LRAM Light Equipment Operator, Fort Drum

Job Description

Position Summary

Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) are seeking an Hourly Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) Light Equipment Operator at Fort Drum, New York. This temporary position is limited to 9 months, with the potential for permanent opportunities subject to funding availability. The role is fully on-site; remote work is not permitted.

The position supports the Army’s Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Program by conducting soil stabilization and vegetation management using light equipment and hand tools, including tractors with PTO attachments, mowers, hydro-seeders, skid-steers, and chainsaws.

Full Consideration Date

For full consideration, application must be received by May 29, 2026.

Essential Job Duties

• Operate light equipment and hand tools to execute assigned LRAM projects, including use of tractors with PTO attachments, mowers, hydro-seeders, skid-steers, and chainsaws; operate CDL vehicles when qualified.
• Perform routine and operator-level maintenance and safety inspections to ensure equipment readiness and compliance.
• Conduct preventative and minor maintenance tasks such as greasing, cleaning, changing fluids, filters, tires, blades, and batteries, and calibrating equipment.
• Assist with equipment upkeep by researching parts, estimating costs, and submitting purchase requests as directed.
• Support project tracking and reporting (weekly, monthly, quarterly) and perform additional duties as needed to support ITAM program objectives.

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.
• Physically able to work outdoors and perform strenuous labor under all weather conditions (e.g., heat and humidity)
• Able to lift 40 pounds repeatedly without assistance

Supervision

None

Minimum Qualifications

A High school Diploma, GED, or equivalent

At least 2 years of experience with running and maintaining:

• Small agricultural tractors
• Mowers
• Skid-Steers
• Hydroseeder
• Hand held power equipment (trimmers, tillers, chainsaws, etc.)
• Manual tools (shovels, root rakes, pick axes, brush axes etc.)
• Pickup trucks with and without trailers

Be able to follow directions, work collectively with others as 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 preparations
• Soil stabilization

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

CDL Class A

Experience working on military installation to assist in the assessment of training land conditions.

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.

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.