Outreach

Hiawatha National Forest is recruiting to fill one Forest Recreation Volunteer Internship position for the 2019 summer season.

About The Position

• Position includes work in support of the recreation program throughout the West Zone of the Hiawatha National Forest an average of 40 hours/week. Intern will assist Forest Service staff with duties such as:
  • contacting visitors and providing information
  • clearing trails of downed trees and other hazards
  • patrol of wilderness areas
  • cleaning toilets, emptying fire pits, and picking up trash
  • mowing grass, raking sites, trimming trees/brush
  • posting flyers, instructional materials, and installing signs
  • participating in district meetings
  • providing firewood to sites
  • assisting with projects such as special events, building trails, fixing steps and lake access, monitoring use numbers, and installing picnic tables, for example

• Scheduling will be drafted and monitored by FS staff. Intern should remain flexible and can expect to work alone, with other interns, or alongside FS staff. Opportunities for occasional work in other FS departments can be arranged to allow exposure and awareness to the vast array of careers available in the agency, dependent upon intern interest and availability.
• This position is considered a volunteer position with the Forest Service.
• A Forest Service uniform will be provided.
• Government housing (bunkhouse style with communal kitchen and restroom facilities) will be provided. A stipend for food and living expenses will be provided at the rate of $196.35 per week.
• Training and certifications are provided at no expense to intern and is dependent upon availability and funding (e.g. First Aid/CPR, ATV certification, Chainsaw certification, etc.).
• This 15-18 week internship would run from early May to mid-September (dates are flexible). Position length may vary.
• Intern should expect to work weekends and holidays.

Work Conditions

The vast majority of work for these positions will be in the outdoors.  Conditions will vary from cool to very hot to humid to rainy. Incumbent should be in good physical condition and needs to be equipped with leather boots (at least 6 inches high), long pants, and long sleeve shirts each day to protect the body from the elements, scratches and insect bites.  Position requires bending, lifting, hiking, and other physical duties. Weather can be quite variable so incumbent will need to bring clothes for hot, cold, and rainy weather.  Any specialized equipment required by the Forest Service for specific tasks will be provided by the government.  Students will participate in tail-gate safety discussions prior to starting any new activities and will be thoroughly briefed on job hazards.

Requirements

• A valid state driver’s license is required for the position and successful applicants will have to attend defensive driving training upon arrival to utilize government vehicles for work.
• The ability to work independently without direct supervision is essential.
• Applicants should be enrolled in a natural resources or related environmental science curriculum but this is not required.
  • We will assist you in development of a project that meets the internship requirements of your educational institution.

Application Process and Contact Information

For more information about these positions please contact Mike Jacobson, Forestry Technician, at 906-387-2512, ext. 1040, or Mark Bender, Forestry Technician at 906-387-2512, ext. 1031.

If you are interested in the opportunity please send a completed resume, including references, and a cover letter to Mike at michael.jacobson@usda.gov by March 24^th. Selections will be made from candidates that apply by the stated deadline.