Range and Training Land Assessment Technician - Fort Drum, NY

Towson; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 62,500 - 67,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Collaborative work environment

Focus on work-life balance

Job summary

A research unit at Colorado State University seeks a Range Training Land Assessment Technician to conduct assessments for land rehabilitation and maintenance on military training lands. The role requires experience in field data collection, GPS navigation, and the ability to work in rugged conditions. This position is contingent on funding and requires a BS/BA degree along with relevant experience in natural resources management.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of field experience in data collection in rugged environments.
• Knowledge of natural resources management preferable.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments for land rehabilitation and maintenance projects.
• Perform field equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Submit weekly/monthly/quarterly reports on progress.

Skills

Field data collection

Navigating rugged terrain

GPS and GIS knowledge

Written communication

Education

BS/BA degree

Tools

Trimble handhelds

Computer workstations

Job description

Range and Training Land Assessment Technician - Fort Drum, NY

Position Title: Range and Training Land Assessment Technician - Fort Drum, NY

Job Level: Mid-Level

# of Positions Available: 1

Annual Salary Range: $62,500 to $67,500

Position Summary

Range Training Land Assessment (RTLA) Technician position is available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Land (CEMML) at Fort Drum, NY. Assessments are conducted to identify and monitor Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) projects and to identify landscape conditions that suit specific army training mission needs. Assessments are conducted within the parameters outlined in the 4 April 2016 TATM funding guidance and are conducted using Training Circular (TC) 25-1 as a baseline for establishing recommendations for landscape condition management. Tasks include the assessment of training areas and field collection of data.

Fort Drum is a U.S. Army installation located in northern New York State, home to the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). It is 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. Position is contingent on funding.

Duties / Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will make decisions on best practices for collecting qualitative and quantitative data in support of identifying Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) requirements and identifying optimal or acceptable landscape conditions needed for training missions specific to Fort Drum.
• Conduct assessments to identify and monitor Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) projects and to identify landscape conditions that suit specific army training mission needs.
• Conduct assessments within the parameters outlined in the TATM funding guidance and using Training Circular (TC) 25-1 as a baseline for establishing recommendations for landscape condition management.
• Assessment types include:
  • Photo point monitoring
  • Windshield surveys
  • GPS point collection for LRAM soil stabilization and vegetation management projects
  • Reconnaissance surveys (Quick in-field measurements, observations, and photos)
  • LRAM project BMP monitoring and reporting
  • Establishing land management thresholds based on TC 25-1 and Soldier Field Manual metrics (e.g., safety and land condition requirements for LZs, Stryker movement/maneuver, bivouac sites, FPs etc.)
• Perform routine field equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and regular cleaning on trucks used to access survey areas.
• Track daily work progress for weekly/monthly/quarterly reports.
• The position defined will fulfill other duties and assignments as necessary to fulfill the mission and sub-missions of the ITAM program as approved by the Installation Point of Contact.
• A BS/BA degree plus 3 years relevant experience is required.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet CSU standards for driving throughout the course of employment.
• 3+ years of field experience collecting assessment data by navigating wooded and rugged environments either in a vehicle or on foot across uneven terrain. Assessments may involve daylong outdoor work.
• Experience with operating personal computer workstations and standard software packages, including experience with Excel.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather and rugged terrain.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely over rugged dirt and gravel trails/roads.
• Ability to record data using a handheld GPS unit and demonstrated basic operational knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Installation access must be maintained without restriction for continued employment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Requirements

• An MS/MA degree in natural resources management or closely related field.
• Working knowledge and experience with Army’s Sustainable Range Program (SRP); particularly in the RTLA component of ITAM.
• 3+ Years experience developing, organizing, collecting and analyzing Range and Training Land Assessment (RTLA) data.
• Experience in natural resources management on military lands.
• Experience with Trimble handhelds and software, specifically Geo7X handhelds.
• Experience safely conducting land management fieldwork, such as manual labor with chainsaws and hand tools, operating agricultural tractors and/or compact track loaders.
• Excellent written communication skills.

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: 11/16/25

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 (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.

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.