LRAM Heavy Equipment Operator - Fort Polk, LA-2

Colorado State University; Louisiana; On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) seeks an operator experienced with heavy equipment to support soil stabilization and vegetation management on Army lands. You will operate equipment from trucks to front-end loaders and mowers, performing maintenance to ensure readiness in all weather conditions.

Pre-employment checks and a valid driver's license are required; background checks apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent).
• At least two years of experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment.
• Experience driving pickup trucks with and without trailers.

Responsibilities

• Operate day-to-day heavy equipment for LRAM projects including trucks, dozers, loaders, scrapers, and mowers.
• Perform repair, maintenance, and reconfiguration on equipment to support Army training missions.
• Track project activities and prepare information for monthly and quarterly reports, and support ITAM/DPTMS tasks.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Driver's license

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) is a research, education, and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. 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. To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, mission, vision, and values, please visit www.cemml.colostate.edu. This position operates heavy equipment, including 10- to 25-ton dump trucks, dozers, motor graders, front-end loaders, vibratory compactors, scrapers, forestry mowers (FECON), track hoes, agricultural tractors, and back hoes to complete Land Rehabilitation & Maintenance (LRAM) projects. Primary responsibilities include supporting soil stabilization and vegetation management on Army lands and tracking and preparing monthly and quarterly reports. For full consideration, applications must be received by November 13, 2026.

Essential Job Duties

• Execute day-to-day heavy equipment operations to complete LRAM projects using equipment including, but not limited to, 10- to 25-ton dump trucks (including 25-ton off-road dump trucks at some locations), dozers, motor graders, front-end loaders, agricultural tractors, vibratory compactors, scrapers, forestry mowers (FECON), track hoes, and back hoes.
• Conduct repair, maintenance, and reconfiguration projects in support of Army training missions, including mechanized brush and small tree removal, thinning, clearing (rotary cutter, FECON, Hydro-ax), gravel and aggregate application, rip rap application, articulated/cable concrete application, and the creation and maintenance of turnouts and diversion ditches along tactical-use maneuver and movement trails.
• Perform operational inspections, maintenance, and minor adjustments on equipment to ensure operational readiness and safety. Track project activities and prepare information for monthly and quarterly reports. Fulfill other duties and assignments as necessary to support the mission and sub-missions of the ITAM program and DPTMS, as approved by the Installation Point of Contact.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment criminal background check required. Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) and public trust clearance. Required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check. Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain compliance with Colorado State University's University Vehicle Policy. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Must be able to work outdoors and perform strenuous labor under all weather conditions, including heat, humidity, wet, and cold conditions. Must be able to repeatedly lift up to 40 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or equivalent.
• At least two years of experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment, including: Dozers Motor graders Front-end loaders Forestry mowers (FECON) Agricultural tractors Back hoes Track hoes Skid steers Experience driving pickup trucks with and without trailers.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five years of experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment, including: Dozers Motor graders, Front-end loaders, Forestry mowers (FECON), Agricultural tractors, Back hoes, Skid steers.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A.
• Knowledge and experience supporting: Soil stabilization Land clearing Site preparation Worksite revegetation.
• Experience with land rehabilitation, horizontal construction techniques, and erosion control practices specific to State and/or EPA-approved Best Management Practices (BMPs) required to achieve compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA).
• Experience working on military installations.

Additional Information

Search Contact: Chris Gregory at [e-mail].

Salary Range $50,000 - $65,000

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.

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.