Wilderness and Trails Technician

Wilderness and Trails Technician

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, is seeking 2 Wilderness and Trails Technicians to contribute to various projects alongside US Forest Service Staff.

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

Start Date: May 15th, 2023

Estimated End Date: September 2nd, 2023

Location Details/Description:

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Wallowa Mountains Office, Joseph, OR Joseph, Oregon is located in one of the most scenic spots in Eastern Oregon and has an elevation of approximately 4,200 feet. Joseph is located on Highway 82, about a one hour and a half drive from La Grande, Oregon, just off Interstate 84, and two and a half hours from Pendleton, Oregon to the west and two hours from Lewiston, Idaho to the north on Highway 3. The population of Joseph is approximately 1,200. Nearby communities are Enterprise, Lostine and Wallowa. The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Eagle Cap Ranger District and Wallowa Valley Ranger District are managed in Joseph out of the Wallowa Mountains Office. ABOUT THE FOREST: The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is 2,521,280 acres ranging from 875 to 9,845 feet above sea level. Plant life varies from desert-like countryside of Hells Canyon to the alpine vegetation of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and Seven Devils Mountains. Generally, winters are cold and snowy, spring and fall are mild, and summers are hot and dry. There are seven Ranger Districts with additional offices in Clarkston, Washington and Riggins, Idaho. The Forest lands include: Eagle Cap Wilderness, Hells Canyon Wilderness, Monument Rock Wilderness, North Fork John Day Wilderness, and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. For more information click here.

Position Overview:

• Maintain Forest Service system trails to standard using tools such as crosscut saws, hand saws, shovels, pulaskis, McLeods, grip hoists, rock bars and other tools related to trail maintenance
• Maintenance hitches will be self-sufficient in backcountry/Wilderness camps for up to 8 consecutive days
• 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 Recreation and OHV

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.

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.

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: Housing will be provided by the USFS in a typical bunkhouse setting. WiFi and cell reception are not available at all housing locations but are available in the nearby towns of Joseph and Enterprise.

Relocation Allowance: 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: 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.

Qualifications

Preferred Skills:

• 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 separate from government housing
• 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.

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 resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE Member Manager Jack Hall at jhall@usaconservation.org .

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Wilderness and Trails Technician Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC