote mountain sustainability worldwide under a grant from the National Science Foundation. Core network-building activities include an international Fellows program and planning meetings in collaboration with our international partners. We are seeking a part time administrative coordinator to execute administrative processes associated with these activities, including working with the WCNR budget office and other offices as appropriate (e.g. HR, OSP) to support travel planning and logistics; perform budget functions; administer contracts, stipends, and scope of work agreements for internal, domestic, and international partners; support general meeting planning; and other administrative tasks.
The Mountain Sentinels Network is an NSF-funded network based at CSU that conducts collaborative scholarly syntheses on mountain sustainability issues worldwide and on expanding the process of science to 'transformative science with society'. We hold workshops, develop curriculum, have a Fellows Program focused on underrepresented and underserved mountain people, and more. We work with networks in Colorado and all over the world. In addition to scholarship, we aim to work with others to propose and implement practical solutions.
The Ecosystem Science and Sustainability department is closely associated with the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/) . We are recognized for inter- and transdisciplinary research in ecosystem sustainability, such as sustainability of water, food, and energy systems from technological, social-ecological, and modeling perspectives. ESS faculty whose research lies at the interface of biophysical and social sciences have created open and flexible research and education programs with issues of sustainability as the core focus.
The Department offers a B.S. in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and a B.S. Watershed Science as well as an M.S. in Watershed Science and a Masters in Greenhouse Gas Management and Accounting. Faculty members may also direct graduate students in the interdisciplinary Graduate Degree Program in Ecology and the Watershed concentration of the Earth Science PhD. The Department has in excess of 300 undergraduate students and 75 graduate students.
The mission of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University is to understand the function of ecosystems and watersheds across space and over time. We assess ecosystem sustainability by examining interactions within and between natural and human systems in the context of current stresses such as changing climate, species introductions, land-use change, and increased demand for water. The department will use state-of-the-art technologies and approaches to provide quality education to future scientists, educators and decision makers, conduct cutting edge interdisciplinary research, and deliver culturally relevant outreach programs that empower our students and the general public locally, nationally, and internationally.
Financial Administration - work includes: pre/post trip travel; contracts; transportation; post-doc and PI summer salaries; participant support funds; fellowships and stipends; reimbursements; P-card purchases; liaise with budget offices (e.g WCNR, OSP).
Logistics and Coordination - coordinate: domestic/international travel; schedule meetings among team and partner organizations; event planning; work with partners within the US and abroad; fellows program support; organize tasks; HR support.
Event Planning - Coordinate travel logistics, event registration, lodgings, meals, venues, translators for online and in-person events.
Communication- take meeting notes, share in a timely manner, organize with action items; project reporting; coordinate and communicate among project leadership and other partner organizations; work with the communications coordinator to develop content for newsletter, social media, and announcements.
Colorado State University may conduct background checks on final candidates.
Dr. Julia Klein, Professor in ESS, is the supervisor.
Demonstrated Experience In Core Administrative Skills, Including
- Office administration and coordination
- Calendar, meeting, and event scheduling
- Email and correspondence management
- Budget tracking and basic financial administration
- Familiarity with research administration or grant support
- Procurement and invoice processing
Technical & Digital Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- Experience with Student and Campus Information Systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, Workday, Kuali or similar)
- Basic financial systems and expense management tools
- Virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
- Ability to quickly learn new university systems
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, external partners)
- Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and organization
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Flexibility in a fast-paced academic environment
- Collaborative team orientation
Experience
- Bachelor's degree (often in business administration, education, sustainability or related field)
- 1-3 years of administrative or project management experience
- Experience working in a complex or regulated environment
- Demonstrated commitment to cross cultural communication
- Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of collaboration tools such as Miro Boards, Basecamp, and similar
- Knowledge of Mailchimp, Canva, or similar
- Commitment to braiding academic and other forms of knowledges (e.g. local, Indigenous)
- Application Instructions
Please submit
- A cover letter expressing your interest in the position and highlighting your qualifications for the position
- Your CV or resume
Salary Range
$25-35/hour
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
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.
- Review our detailed benefits information here. (http://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.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. (http://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!
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
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.
Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.
Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/)
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