US Forest Service Recreation Technician
The AmeriCorps Recreation Technician Corpsmembers (ages 18-35) serve alongside natural resource professionals with the U.S. Forest Service at the Chippewa National Forest doing hands-on visitor and outreach services placed in Walker, MN. The Recreation Technician Corpsmember will receive training, supervision and guidance from experienced agency and Conservation Corps staff, learning hands-on skills in managing natural resources and conducting public outreach.
Specific projects depend on the site assignment but may include:
- Forestry ProgramSurvey and data collection: GIS/GPS mapping; tree/plant surveys
- Natural resources management: planting trees and seeding
- After tree planting is complete, perform surveys in areas that were planted 1, 3, and 5 years ago (counting seedlings/saplings by species and height; identifying future needs like re-planting, bud capping, weeding, etc.; and entering data into database)
Recreation Program
- Assist with the operation and maintenance of campgrounds.
- Maintain contact with and provides support to Campground Host(s). Ensure Campground Hosts have supplies they need.
- Gather, compile, and recommend improvements for developed and dispersed recreation sites on the unit.
- Perform daily, weekly, and annual maintenance on recreation sites and facilities. Maintenance will include cleaning, mowing, and repairs. Operating lawn mowers and hand tools will be part of the maintenance duties. General repair could include minor carpentry, installing signs, painting buildings and bulletin boards.
Archaeology and Heritage Program
- Assist the forest archaeologist and heritage program with a variety of tasks relating to archaeological survey, information management, historic preservation, and curation.
- May also include inventory of documents, collections, and equipment.
- Assist in designing educational, outreach and promotional materials, press releases and newsletter articles
Members are directly supervised by Conservation Corps program staff and Chippewa National Forest site supervisors. Members serve in a single placement setting with a partnering nonprofit/government organization. Members complete service projects with direction provided by partnering agencies and representatives of those agencies.
- Term dates and schedule:Term: Late May- August, 2023 or April-November, 2023
- Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. typical. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.
- Stipend and award:Monthly stipend: $2,076/month
- Education award: $1,718.25 - $3,247.50 upon successful completion of term
- Locations:Walker, MN with the U.S. Forest Service (Chippewa National Forest) (Housing Provided)
- Qualifications:Positive attitude and strong commitment to service and community work.
- Flexibility to work independently and with others in a team setting.
- Ability to work outdoors in varied terrain and all weather conditions.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to educate and interact with members of the public.
- Familiarity with MS Office software.
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
- Must pass driving record and criminal history checks.
- Academic and/or field experience in natural resources preferred.
- Strong planning, organization, communication and creative thinking skills.
- Knowledge of GIS software and GPS use preferred
- Training will be provided in these areas as needed; up to 15-20% of the service term is dedicated to technical and personal skills training.
Service Term: 450-900-hour AmeriCorps positions
- Benefits:Living Allowance: $2,076/month
- Education Award: $1,718.25 - $3,247.50 eligible and upon successful completion of program
- Housing is provided
- Student loan forbearance (on qualifying student loans)
- Training, certifications, networking
- Qualifications:Positive attitude and strong commitment to service and community work.
- Flexibility to work independently and with others in a team setting.
- Ability to work outdoors in varied terrain and all weather conditions.
- Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to educate and interact with landowners and community members.
- Familiarity with MS Office software.
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
- Must pass driving record and criminal history checks.
- Academic and/or field experience in natural resources preferred.
- Knowledge of GIS software and GPS use preferred.
- Farming and agricultural knowledge including tractor operation and/or trailer pulling experience is preferred.
- Requirements:Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US.
- Must pass the National Sex Offender Public Registry and criminal history check defined as no positive hits on the NSOPW and no history of violent offenses on the criminal history check.
- Must successfully pass medical review process.
- Valid driver’s license and safe driving record (no major moving violations or DUI’s in the past five years).
- Essential Service Functions: Ability to perform the *Essential Service Functions 40 hours per week.Serving in both indoor and outdoor settings
- Long days of shoveling, digging, operating equipment outdoors.
- Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds.
- Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
- Working in extremes of heat or cold
Other Information
Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
CCMI requires all employees and AmeriCorps members to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 OR submit a medical or religious exemption request.
Questions?
Contact our recruitment team at recruit@conservationcorps.org