LRAM Vegetation Management Crew Lead – Summer Hand Crew

position SUMMARY

A Land Rehabilitation and Management (LRAM) Vegetation Management Crew Lead (Temporary Hourly) position is available with Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at Fort Wainwright (FWA), Alaska.  

The crew lead position will support and oversee efforts 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 at the installations. Support will be completed using chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, and other light equipment. Crew leads will work closely with the CSU LRAM Coordinator at FWA and will be expected to aid and provide suggestions to crew technicians for continued safe chainsaw/brush cutter practices, administer instruction and oversight of basic chainsaw maintenance, delegate specific tasks in the field, and maintain productivity to ensure the completion of vegetation management projects. Close communication with supervisors regarding status of assigned projects and tasks will be critical for position success. Overnight camping trips and travel by small aircraft, all-terrain vehicles, and/or riverboats may be required to access remote sites.

This position 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 typically work four, 10-hour days each week and most camping and work 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 one (1) year of experience utilizing manual hand tools and handheld power equipment (e.g., trimmers, brush cutters, chainsaws, etc.)
• At least one (1) year 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.)
• At least one (1) year of supervisory and/or team lead experience
• 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

• Three (3) years or more of experience utilizing manual hand tools and handheld power equipment
• Three (3) years or more of experience performing operational maintenance and inspections on all tools and equipment
• Three years or more of supervisory and/or team lead experience
• Completion of a chainsaw training course
• Experience or education in forestry or similar discipline
• Experience operating all-terrain vehicles and driving 4×4 vehicles with trailers.
• Experience navigating with maps, GPS, and compasses
• Experience working on military lands

PAY RATE

The LRAM Crew Lead salary starts at $25.00 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.

Application PROCESS

Applications must include the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three References – One must be a current or former supervisor
• Unofficial copy of high school, GED, and/or college transcripts

Application materials will be accepted until the positions are filled.

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/.