RTLA Field Technician Donnelly Training Area, Alaska

position SUMMARY
Two Range and Training Land Assessment (RTLA) Field Technician (Temporary Hourly) positions are available with Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at Donnelly Training Area (DTA), Alaska.

Field crews of two will be hired to conduct vegetation sampling and monitoring efforts in support of the RTLA component of the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Program DTA in Alaska. Field crews will be responsible for collecting data on ground cover, plant species composition, forest inventory, disturbance and degradation, training area hazards, and land use patterns. Employees will gain valuable experience with natural resources sampling techniques and equipment, plant taxonomy and identification, the flora of Alaska, and ecological relationships, along with extensive experience with GPS, maps, and compass navigation. Field crews may also assist with other natural resource projects as needed. Overnight camping trips and travel by small aircraft, all-terrain vehicles, and/or riverboats may be required to access remote sites.

Positions will last 3 to 4 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 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
Donnelly Training Area (DTA) 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 professional experience or educational coursework in plant taxonomy, natural resource sampling, and monitoring techniques
• Experience navigating with maps, GPS, and compasses
• 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 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

• BS/BA in ecology, natural resource management, botany, forestry or related field.
• One (1) year or more of professional experience or educational coursework in plant taxonomy, natural resource sampling, and monitoring techniques
• Familiarity with Alaskan vegetation and ecology
• Experience with ArcPro, Microsoft Excel, Access, and PowerBI
• Experience operating all-terrain vehicles and driving 4×4 vehicles with trailers
• 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 DTA in Alaska.

Application PROCESS
Applications must include the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 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/.