USDA Forest Service Developed Recreation Technician - Bayfield - AmeriCorps

Position Title:  USDA Forest Service Developed Recreation Technician – AmeriCorps        

Conservation Legacy Program: Southwest Conservation Corps – Four Corners, Durango      

Site Location: San Juan National Forest Columbine Ranger District, 367 S. Pearl Street Bayfield, CO 81122   

Terms of Service:       

• Start Date: 05/05/2025     
• End Date: 10/17/2025      
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours          

Purpose:       

This AmeriCorps program partners with the USDA Forest Service staff at local field offices throughout southern Colorado. This AmeriCorps position is under direct mentorship and technical guidance of the Columbine Ranger District Forest Service office with additional management, support, and administration from Southwest Conservation Corps. The Recreation program of the Columbine Ranger District covers the management of all facets of Recreation including outfitter and guides, special uses and events, wilderness, trails, dispersed and developed recreation as well as special management of ski areas and infrastructure of anything that supports public use on the National Forest System Lands. 

This AmeriCorps position will primarily be serving throughout Day Use Sites, and Developed and Dispersed Campsites, monitoring sensitive riparian areas, interfacing with the public to answer questions, and naturalizing dispersed areas all ranging from 7,000 feet to 10,000 in elevation. This position will provide support to the public’s enjoyment of the spaces, while also assisting with keeping public lands as intended, wild and pristine. This gives all local and visiting public a uniquely Colorado experience while spending time in the forest. 

Description of Duties:       

• Building, dispersed campsites, and day use maintenance including but not limited to installing bear boxes, installing a post and pole fence, cleaning of facilities, dismantling and naturalizing dispersed campsites, installing signage, picnic tables, and fire rings 
• Interfacing with the public by educating them on proper camping and recreation techniques, campfire usage, and answering general questions about the area 
• Assist in mitigation of illegal camping and improper trail usage 

Potential Environmental/Human Risks:      

• Slips, trips, falls with uneven and varied terrain in remote locations   
• Variable weather ranging from freezing cold temperatures to hot temperatures  
• Chainsaw and tractor operations  

Required Qualifications:       

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident  
• At least 17 years of age       
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award       
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License       
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check     
• Per grant funding, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status      

Preferred Qualifications:    

• Some experience serving in a team environment and independently; in remote locations 
• Strong communication skills  
• Strong safety awareness and high level of professionalism 
• Physically able to perform required lifting and carrying of supplies up to 40 pounds   
• Previous landscaping, construction, outdoor education, interpretation or recreation experience  
• Ability to read a physical map instead of relying on technical navigation 

Physical Requirements:       

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.       

Time Requirements:       

• Typically, this position is expected to serve on a four-day ten-hour schedule, Monday through Thursday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service        
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.         

Orientation and Training:       

• Member will receive an in-depth orientation provided by Southwest Conservation Corps that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities      
• Partner will provide appropriate orientation and training(s) for field activities including but not limited to chainsaw operations, trailer towing, tractor use and 4x4 driving over high clearance roads    

Benefits:       

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50       
• Living Allowance of $600 per week      
• Additional Benefit of $150 per week      
• Forest Service bunkhouse housing if needed   
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible        
• Professional development opportunities with both SCC and the Forest Service
• Two SCC field shirts      
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible       
• Loan forbearance if Eligible       
• Interest Payments if Eligible         

Evaluation and Reporting:       

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.       

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.      

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:       

Individual Placement Program Coordinator – Niki Antonio (she/her)      

Contact Information: nantonio@conservationlegacy.org      

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Salary : $150 - $600