ACE EPIC USFS (OR): Umpqua National Forest, Recreation Monitoring and Management Technician – AmeriCorps

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Umpqua National Forest is seeking two Recreation Monitoring and Management Technicians.  This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a background in recreation management, ecology, natural resource, conservation, environmental education, or a closely related field, with an interest in advancing their career goals by further developing this dynamic program.

The Technician will primarily be monitoring visitor use and overall condition of recreational facilities associated with the PacifiCorps North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project located on the Diamond Lake Ranger District.

Start Date: May 18th

End Date: September 21st (18 weeks after start date)

Location: Toketee, OR, Diamond Lake Ranger District

The Umpqua National Forest covers nearly one million acres along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Southwest Oregon.  The Forest encompasses a diverse area of sparkling rivers and lakes, deep canyons, and rugged mountains up to 9,200 feet in elevation. The Umpqua produces a wealth of water resources, timber, wildlife, fish, minerals and outdoor recreation opportunities. Included within the Forest are the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River, a portion of the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness, the Oregon Cascades Recreation Area, the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the North Umpqua hydropower project. Under the supervision of the Forest Service Recreation Planner, the individual will monitor visitor use as well as assist Forest Service employees with campground maintenance duties.

Project Websites: For more information on the Umpqua National Forest, please click here.

For more information on ACE, please click here.

Living Allowance: The member should anticipate serving 40 hrs/wk and will receive a living allowance of $200/wk for food and incidentals, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($2,321.90) upon successful completion of position and service hours. Additional enrollment is required.

Housing: Housing will be provided by the USFS in a typical bunkhouse setting.

Project Objectives and Description:

• Gather visitor counts and recreation site facility information to enter data into database
• Use GPS/GIS to complete inventories for recreation sites
• Maintain recreation sites to standard using tools such as garbage pickers, toilet brushes, hand saws, shovels, pulaskis, mcLeods and other tools related to recreation site maintenance
• Provide excellent visitor service by answering the public’s questions on campground regulations, LNT ethics and nearby recreational attractions
• Participate in the Field Ranger program, providing environmental education and interpretive programs to the recreating public at the Diamond Lake Amphitheatre for Saturday evening programs
• Potential to assist with other projects in programs, such as Botany and Wildlife

Qualifications: Applicants for this position should hold (or be pursuing) a bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field. A combination of education and experience for this position is acceptable.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior data collection, visitor monitoring, recreation maintenance experience is desirable
• Experience and/or ability to learn use of GPS unit
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and participate in collaborative efforts
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals

Required:

• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Proficient in English
• Must be 18-30 years of age
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Personal reliable transportation is required, as the duty station is considered remote
• Member must possess a high fitness level and interest in camping, with potential for backcountry work trips.
• A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request)
• Ability to pass a basic written test and road test to obtain a US Government Motor Vehicle Operators Card
• Ability to pass a federal criminal background check
• ACE is a drug free workplace and reserves the right to drug test at any time

The member must be willing to represent ACE and the Forest Service in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.