Karner Blue Butterfly Host Plant Survey Technician

Job Description

Position Summary

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at Colorado State University (CSU) is hiring up to five seasonal technicians (Temporary Hourly) to conduct surveys for wild lupine, the host plant for the Federally Endangered Karner blue butterfly, and additional Karner blue butterfly management activities at Fort McCoy Military Installation, Wisconsin, from approximately May 18th through August 14th, 2026. Positions could be extended beyond projected dates, pending availability of hires and funding. 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 features rolling wooded hills, oak/jack pine savannas, and prairies. This ecological region, known as the Driftless Area, contains numerous rare plant and animal species and is a unique habitat. This seasonal, full-time position (up to 40 hours per week) provides hands-on experience across multiple natural resource disciplines, including wildlife and vegetation surveys, data collection, mapping applications, and invasive species management. Applicants should expect to work up to 10-hour days Monday - Thursday. The possibility exists for shortened work days due to inclement weather or military training restrictions. Work may be made up on Fridays or weekends if shortened earlier in the week.

The technicians will work as a crew to survey and map approximately 5,000 acres of land for wild lupine and record density. A period of time will be spent conducting invasive plant species management for herbaceous and woody species. There will also be opportunities to work alongside wildlife professionals to conduct wolf howling and telemetry surveys for Blanding's turtles, wood turtles, and bullsnakes. A flexible schedule and the ability to work in the field over uneven terrain and inclement weather are required. Staff will meet at the field office in Tomah, Wisconsin, before traveling to the work location on Fort McCoy. Housing is not provided. Rentals are available in the nearby Sparta, Tomah, Bangor, West Salem, and La Crosse areas. Learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, values, and a complete listing of CEMML positions by visiting http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

Full Consideration Date

For full consideration, applications must be received by March 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as positions will be filled as qualified applications are received.

Essential Job Duties

• Conduct surveys and map densities of wild lupine (host plant for Federally Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly) using Arc Field Maps on tablets on Fort McCoy Military Installation. (70%)
• Assist Habitat Restoration technicians with invasive species management of herbaceous and woody species. (20%)
• Assist Threatened and Endangered Species technicians with conducting surveys to include: Lepidoptera, Blanding's turtles, wood turtles, and bullsnakes using telemetry equipment. (5%)
• Assist Wildlife staff with summer wolf howling surveys and potential for fall deer surveys. (5%)

Conditions of Employment

Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates. Language and details are available on the Human Resources background check webpage.

Supervision

This position does not require supervisory duties. Technicians will work with a field crew leader to carry out assigned tasks.

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. Aerial imagery and topographical map skills. The ability to work in a crew setting is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

Wild lupine identification skills. Wisconsin Lepidoptera identification skills. Wildlife species and native/non-native/invasive plant species identification skills. Ability to capture and handle wildlife species, including turtles and non-venomous snakes. Truck and off-road vehicle use. ArcGIS/ESRI applications knowledge.

Application Instructions

Submit a resume, a brief cover letter, a list of three references, and a copy of college transcripts (if applicable).

Questions? Email Jessica.Marten@colostate.edu

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.