Recreation and Trails Technician

Recreation and Trails Technician

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is seeking 3 Recreation 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 Recreation and Trails Technicians will assist Forest Service personnel with the maintenance of FS-system trails, both inside and outside wilderness; 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 regulations, permit compliance, campsite impacts and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.

Position Overview:

• 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
• Coordination and collaboration with partners on projects

• Project work on the Pacific Crest Trail along with inventorying user-created trails for decommissioning.
• Contacts recreational visitors to provide factual information and answers questions about recreation opportunities, rules, regulation, and information on resource management practices on the unit.

• Collects monies from sale of recreation use permits at designated fee sites.
• Keeps records of sales, safeguards monies, and unused permits. Collects wilderness use permits from trailheads.
• Patrols recreation areas and trails for compliance by day visitors and campers with established rules and regulations posted in the area. Reports apparent violations to supervisor.
• Performs routine recreation operations and maintenance, including but not limited to picnic table and fire ring installation, signboard maintenance and installation, ensuring correct signage is included and cleanup work including repairing minor damage of recreation facilities; i.e., toilets, buildings, etc
• Cleaning bathrooms and restocking supplies will also be necessary
• Use of technology such as tablets and GPS systems will be utilized to collect baseline data and inventories
• Perform trail maintenance and patrols of motorized trails. Use of 4-wheel drive equipment will be necessary and the chosen member needs to be comfortable traveling in a UTV or Jeep on rough, steep, and remote motorized trails.
• Training will be provided to operate UTV's and Jeep operations will be limited to trained agency personnel. Making public contacts with those in the motorized community and informing of rules and regulations regarding motorized use will be performed.
• Assessing dispersed camping locations where motorized users congregate for resource damage will be necessary and the use of technology such as tablets and GPS systems will be utilized to accomplish this along with inventorying user created trails, signs and sign needs.
• Strong verbal communication skills are preferred, as many public contacts will be made and education and enforcement will occur.
• OHV rangers will work with agency partners to accomplish project work and attend public events hosted by the motorized community.
• Motorized trail maintenance will require the use of hand tools and some power equipment such as chainsaws.
• Installation of signs, maintenance of sign boards and posted information will also be performed.

Qualifications:

• A background in trails is preferred.
• A bachelor's degree in a natural resource field is required, though relevant experience may be substituted.
• A high fitness level and interest in camping, with potential for backcountry work trips in inclement weather.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and participate in collaborative efforts.
• Proficient in English.

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.