USDA Forest Service Recreation Technician - Pagosa - AmeriCorps

Position Title:  USDA Forest Service Wilderness Recreation Technician - Pagosa – AmeriCorps        

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

Site Location: 180 Pagosa St. Pagosa Springs CO, 81147 

Terms of Service:       

• Start Date: 05/05/2025     

• End Date: 10/17/2025      

• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours     
• Position is dependent on grant funding  

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 Pagosa Ranger District with additional management, support, and administration from Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC). The Recreation Department Wilderness Trail Program manages backcountry access and Wilderness Areas used by recreationists and hunters. Over the last six years the access has become jeopardized due to the Spruce Beetle epidemic in the San Juan National Forest. Thousands of downed trees are cleared each season to provide trail access, while also improving the sustainability of tread and drainage within trail corridors.  

This AmeriCorps position will primarily assist the Pagosa Ranger District trail crew with clearing, maintaining and improving trails to provide safe access for forest visitors and recreationists. District staff and the local community are passionate about keeping the trails open and accessible to all.  By helping carry out this essential yearly trail maintenance this AmeriCorps position will benefit the local community and the surrounding forest for current and future generations. 

Description of Duties:       

• Weekly four-day backcountry hitches clearing and maintaining backcountry trails 
• Crosscut saw and chainsaw operations 
• Crosscut saw and chainsaw maintenance, cleaning, transport, and storage techniques  
• Pack animal care and handling techniques (horses) 
• Backpacking into remote areas with all gear and food  

Potential Environmental/Human Risks:      

• Slips, trips, falls with uneven and varied terrain   
• Variable weather ranging from freezing cold temperatures to hot temperatures      
• Crosscut and chainsaw operations 
• General risk with pack animal behavior 
• Overnight backcountry camping in remote areas  

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:      

• General interest in the Forest Service, Conservation, Natural Resource Management, and Leave No Trace Ethics 
• Previous backpacking experience at high elevation 
• Ability to lift and carry 25-40 pounds and hike arduous mountain terrain 
• Ability to work as a team member in a physically demanding position

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 such as crosscut and chainsaw operation training and defensive driving Provided gear for hitches includes backpack, gloves, tent, foam pad, stove, cooking pot, and water filter 

Benefits:       

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50   
• Living Allowance of $600 per week, distributed bi-weekly      
• Additional Benefit of $150 per week, distributed bi-weekly  
• 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     

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, 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