Conservation Technician jobs in Springfield, OR

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with US Forest Service, is seeking One Member to contribute to the Recreation Site and Trail Monitoring project alongside US Forest Service Staff.

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

Start Date: 05/06/2024

Estimated End Date: 08/23/2024

*a 16-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Diamond Lake Ranger District - Idleyld Park, OR - NOTE: This is a remote duty station located at Toketee Lake, approximately 60 miles east on Hwy 138 from the nearest full service community of Roseburg, OR. There are no services such as gas and groceries at this site, only the Ranger Station and government housing. Please be prepared to live and work in this remote, mountain setting.

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.

For more information about Umpqua National Forest, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua

Position Overview: 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.

• 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
• Assist trail crews with trail maintenance when necessary

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: The schedule will be a standard five days a week, eight hour day. The days of the week will include weekends to facilitate good use reporting.

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 US Forest Service provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $400 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 fee collection and cross-cut saw.

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 Natural Resource or related degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources.
• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Knowledge of natural resources.
• Ability and willingness to work with the general public.
• 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
• Prior data collection, visitor monitoring, recreation maintenance experience is desirable

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. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 30 lbs., ability to move up to 80 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.

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.