Hourly Heavy Equipment Operator

POSITION SUMMARY 
An Hourly Heavy Equipment Operator position located at Fort Stewart, Georgia is available with Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). The position will help support the Fish and Wildlife Branch at Fort Stewart by providing technical support to facilitate the implementation of the endangered species management program.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Collect and plant native grass seed for habitat restoration.
• Operate and maintain heavy equipment (including forestry shredders under severe conditions) and other equipment such as tractor/trailer (requires a CDL) and loader/backhoe for the purpose of completing habitat restoration projects.
• Conduct midstory thinning and vegetation management using mowers and shredders on Army lands.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance necessary to keep machinery, equipment, and tools in good working condition such as inspecting, greasing, cleaning equipment, maintaining fluid levels, and performing related tasks.
• Support the safe transportation of equipment between job sites and the storage yard at Fort Stewart using a fifth-wheel tractor/trailer equipped with air brakes. Safely load and unload heavy equipment assuring load distribution, safety requirements, and established procedures are adhered to.
• Report daily progress and maintain clear communication with supervisors and Fish and Wildlife staff.
• Adjust work plans in response to weather, equipment issues, crew changes, or other unforeseen challenges.
• Use computers and software (e.g., spreadsheets, databases, email) to document work, track tasks, and communicate.

LOCATION
Fort Stewart is a United States Army installation located near Hinesville, Georgia, approximately 42 miles southwest of Savannah. The 280,000-acre installation hosts a variety of diverse training habitats including forest and woodland ecosystems. The installation supports year-round training from all branches of the armed services in a variety of realistic training scenarios.

ORGANIZATION 
The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) is an environmental consulting unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. CEMML has provided high-quality environmental services to the federal government, primarily the Department of Defense (DoD), since 1985. Our mission is to support our partners in the sustainable management of their lands while helping to ensure they achieve their own operational goals. Through our expertise in environmental sustainability, conservation, and responsible stewardship of natural and cultural resources, we assist clients in navigating complex environmental regulations and implementing sustainable practices. 
To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, please visit cemml.colostate.edu. 

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess or obtain a valid driver’s license by the start date and meet CSU driving standards throughout employment.
• Must hold a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with no manual transmission restrictions at the time of hire and maintain it throughout 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.
• Must obtain and maintain Georgia Level 1A Erosion and Sedimentation Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Must obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification (obtain within the first 90 days of employment).
• A High school Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or equivalent required.
• Experience running and maintaining heavy equipment. Must be skilled in the operation, maintenance, and repair of bulldozers, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, motor graders, forestry shredders, mowers, agriculture tractors, and tractor-trailer trucks.
• Demonstrated ability to maneuver equipment in confined areas.
• Possess basic knowledge of terrain and soil composition to determine approach for equipment.
• Must have the ability to read and navigate using maps, GIS applications, aerial photographs, compasses, and GPS units.
• Physically able to work outdoors and perform strenuous labor under all hazardous working conditions (e.g., intense heat, cold, high humidity, noxious plants and animals) including smoke encountered during prescribed burn operations.
• Able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly without assistance.
• Team-oriented with the ability to follow directions and maintain safe work practices.
• Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC), base pass, and/or public trust clearance. Furthermore, candidates are required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check to remain eligible for employment by CSU.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS 

• A minimum of six continuous months of specialized experience in habitat restoration, land rehabilitation, land management, and the use of equipment typically associated with habitat restoration projects.
• Experience with the use and application of Best Management Practices (BMP) for soil conservation, erosion control, and vegetation management.
• Experience with habitat restoration in Georgia or nearby area.
• Experience working on military installations.
• Experience working in a highly structured organization and knowledge of Army Instructions, directives, guidance, and processes.
• Pesticide/herbicide application experience and experience in invasive species management.
• Experience loading and hauling mechanized equipment.

COMPENSATION
Pay rate $20-35/hour, increases commensurate with experience and qualifications. Housing, per diem and moving expenses are not provided. This position is contingent upon continuation of federal funding.

APPLICATION
Email each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf) to Abigail.Corbin@colostate.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birthdates from application materials. A complete application consists of:

1) Statement of Qualifications (letter addressing each qualification described in announcement as well as list of equipment experience and length of time operating each piece mentioned)
2) Resume (provide business information, point of contact, responsibilities, dates)
3) Three references (contact information for professional references including at least one supervisor)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at: 
https://hr.colostate.edu/wpcontent/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf  and https://hr.colostate.edu/currentemployees/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. 

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/