Botany Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
Position Summary
Two Hourly Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) / Rehabilitation Training Land Assessment (RTLA) technician positions are available at Fort Drum, New York with Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). Work location is Fort Drum, New York. Positions will last 3 to 4 months, depending on funding, and will start between May and June 2026. The technicians will work alongside subject matter experts to support field data collection and inspections along with special projects to support the day-to-day requirements needed for successful program support.
Field crew of two will be hired to conduct vegetation sampling and monitoring efforts in support of the LRAM/RTLA component of the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Program in Fort Drum. 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, and ecological relationships, along with extensive experience with GPS, maps, and compass navigation. Field crews may also assist with other natural resource projects as needed.
Travel expenses to New York 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.
Full Consideration Date
For full consideration, applications must be received by May 8, 2026.
Brief Work Unit Description
Learn more about the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at www.cemml.colostate.edu
Essential Job Duties
Support field data collection to monitor impacts of land use and military training activities on soils and vegetation. Collect data by navigating wooded and rugged environments either in a vehicle or on foot across uneven terrain regardless of weather conditions. Identify Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) requirements and identify optimal or acceptable landscape conditions. Transfer identified requirements to staff via GIS data, formal reports or verbally.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).
Installation access must be maintained without restriction for continued employment. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a valid U.S. Passport is required for initial Visitor Control Center processing
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.
Supervision
None
Minimum Qualifications
High school Diploma, GED, or equivalent
At least three (3) months of professional experience or educational coursework in plant taxonomy, natural resource sampling, and monitoring techniques
Experience with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and land navigation with a map and compass
Ability to work long hours outdoors in all types of weather conditions and terrain, and able to work cooperatively with others in a team environment
Ability to walk long distances in adverse terrain and weather conditions
Candidates should be comfortable with potential exposure to stinging insects, ticks, and thorny vegetation. Ability and willingness to use appropriate PPE, to include DEET and Permethrin treated clothing to repel biting insects and ticks. Use of PPE to include long sleeves, bloused boots or pant legs taped and conducting checks for ticks each time you leave the field during tick season.
Preferred Qualifications
BS/BA degree in botany, biology, ecology, natural sciences, or a related field is desired
A minimum of one year of course work in botany, forestry, biology, natural resources, or a related field is required
Demonstrated knowledge of vegetation sampling protocols and plant taxonomy
Candidates with coursework and/or experience in plant taxonomy and identification, natural resource sampling and monitoring techniques are preferred
Knowledge of the dendrology and taxonomy of regional flora and proficiency using dichotomous keys to identify plant species
Experience in or on military installations
Salary Range
$20.00 - $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
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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.