LRAM Heavy Equipment Operator Lead - Fort Drum, NY

Southern Arkansas University; Fort Drum (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust benefits package

Job summary

A prominent university in Fort Drum, NY, is looking for a Lead Heavy Equipment Operator to manage day-to-day operations of heavy equipment for land rehabilitation projects. This role requires at least 4 years of experience in heavy equipment operation and 2 years in a supervisory capacity. The ideal candidate should be able to perform strenuous labor outdoors and possess strong leadership skills. Competitive salary between $55,000 and $80,000 will be offered, along with a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years’ experience with running and maintaining heavy equipment.
• Experience supervising operators for at least 2 years.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Execute heavy equipment operation tasks for LRAM projects.
• Supervise full-time and seasonal employees.
• Manage daily activities of personnel.

Skills

Heavy Equipment Operation

Supervision skills

Team collaboration

Safety adherence

Education

High school Diploma or GED

Tools

Heavy equipment (dump trucks, dozers, etc.)

Forestry mowers (FECON)

Skid Steer

2000-gallon water trucks

Job description

LRAM Heavy Equipment Operator Lead - Fort Drum, NY

Position Title: LRAM Heavy Equipment Operator Lead - Fort Drum, NY

Job Level: Management-Level

# of Positions Available: 1

Annual Salary Range: $55,000 - $80,000

Position Summary

A Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) Heavy Equipment Operator Lead position is available at Fort Drum, New York, with Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position will provide and oversee Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) services to complete soil stabilization and vegetation management activities for Range Operations at Fort Drum, New York. HEOs will conduct work in support of the Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) component of the Army’s Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Program.

This position will operate heavy equipment such as 10-to-25-ton dump trucks, dozers, motor graders, front-in loaders, vibratory compactors, scrapers, forestry mowers (FECON), track hoes, agricultural tractors, and back hoes for the purpose of completing LRAM projects. Primary functions are soil stabilization and vegetation management on Army lands. This position will also require tracking and preparing daily and weekly reports.

Fort Drum is a U.S. Army installation located in northern New York State, home to the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). It’s the largest military installation in the northeastern U.S., spanning over 107,000 acres. Fort Drum serves as a major training facility for Reserve and National Guard units in the region.

Work location is dependent on the needs of the partner/project/role and requires staff to be fully in-person.

Duties/Responsibilities include:

• Execute Day to Day Heavy Equipment Operation Tasks to complete LRAM projects.
• Equipment operated includes but is not limited to: 10-to-25-ton dump trucks (25 ton off road dumps at some locations), dozers, motor graders, front-in loaders, agricultural tractors, vibratory compactors, scrapers, forestry mowers (FECON), track hoes, and back hoes.
• Equipment operation is done in support of providing safe and sustainable training lands.
• Conclusions will need to be reached on what type of equipment is most appropriate for the job and how best to locate the equipment at the job site.
• Supervise full-time and seasonal employees.
• Manages, plans, and coordinates the daily activities of subordinate personnel.
• Provide crew training to assure accuracy of task performance and safely work in a dangerous/difficult environment.
• Perform operational maintenance and inspections on equipment for operational readiness and safety and make minor adjustments and perform operator maintenance on equipment operated.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks necessary to keep machinery, equipment and tools in good working condition such as changing tires, inspecting, greasing, and cleaning equipment, maintaining fluid levels, changing blades, calibrating equipment and performing related tasks.
• Responsible for operator maintenance on equipment such as checking and replenishing fluids to proper levels, examining and changing filters, changing and sharpening blades, changing/replacing batteries, lubricating equipment, and making necessary adjustments.
• Tracks project for daily and weekly reports.
• Supports monthly and quarterly reporting.

Qualifications

• A High school Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or equivalent.
• At least 4 years’ experience with running and maintaining heavy equipment:
  • Forestry mowers (FECON)
  • Skid Steer
• Experience driving pickup trucks with and without trailers.
• Able to work outdoors in varied terrain and perform strenuous labor under all weather conditions (e.g., heat and humidity). Able to lift 40 pounds repeatedly.
• Be able to follow directions, work collectively with others as a team, and maintain safe working standards.
• At least 2 years’ experience supervising operators.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet CSU standards for driving throughout the course of employment.

Preferred Requirements

• Knowledge and experience necessary to facilitate:
  • Land clearing
  • 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 running and maintaining heavy equipment such as:
    • 2000-gallon water trucks

About CEMML

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (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. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

For full consideration, apply by: 11/17/2025

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than November 17, 2025 for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:

• Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
• Resume
• References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

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. To learn more, please visit: Colorado State University website

Colorado State University 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.

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 finalists 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.