River Ranger/Visitor Information Services Assistant

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, is seeking One Visitor Information Services Assistant Member to contribute to Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center project alongside US Forest Service Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: 4/22/2024

Estimated End Date: 10/18/2024

*a 26 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: ​​Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Hells Canyon NRA, Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center and Launch

The Duty Station for this position is Halfway, Oregon, which is adjacent to the USFS Pine Ranger District Office and complex. Halfway is located 54 miles (87 km) east of Baker City, along Oregon Route 86, halfway between Pine and Cornucopia, which gave the town its name. The city's geographic coordinates of 44°52′42″N 117°6′38″W (making it close to the midpoint between the equator and the North Pole) were part of the reason for Half.com to choose the town for its advertising gimmick. Halfway, OR has a population of about 300 residents and the community has fueling stations, grocery stores, a small variety of restaurants and Pine Eagle Medical Clinic. Halfway, OR is located just south of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and offers a large variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.

About the Hells Canyon NRA: Hugging the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, this national showcase holds 652,488 acres of beauty and adventure, where you can let your senses run as wild as the landscape. North America's deepest river gorge encompasses a vast and remote region with dramatic changes in elevation, terrain, climate and vegetation. Carved by the great Snake River, Hells Canyon plunges more than a mile below Oregon's west rim, and 8,000 feet below snowcapped He Devil Peak of Idaho's Seven Devils Mountains. Scenic vistas that rival any on the continent. World-class whitewater boating. Spectacular mountain peaks. Vast reaches of remote wilderness for hiking or horseback riding. Diverse and abundant wildlife. Artifacts from prehistoric tribes and rustic remains of early miners and settlers. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area truly offers something for everyone, and much to remember.

For more information about Willowa-Whitman, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman

Position Overview:

There is a one hour each way, paid commute to the workstation at the Hells Canyon Creek Boat Launch and Visitor Center. This facility is located just below Hells Canyon Dam and is the southern portal of the Wild and Scenic Snake River. The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area receives upwards of 40,000 visitors to the Canyon annually. While on site the member will have the opportunity to participate with staff specialists, ramp officers and the public affairs office to provide the latest, most accurate and appropriate information to the public. The scenery and views from the Hells canyon Creek Launch site is spectacular and a beautiful setting to work at.

Position Duties:

• Meeting and greeting the public visitors at the Visitor Center, enthusiastically answering questions and offering interpretation about Hells Canyon.
• Work with outfitting community and permitted private boaters as they prepare to launch at the boat ramp.
• There will also be opportunities to get on the river by jet boat and or Forest Service float boat raft patrols to monitor dispersed recreation sites and visit with our public visitors.
• Greets visitors and responds to a variety of inquiries regarding Forest Service activities, programs, exhibits, facilities, policies, and functions.
• Ensures that the information desk at the visitor center is staffed at all times, answers the phone, radio and relays messages.
• Performs regular daily activities for the visitor center, including but not limited to, daily opening and closing of the facility, light janitorial duties, raising and lowering the flag, etc.
• Provides guidance to the public on rules and regulations regarding on-unit activities.
• Monitors and reports statistics such as visitor numbers and activities for project planning.
• Assist powerboaters and float boat parties in obtaining and filing appropriate permits.
• Inspects boating parties to ensure that required equipment is in possession and on-board.
• Administrative work including computer programs, paperwork, filing, cleaning and organization at the Visitor Information desk
• Sells forest timber permits, and other items, such as maps, books and passes, in accordance with Forest Service requirements.
• Provides visitors with effective instructions on security and safety procedures and informs the supervisor of visitor needs.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: This position is-based at a visitor center with a 4 day a week schedule (10-hour days). Work will be a combination of outdoor duties around the visitor center and boat ramp, coupled with in-office work. Work schedule typically includes some weekend days on a routine basis.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the US Forest Service and ACE and is not flexible.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in Forest Service provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include Leave No Trace, 10 Essentials, wilderness rafting and swiftwater techniques.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a Communications/Natural Resources degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Recreation Management and/or Natrual Resources.
• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Ability and willingness to work independently and in small groups.
• Deep interest in assisting and educating visitors.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions (if participating in river patrols).
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the US Forest Service or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the US Forest Service. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the US Forest Service , will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to US Forest Service and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact BLMFS Member Manager, Anna-Louise Calliham at acalliham@usaconservation.org.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Current Openings for River Ranger/Visitor Information Services Assistant Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC