Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) - Fort Stewart, GA
Colorado State University
Job Description
Position Summary
A Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) position is available at Fort Stewart, Georgia with Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position will support the Fish and Wildlife Branch with Endangered Species Management via Hardwood Midstory Control at Fort Stewart. The HEO will transport and operate heavy equipment such as forestry shredders, dump trucks, skid steers, bull dozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, agricultural tractors, utility trailers, heavy-duty trailers, and semi-trucks.
Support will involve heavy equipment operation equipment maintenance, mowing/shredding midstory vegetation, mulching midstory hardwoods, and restoring native vegetation in the training lands. Additionally, this position may help maintain and enhance threatened and endangered species habitat through a variety of land management activities including, road maintenance, reforestation, wiregrass harvesting and planting support.
Fort Stewart is a United States Army installation located near Hinesville, Georgia, approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah. The 280,000-acre installation hosts a variety of diverse training habitats including forest and woodland ecosystems. The installation supports year-round military training from all branches of the armed services in a variety of realistic training scenarios.
The full consideration date for this position is May 1st, 2026.
Essential Job Duties
Heavy Equipment Operation – Habitat Restoration
Operate and transport heavy equipment in support of habitat restoration projects at Fort Stewart, GA. Equipment operated will include, but is not limited to forestry shredders, dump trucks, skid steers, bull dozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, agricultural tractors, utility trailers, heavy-duty trailers, and semi-trucks. Perform and document comprehensive pre-trip inspections on heavy equipment, dump trucks, pickup trucks and trailers including but not limited to formal operating systems and airbrake checks. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety manuals for the operation of heavy equipment and power tools.
Duties performed may include, but are not limited to, midstory hardwood thinning and vegetation management, land clearing, road maintenance, soil stabilization efforts, native grass seed collection and planting, and maintaining threatened and endangered species habitat. Identify job sites from GIS maps, aerial photographs, or verbal instructions to determine the route and transport equipment properly and safely.
Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Repairs
Perform routine maintenance and repairs on a variety of gasoline and diesel-powered heavy construction equipment such as forestry shredders, dump trucks, skid steers, bull dozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, agricultural tractors, utility trailers, heavy-duty trailers, and semi-trucks. Utilize hand and power tools associated with heavy equipment and vehicle maintenance such as air actuated equipment, hydraulic jacks/lifts, welders, grease guns, wrenches, and other tools common to equipment maintenance. Follow verbal and/or written instructions from supervisor and federal lead to complete both minor/major repairs in accordance with approved work orders or assignment objectives.
Reporting
Complete administrative tasks to include online training, time reporting, and task deliverables. Detail-oriented tracking of materials, equipment, progress, and labor for preparation of daily/weekly/monthly reports used to communicate to supervisor and onsite government representative. Use computers, spreadsheets, databases, and email programs for documenting work completion or communication.
Conditions of Employment
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.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and meet CSU standards for driving throughout the course of employment.
Must have a valid Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL), with no manual transmission restrictions, at the time of employment. Maintain valid CDL (Type A) throughout the course of employment.
Must be able obtain and maintain Georgia Level 1A Erosion and Sedimentation Certification required for moving/disturbing soil.
Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
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.
Supervision
None
Minimum Qualifications
A High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or equivalent.
A minimum of three (3) years’ experience operating heavy equipment in land management, restoration, rehabilitation, or another similar capacity.
Experience operating forestry shredders, dump trucks, skid steers, bull dozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, agricultural tractors, utility trailers, heavy-duty trailers, and semi-trucks.
Experience loading, securing, and transporting heavy equipment with a range of trailers on both paved and dirt roads.
Experience performing operational, routine, and operator maintenance and inspections on all equipment to maintain operational readiness/safety and to keep machinery, equipment, and tools in good working condition.
Experience using and maintaining chainsaws, handheld power tools, and manual tools.
Experience in facilitating planting operations, land clearing, site preparations, soil stabilization, grading, and road maintenance.
Ability to read and navigate using maps, GIS applications, aerial photographs, compasses, and GPS units.
Proficient use of computers, spreadsheets, and email programs for documenting work completion, communication, task tracking and other administrative tasks.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
More than three (3) years’ experience operating heavy equipment in a land restoration, rehabilitation, management, or a similar capacity.
Experience working on military lands.
Experience collecting and planting native grass seeds.
Pesticide/herbicide application experience and experience in invasive species management.
Salary Range
$55,000 to $67,000Required 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.
Cover Letter, Resume/CVEmployee 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.
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.
