LRAM Vegetation Management Technician – Summer Hand Crew

Colorado State University; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) is hiring multiple Land Rehabilitation and Management (LRAM) Vegetation Management Technician positions in Alaska.

These temporary hourly roles support ITAM efforts at Fort Wainwright and remote training areas, performing forest thinning, hazard tree removal, trail clearing, and related tasks using light tools and equipment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least three months of experience with manual hand tools and handheld power equipment.
• Experience performing maintenance/inspections on tools and equipment.
• Ability to follow directions and work in a team.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Support ITAM program by conducting forest thinning, hazard tree removal, and trail clearing.
• Operate light equipment and safety gear in remote training areas.
• Travel to remote work sites as needed; camping may be required.

Skills

Verbal and written English comms

Lift 40 pounds

Walk in tough terrain

Valid driver’s license

Follow directions & team work

Education

High school Diploma / GED or equivalent

Chainsaw training (preferred)

Tools

Chainsaws

Brush cutters

Hand tools

Job description

Fully in-person/on-site

Fairbanks, AK

Delta Junction, AK

Full time

POSITION SUMMARY

Numerous Land Rehabilitation and Management (LRAM) Vegetation Management Technician (Temporary Hourly) positions are available with Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) located at Fort Wainwright (FWA), Alaska.

These positions are part of the LRAM summer hand crew. LRAM hand crews are hired to conduct training area improvements in support of the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Program at FWA in Alaska. Field crews will be responsible for forest thinning, hazard tree removal, trail clearing, and other duties as assigned to help open and maintain training area access. Support will be completed using chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, and other light equipment. Overnight camping trips and travel by small aircraft, all‑terrain vehicles, and/or riverboats may be required to access remote sites.

Positions will last 4 to 9 months, depending on funding, and will start between May and June 2026. The length of the season is dependent upon weather conditions and available funding; however, employment will not exceed 9 months. Crews typical work four 10‑hour days each week and most camping supplies will be provided for projects requiring remote camping. Travel expenses to Alaska will not be paid, and no housing or per diem will be provided; applicants are responsible for securing housing and arriving daily at the assigned installation, though transportation will be provided to individual work sites.

ORGANIZATION

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

To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, please visit https://cemml.colostate.edu/ .

LOCATIONS

Fort Wainwright (FWA) is located on the east side of Fairbanks, Alaska, and encompasses over 900,000 acres, including a main post area of 4,470 acres, 8,825 acres of ranges, and over 890,000 acres of military maneuver areas.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• At least three (3) months of experience utilizing manual hand tools and handheld power equipment (e.g., trimmers, brush cutters, chainsaws, etc.)
• At least three (3) months of experience performing operational maintenance and inspections on all tools and equipment (e.g., checking and replenishing fluids to proper levels, examining and changing filters, changing and sharpening blades, changing/replacing batteries, lubricating equipment, and making necessary adjustments, etc.)
• Ability to follow directions, work collectively with others in a team dynamic, and maintain safe working standards
• Proficient verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds repeatedly without assistance.
• Ability to walk long distances in adverse terrain and weather conditions
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain and maintain a driver’s license by employment start date
• Must be able to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check and motor vehicle check
• Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) and public trust clearance
• Must be eligible to work in the United States by the proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) year or more of experience utilizing manual hand tools and handheld power equipment
• One (1) year or more experience performing operational maintenance and inspections on all tools and equipment
• Completion of a chainsaw training course.
• Experience or education in forestry or similar discipline
• Experience operating all‑terrain vehicles and driving 4x4 vehicles with trailers.
• Experience navigating with maps, GPS, and compasses.
• Experience working on military lands

PAY RATE

Technician salary starts at $22.00 per hour and is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and work location. Continuation of these positions is dependent on the receipt of funding from the sponsor for ITAM efforts at FWA in Alaska.

Employee Benefits

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.

https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/ .

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.

For a complete listing of all open CEMML positions, please visit https://cemml.colostate.edu/careers/ .

Salary Range

$22.00-$30.00

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/)

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.

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