USDA Forest Service Trails Technician - Dolores - AmeriCorps

Position Title:  USDA Forest Service Trails Technician – AmeriCorps     

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

Site Location: San Juan National Forest Dolores Ranger District, 2921 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323  

Terms of Service:    

• Start Date: 04/21/2025  
• End Date: 10/31/2025   
• 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 Dolores Ranger District Forest Service office with additional management, support, and administration from Southwest Conservation Corps. The USDA Forest Service has an overall mission of “Caring for the Land and Serving the People.” The San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in a beautiful corner of southwest Colorado. From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, these federal lands are managed by the Forest Service for multiple uses. Visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources while recreating on hundreds of miles of trails.  

This AmeriCorps position will be serving throughout the Dolores Ranger District within the San Juan National Forest. The Trails and Wilderness Program is responsible for maintaining approximately 600 miles of trails within this district. This AmeriCorps position will serve on a 3–6-person trail crew that improves and maintains trails for the enjoyment of all visitors, while mitigating potentially negative impacts to the environment associated with trail-based recreation use. Local knowledge helps educate other members of the surrounding communities and visitors about proper multiple trail use, which aids in spreading stewardship of public lands along to current users and future generations.  

Description of Duties:    

• Perform trail construction and maintenance as a part of a 3–6-person trail crew 
• Hike 5-10 miles daily with a heavy pack in remote areas  
• Care for and maintain trail equipment and government vehicles  
• Chainsaw operations 

Potential Environmental/Human Risks:   

• Slips, trips, falls with uneven and varied arduous backcountry terrain 
• Variable weather ranging from freezing cold temperatures to hot temperatures   
• Chainsaw operations and tree felling   

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:   

• Ability to be able to hike up to 10 miles daily carrying a 25-pound pack 
• General interest in the Forest Service, Natural Resources, Leave No Trace tactics, and Conservation  
• Experience with manual labor 
• Chainsaw operations 
• Strong team player 

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 S-212 chainsaw certification, defensive driving, and CPR/First Aid 

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 Director – Mike King  

Contact Information: Mking@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