Habitat Restoration Technician - 9 Month Seasonal Hourly - Fort McCoy, Wisconsin

CSU - CEMML is hiring up to six seasonal Habitat Restoration Technicians for fieldwork at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, from mid/late April through December 2025. Responsibilities include invasive species control, wildlife monitoring, and habitat management. Candidates must have a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and be able to work in varying weather conditions. The position requires physical stamina and may involve certification for wildland fire crew participation.
Habitat Restoration Technician - 9 Month Seasonal Hourly - Fort McCoy, Wisconsin

POSITION

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at Colorado State University (CSU) will be hiring up to six seasonal Habitat Restoration Technicians to conduct fieldwork at Fort McCoy Military Installation, Wisconsin. Position duration is approximately mid/late April through December 2025. Starting dates are flexible.

ORGANIZATION

CEMML is a research, education, and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. 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. To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, values, and a complete listing of CEMML positions visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

LOCATION

Fort McCoy is a United States Army installation on 60,000 acres between Sparta and Tomah, Wisconsin in Monroe County. Located about 30 miles east of La Crosse, Wisconsin, this region contains a mix of rolling wooded hills, oak/jack pine savannas, and prairies. This ecological region, known as the Driftless Area, contains numerous rare species of both plants and animals and is truly a unique habitat.

RESPONSIBILITIES

o Employee will be part of a field crew involved with habitat restoration management projects:
• Invasive plant species control by chemical, manual, mechanical, and biological methods.
• Operate backpack sprayers and utility terrain vehicles with broadcast/hand sprayers.
• Preparation, transport, and maintenance of spraying equipment.
• Conduct invasive and native plant species surveys.
• Record data associated with treatments and surveys.
• Wildlife species population surveys and monitoring.
• Habitat management for game, non-game, and threatened and endangered species.
• Assist with Fort McCoy hunting seasons, game registration, and harvest data collection.
• Potential to participate on wildland prescribed fire field crew (certification at FFT2 needed, see desirable work qualifications)

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS

Candidates must be able walk over uneven terrain and work in inclement weather. The position will require bending, climbing, and lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds through the use of a 4-gallon backpack sprayer on a regular basis. Safe operation of UTVs for extended periods will be an integral part of this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or higher level of education. Successful candidates must demonstrate U.S. employment eligibility; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Possession of a valid driver’s license. Obtain or have the ability to obtain a Wisconsin Forestry or Right of Way herbicide applicator’s license (CEMML will pay for study materials and exam to obtain this license). Ability to work well alone and within a crew setting is extremely important to this position.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

State of Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator’s License in either Forestry or Right-of-Way. Wildlife species and native/non-native/invasive plant species identification skills. Compass navigation/orienteering and aerial photo interpretation skills. Experience working with ArcGIS Field Maps or similar software. Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Access). Off-road truck and UTV use. Experience using chainsaws and other power tools. Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) Certification: IS-700/LS-100/S-130/S-190/L-180.

WORK HOURS

Applicants should expect to work up to 40 hours/week Monday-Friday. The possibility exists for a 40 hours/week Monday-Thursday schedule. Shortened work weeks due to inclement weather may be made up on weekends or on Fridays (if on Monday-Thursday schedule). Limited weekend work may be required.

HOUSING

Housing is not provided but may be available on Fort McCoy. Rentals are available in the nearby cities of Sparta, Tomah, West Salem, or La Crosse. For more information, contact Rikki Ratsch at (715) 650-7246.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates.

Language and details can be accessed on Human Resources’ background check webpage.

PAY RATE

Starting pay at $17.00 - $18.00 per hour depending on qualifications.

APPLICATION

Applications will not be accepted in Indeed. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as positions will be filled as qualified applications are received.

Submit a resume, copy of college transcripts if applicable, list of three references and a brief cover letter to:

Email: Rikki.Ratsch@colostate.edu

Or by Mail to:

CEMML

Wisconsin Field Office Attn: Rikki Ratsch 22988 State Hwy. 21

Tomah, WI 54660

CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Work Location: In person