Vegetation Survey and Land Monitoring Assessment Technician (SummerHourly)

POSITION
Several Vegetation Survey and Land Monitoring Assessment Technician (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 3 to 4 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, visit https://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

LOCATION
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
Field crews of two will be hired to conduct vegetation sampling and monitoring efforts in support of the Range and Training Land Assessment component of the Integrated Training Area Management Program at each of the three Army posts 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, flora of Alaska and ecological relationships along with extensive experience with GPS, and map 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 river boat may be required to access remote sites.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be able to walk long distances in adverse terrain and weather conditions.
• Must have a BS/BA in ecology, natural resource management, botany, forestry or related field.
• Must have course work and/or experience with plant taxonomy and natural resource sampling and monitoring techniques.
• Must have some experience navigating with maps, compasses, and GPS.
• Must be able to work well with others.
• 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

• Familiarity with Alaskan vegetation and ecology is preferred.
• Experience with ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel and Access is preferred.

HOUSING AND DURATION
Work will begin in May or June and will last approximately 3-4 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
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): [email protected] 

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 [email protected] 

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.