Vegetation Control Technicians

POSITION

Three 9-month temporary non-student hourly Vegetation Control Technician positions are available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position is located at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), Hawaii.

ORGANIZATION

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands 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/.

LOCATION

Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a 132,000-acre Army training facility located at 2,500-8,800 feet elevation in the saddle region between the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vegetation Control Technicians will provide technical assistance to the Army Natural Resources Program at the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, by managing invasive weeds and fuels to protect endangered and threatened species. Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Apply mechanical and chemical control measures to invasive weeds in proximity to endangered and threatened plant species.
• Remove live and dead vegetation (fuels) and prevent re-growth along a system of firebreaks and fuel breaks to prevent the spread of wildland fire for protection of federally listed species.
• Use GPS mobile data devices to navigate to sites, collect data, and survey flagless transects for invasive plant management operations
• Maintain and troubleshoot field gear and equipment such as gas-powered pumps, backpack sprayers, line trimmers, chainsaws, and wood chipper.
• Conduct weekly cleaning and maintenance of work vehicles, work space, and base yard.
• Participate in overnight camping at remote work sites up to 3 nights at a time.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must demonstrate U.S. employment eligibility; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. All candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Ability to identify plants and distinguish between native, non-native, and invasive target plants
• Ability to use field gear and equipment such as gas-powered pumps, backpack sprayers, line trimmers, etc.
• Ability to collect accurate and consistent data
• Demonstrated ability to hike for 6-8 hours while carrying 50 lbs.
• State of Hawaii Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment
• First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment
• Basic Aviation Safety/Sling Load certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid State of Hawaii driver’s license
• Flexibility in work schedule and task assignment
• Ability to work as an effective team member and contributor
• Strong work ethic

Physical requirements include the ability to conduct repetitive actions; eye, hand, feet coordination; and occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.  Applicants must be able to repetitively lift 50 lbs and to walk several miles a day over rough lava terrain.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. or B.S. in natural resources, botany, biology, or related field OR relevant coursework
• Experience identifying and managing invasive weeds around endangered and threatened plants on Hawaii Island
• Experience working around and ability to identify rare plants in Hawaii
• State of Hawaii Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification for Category 2 Forest Pest Control
• Experience working on a military installation
• Demonstrated experience working as an effective team member and contributor

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.

SALARY

Hourly pay rate is $17.84. Continuation of the position is dependent on the receipt of funding from the sponsor for natural resource management at Pohakuloa Training Area.

BENEFITS

Temporary hourly employees are not eligible for benefits (i.e., sick leave, annual leave, holidays, medical/dental insurance).

APPLICATION

Prospective candidates should email application materials to Pamela Sullivan, Invasive Plants Program Manager at pamela.sullivan@colostate.edu. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply for full considerationach of the items below as a Word Document (.doc) or PDF (.pdf).Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birthdates from application materials.A complete application consists of:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. References (contact information for 3 professional references, including at least one supervisor)