Karner Blue Butterfly Transect Survey Technician

Colorado State University • Tomah, WI

9d • $19 • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at Colorado State University (CSU) is hiring one seasonal technician (Temporary Hourly) to conduct straight-line transect surveys for the Federally Endangered Karner blue butterfly and additional Karner blue butterfly management activities at Fort McCoy Military Installation, Wisconsin, from approximately May 04th through August 14th, 2026. The position could be extended beyond the projected dates, pending the availability of hires and funding. Fort McCoy is a United States Army installation on 60,000 acres between Sparta and Tomah, Wisconsin, in Monroe County. Located about 30 miles east of La Crosse, Wisconsin, this region features rolling wooded hills, oak/jack pine savannas, and prairies. This ecological region, known as the Driftless Area, contains numerous rare plant and animal species and is a unique habitat. This seasonal, full-time position (up to 40 hours per week) provides hands-on experience across multiple natural resource disciplines, including wildlife and vegetation surveys, data collection, mapping applications, and invasive species management. Applicants should expect to work up to 10-hour days Monday - Thursday. The possibility exists for shortened work days due to inclement weather or military training restrictions. Work may be made up on Fridays or weekends if shortened earlier in the week. The technician will spend most of the work period conducting straight-line transect surveys independently at selected locations on Fort McCoy. Before, between, and post-flight surveys, the technician will be part of a crew that surveys and maps approximately 5,000 acres of land for wild lupine and records density. A period of time will be spent conducting invasive plant species management for herbaceous and woody species. There will also be opportunities to work alongside wildlife professionals to conduct wolf howling and telemetry surveys for Blanding's turtles, wood turtles, and bullsnakes. Selected candidates must be physically fit and able to walk over uneven terrain daily. A flexible schedule and the ability to work in inclement weather are required. Staff will meet at the field office in Tomah, Wisconsin, before traveling to the work location on Fort McCoy. Housing is not provided. Rentals are available in the nearby Sparta, Tomah, Bangor, West Salem, and La Crosse areas. Learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, values, and a complete listing of CEMML positions by visiting http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

Requirements

• High school diploma or higher level of education.
• Successful candidates must demonstrate U.S. employment eligibility; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Lepidoptera identification skills and training.
• Aerial imagery and topographical map skills.
• The ability to work independently and in a crew setting is essential.

Nice To Haves

• Karner Blue butterfly identification skills.
• Wild lupine identification skills.
• Wisconsin Lepidoptera identification skills.
• Wildlife species and native/non-native/invasive plant species identification skills.
• Ability to capture and handle wildlife species, including turtles and non-venomous snakes.
• Truck and off-road vehicle use.
• ArcGIS/ESRI applications knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assist biologist with setting up transect lines at select sites prior to monitoring
• Conduct straight-line transect surveys for the Federally Endangered Karner blue butterfly.
• Map densities of wild lupine (host plant for Federally Endangered Karner blue butterfly) using Arc Field Maps on tablets on Fort McCoy Military Installation.
• Assist Habitat Restoration technicians with invasive species management of herbaceous and woody species.
• Assist Threatened and Endangered Species technicians with conducting surveys to include: Lepidoptera, Blanding's turtles, wood turtles, and bullsnakes using telemetry equipment.
• Assist Wildlife staff with summer wolf howling surveys and potential for fall deer surveys.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees