Vegetation Management Technician and Crew Leader (Summer hourly - Alaska)

POSITION
Several Vegetation Management Technician and Crew Leader (Temporary Hourly) positions are available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at the following locations in Alaska: Donnelly Training Area (Delta Junction), Fort Wainwright (Fairbanks), and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Anchorage). Positions will last 4 to 9 months, depending on funding.  Positions will start between May and June 2024.

ORGANIZATION
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, as well as to see a complete list of open CEMML positions, please visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

LOCATIONS
Donnelly Training Area is located south of Delta Junction, Alaska, which is located approximately 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks. Donnelly Training Area encompasses over 500,000 military training acres, which includes a road accessible area located to the east of the Delta River, a remote area located to the west of the Delta River, and three additional outlying training areas. Delta Junction is a small town that provides access to excellent recreation and wildlife opportunities such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and much more. The town has incredible views, with access to the Alaska Range and the Delta, Tanana, and Clearwater rivers. Delta Junction has basic services such as groceries, library, and a medical clinic. For further information, visit http://www.ci.delta-junction.ak.us/.

Fort Wainwright is located on the east side of Fairbanks, Alaska. Fort Wainwright 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. Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska by population and hosts movie theaters, museums, parks, extensive hiking and biking paths, Alaska’s largest university, and numerous outdoor recreational activities.

In October 2010, the Air Force's Elmendorf Air Force Base and the Army's Fort Richardson joined to become Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). The installation is over 84,000 acres, stretching from northern Anchorage to Palmer, Alaska. JBER is located near Anchorage, Alaska, which has a population of nearly 300,000, and provides all of the expected urban amenities. JBER's proximity to Anchorage provides access to excellent recreation and wildlife opportunities. For more information about Anchorage,
visit http://www.anchoragechamber.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES 
These positions are part of the Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) crew. LRAM hand crews will be hired to conduct training area improvements in support of the Integrated Training Area Management Program at each of the three Army posts in Alaska. Field crews will be responsible for forest thinning, hazard tree removal, trail clearing and other duties as assigned with chainsaws, hand tools and light equipment that are provided. In addition to the above responsibilities, crew leaders will be expected to provide assistance and suggestions to technicians for continued safe chainsaw practices, administer instruction and oversight of basic chainsaw maintenance, delegate specific tasks in the field and maintain productivity to ensure completion of vegetation management projects, and communicate with supervisor regarding status of assigned projects. Overnight camping trips and travel by small aircraft, all-terrain vehicles, and/or river boat may be required to access remote sites.

POSITION MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Previous experience with chainsaws and basic maintenance required for consideration for crew leader positions. 
• Must be physically able to work outdoors and perform strenuous labor under all weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain). 
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. 
• Must be able and willing to follow directions, work as a team member, and maintain safe working standards while operating a chainsaw for a 10-hour workday. 
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid driving license.
• Must have a clean driving record.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States by the proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with running and maintaining chainsaws and working with hand tools is desired for technicians and is required for crew leader positions. 
• Prior experience supervising field crews is preferred for crew leader positions. 
• Experience or education in forestry or similar discipline is preferred.
• Experience operating all-terrain vehicles and driving 4 x 4 vehicles with trailers is preferred.
• Completion of any chainsaw training course is preferred.
• Experience navigating with maps, GPS, and compasses is preferred.

HOUSING AND DURATION 
Work will begin in May or June and will last approximately 4-9 months. The length of the season is dependent upon weather conditions and available funding. Employment will not exceed 9 months. Crews typically work four 10-hour days each week, and per diem 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.

PAY RATE
Technician salary starts at $21.00 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 Integrated Training Area Management efforts at the three Army installations in Alaska.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Applications will not be accepted in Handshake. Application materials include:
(1) A cover letter of application to include order of preferred work locations and desired position
(2) Resume
(3) Name and daytime phone number for three references to include one current or former supervisor 
(4) (if available) Unofficial copy of college transcripts; please remove sensitive personal information such as social security number or date of birth

Submit all application materials to the following email address (please do not send any materials to CSU): brenda.fiddick@colostate.edu

Application materials will be accepted until position is filled.

For more information about these positions, please contact Brenda Fiddick at 907-353-6702 or email at brenda.fiddick@colostate.edu  

Employee Benefits: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf and https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/.

CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer. Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates.