Karner Blue Butterfly Host Plant Survey Technician - Seasonal - Fort McCoy, Wisconsin

Karner Blue Butterfly Host Plant Survey Technician - Temporary Hourly - Fort McCoy, Wisconsin

POSITION
The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at Colorado State University (CSU) is hiring up to five seasonal technicians 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 19th through August 15th, 2025. Positions could be extended beyond projected dates pending hire availability and funding.

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
Employee will be part of a 5-6 person field crew that will perform the following tasks:
• The main workload will be conducting surveys and mapping for wild lupine (host plant for Federally Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly) on Fort McCoy Military Installation using Arc Field Maps on tablets.
• Conduct limited surveys for Blanding’s turtles, wood turtles, and bullsnakes using telemetry equipment.
• Assist with summer wolf howling surveys.
• Conduct invasive plant species management for herbaceous and woody species.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS
Successful candidates must be able to walk over uneven terrain on a regular basis and work in inclement weather.

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 within a crew setting is extremely important.

WORK HOURS
Applicants should expect to work up to 40 hours/week Monday-Friday or Monday-Thursday. The possibility exists for shortened work weeks due to inclement weather or military training access restrictions. Work may be made up on weekends if shortened Monday-Friday.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
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.

HOUSING
Housing is not provided but may be available on Fort McCoy. Rentals are also available in the nearby Sparta, Tomah, Bangor, West Salem, and La Crosse area. For more information, contact Jessica Marten at (608) 633-5405.

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
Pay rate starting at $17.00 per hour.

APPLICATION

Applications will not be accepted in Handshake. Applications will be accepted until 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: Jessica.Marten@colostate.edu
Or by Mail to:
CEMML
Wisconsin Field Office Attn: Jessica Marten 22988 State Hwy 21
Tomah, WI 54660

CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer.