ACE EPIC USFS (OR): Umpqua National Forest, Wilderness and Trails Technician – AmeriCorps

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Umpqua National Forest is seeking 4 Wilderness and Trails Technicians. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic professionals, with a deep interest in trail monitoring and management on National Forest land, including Wilderness areas.

The Wilderness and Trails Technicians will assist  Forest Service personnel with the maintenance of FS-system trails, and will include trail repair, log out, occasional construction/reconstruction of infrastructure, the monitoring of designated Wilderness areas with a focus on inventorying user-created trails and recreation sites, and coordinating with various partner organizations during projects. Members will also help with educating the public about Wilderness awareness and regulation compliance, campsite impacts and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.

Start Date: May 18th

End Date: September 17th (16 weeks after start date)

Location: Umpqua National Forest; Diamond Lake, North Umpqua, and Tiller Ranger Districts

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 and the North Umpqua hydropower project. Also within the Umpqua is the Diamond Lake Recreation Composite, one of the largest developed recreational facilities within the Forest Service, offering three large campgrounds with approximately 400 campsites.

The Tiller Ranger District, on the Umpqua National Forest is on the west side of the Cascade Mountains in SW Oregon. The forest is characterized by deeply incised canyons, moderate mountain elevations (less than 7,000 foot elevation), and includes the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness. The summers are generally hot and dry, although cool, rainy weather is possible at any time of year.

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 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,612.43) 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. For the Tiller Ranger District, there is no wifi or cell reception. Members will have access to a government computer account, and may occasionally use the office phones for personal calls.

Project Objectives and Description:

• Use GPS/GIS to complete map and collect data on trails and conditions, and complete inventories of recreation sites and user-created trails within Wilderness
• Maintain Forest Service system trails to standard using tools such as crosscut saws on frequently large-diameter logs, hand saws, shovels, pulaskis, McLeods, grip hoists, rock bars and other tools related to trails maintenance
• Provide excellent visitor service by answering the public’s questions on Wilderness regulations, LNT ethics and nearby recreational attractions
• Potential to assist with other projects in programs, such as Botany and Wildlife

Qualifications: Ideal applicants will hold (or be pursuing) a bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field, though relevant experience and a passion for public lands may be substituted. A background in trails is preferred. This is a highly demanding outdoor position that requires substantial physical fitness and mobility, and a tolerance for extreme weather and demanding conditions, snow, sun, heat, mosquitoes and long-hours.

Training Provided: Members will be trained in a variety of trail maintenance skills and techniques, and may have the opportunity to complete more specialized training in crosscut, chainsaw or rock-work/rigging operations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience and/or ability to learn the use of a GPS unit. Experience with GIS software is preferential.
• Prior backpacking and trails experience is preferred
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and participate in collaborative efforts
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals
• Ability to work outdoors while using and transporting a variety of hand tools including crosscut saws, shovels, rakes, loppers, power tools, rigging, etc.

Required:

• Ability to work in small teams in close/remote setting with minimal supervision
• 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
• Members must possess a high fitness level and interest in camping, with potential for backcountry work trips in inclement weather.
• 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.