Land Rehabilitation & Equipment Operation Specialist

Colorado State University • Jolon, CA

29d • $55,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

WCNR’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) is a research, education, and service unit at CSU. 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. The Land Rehabilitation & Equipment Operation Specialist supports a variety of tasks related to land rehabilitation and maintenance on lands used for training by the U.S. Army at Fort Hunter Liggett. The successful candidate is required to work on-site at Fort Hunter Liggett, telecommuting is not available for this position. The base is in the central coast region of California. Nearby towns include King City and Paso Robles. Covering 161,000 acres (251.5 mi2), Fort Hunter Liggett is the largest Army Reserve installation in the continental United States. The landscape is dominated by extensive oak and other woodlands, shrublands and grasslands supporting abundant game and non-game wildlife.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED with 4 or more years of experience in heavy equipment operation for land rehabilitation/restoration sites or similar activities; OR can be substituted with a BA/BS degree in natural resources, environmental science, land conservation, forestry, horticulture, or related applied science with 2 or more years of heavy equipment operation associated with land rehabilitation or similar activities.
• Experience with the use and maintenance of heavy equipment typically associated with land rehabilitation projects (e.g., dozer, grader, seed drill, hydromulcher and/or straw-mulcher, front-end loader, water truck, dump truck agricultural tractor, backhoe, trucks and trailers; and light equipment such as chainsaws, string trimmers, mowers and other motorized equipment).
• Ability to work in field conditions including rugged terrain and extreme weather (low humidity, extreme heat) as well as be able to repeatedly lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to follow directions, work collectively with others as a team, and maintain safe working standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications such as MSWord, Excel and Outlook (mail/calendar).
• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
• Candidate must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC); required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check to remain eligible for employment.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and meet CSU standards for driving throughout the course of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with land rehabilitation, revegetation, watershed management and erosion control practices, techniques and best management practices (BMPs) commonly applied by county, state and federal agencies.
• Familiarity with Central California vegetation or similar vegetation types.
• Experience with digital field data collection and GPS.
• Experience with the Army’s Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) or Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) programs.
• Experience working on military installations, state or federal lands.
• Experience writing basic project descriptions and activity summaries.

Responsibilities

• Operates light and heavy equipment to stabilize soil and maneuver lands, help maintain maneuver trails and manage vegetation.
• Heavy equipment may include dump trucks, dozers, graders, front-end loaders, agricultural tractors, back hoes and other equipment.
• Conducts field assessments to evaluate best management practices or prescriptions, collecting data regarding land condition and rehabilitation success
• Clears debris, mowing, removing invasive species, removing dead and downed tree using chainsaws and other equipment
• May also require tracking and preparing monthly and quarterly reports
• Other assigned duties

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.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED