Light Equipment Operator

Job Description

Position Summary:

The role works within the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML), which is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at 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.

Full consideration date: 30 August 2026.

Essential Job Duties:

• Light equipment operation and hand tool utilization for the purpose of completing assigned project execution tasks.
• Equipment operated includes but is not limited to agricultural tractors (with PTO driven attachments), mowers, graders, and skid-steers (with and without attachments). Hand tools used, but not limited to shovels, root rakes, pick axes, brush axes, trimmers and chainsaws.  
• Performs operational maintenance and inspections on all equipment for operational readiness and safety and makes minor adjustments and performs operator maintenance on equipment operated.
• Performs routine maintenance tasks necessary to keep machinery, equipment, and tools in good working condition such as changing tires, inspecting, greasing, and cleaning equipment, maintaining fluid levels, inspecting and changing filters as needed, changing and sharpening blades, changing/replacing batteries, calibrating equipment and performing related tasks.
• Fulfill other duties and assignments as necessary to fulfill the mission and sub-missions of the land management program as approved by the Installation Point of Contact.
• Other related duties.

Supervision:

• None

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment background check (required for all new hires).
• Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) and public trust clearance.
• Candidates are required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2 years related experience.
• High school Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or equivalent.
• Experience with running and maintaining light equipment and hand held tools.
• Physically able to work outdoors and perform strenuous labor under all weather conditions (e.g., heat and humidity). Able to lift 40 pounds repeatedly.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing land management activities at Fort A.P. Hill, VA.
• Experience operating a skid steer and other heavy equipment.

Salary Range

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.

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.