Hourly Light Equipment Operator, Fort Drum, NY

Job Description
Position Summary
An Hourly Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) Light Equipment Operator position is available at Fort Drum, New York  with Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). Work location is located on Fort Drum, New York. This position cannot exceed 9 months, but opportunities for permanent positions may become available during or after a temporary assignment.   These positions are contingent on continued project funding at Fort Drum, NY.  Remote work is not allowed for this position .

This position conducts soil stabilization and vegetation management activities in support of the LRAM component of the Army’s Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Program at Fort Drum, NY by utilizing light equipment and hand tools such as agricultural tractors with PTO driven attachments, mowers, straw blowers, hydro-seeders, skid-steers, shovels, root rakes, pick axes, brush axes, trimmers and chainsaws.

Work Unit Description
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.

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

Application Deadline
November 23 2026

Essential Job Duties

- Operate light equipment and use hand tools to complete assigned LRAM projects. Equipment and tools include, but are not limited to, agricultural tractors with PTO-driven attachments, mowers, straw blowers, hydro-seeders, skid-steers, shovels, root rakes, pick axes, brush axes, trimmers, and chainsaws.

- Operate CDL trucks, as applicable, for personnel holding the required CDL.

- Maintain equipment and perform operational inspections to ensure readiness and safety; make minor adjustments and perform operator maintenance on equipment operated.

- Perform routine maintenance to keep machinery, equipment, and tools in good working condition, including changing tires; inspecting, greasing, and cleaning equipment; maintaining fluid levels; inspecting and changing filters as needed; changing and sharpening blades; changing or replacing batteries; calibrating equipment; and performing related tasks.

- As directed, research parts and costs and submit purchase requests.

- Support project task tracking for weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports.

- Perform other duties and assignments necessary to fulfill the mission and sub-missions of the ITAM program, as approved by the Installation Point of Contact.

Conditions of Employment

- Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).

- Installation access must be maintained without restriction for continued employment.

- Maintain a valid driver’s license and meet CSU standards for driving throughout the course of employment.

- 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.

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

Minimum Qualifications

- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

- At least two years of experience operating and maintaining small agricultural tractors, mowers, skid-steers, hydroseeders, handheld power equipment (trimmers, tillers, chainsaws, etc.), manual tools (shovels, root rakes, pick axes, brush axes, etc.), and pickup trucks with and without trailers.

- Physically able to work outdoors and perform strenuous labor under all weather conditions, including heat and humidity.

- Able to lift 40 pounds repeatedly without assistance.

- Able to follow directions, work collaboratively as part of a team, and maintain safe working standards.

- Proficient verbal and written English communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

- Knowledge and experience necessary to facilitate work site revegetation, land clearing, site preparation, and soil stabilization.

- Experience with land rehabilitation, horizontal construction techniques, and erosion control practices.

- Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

- Experience working on a military installation to assist in assessing training land conditions.

Additional Information
Search Contact: Deborah Pokorny, Deborah.Pokorny@colostate.edu

Salary Range
24.00
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
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.

- Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

- For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

- Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

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.