Recreation Technician with the United States Forest Service

Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, which is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects primarily on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals).       

Program Overview:  The USDA Forest Service has an overall mission of “Caring for the Land and Serving People.” The San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the beautiful southwestern corner of Colorado. From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, these federal lands are managed by the USDA Forest Service for multiple uses. Visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources while recreating on the hundreds of miles of trails.

Position Overview: The Columbine District Recreation Program oversees trails, roads and motorized use, dispersed and developed uses, a large chunk of the Weminuche Wilderness, the Hermosa Special Management Area, as well as recreation access around Purgatory Ski area, Silverton, CO and the Animas River corridor within the San Juan National Forest.  The Recreation Program needs local talent who are genuinely interested in learning more about the multiple uses of our national forests in this area. Local knowledge helps education other members of our community about the Forest Service. The Individual Placement (IP) will assist with varying recreation maintenance projects which will focus on the improvement of the local trail system, they will also be embedded with developed recreation and trail crew members and be exposed to other district programs as well.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities Include: 
•    Engage in trail maintenance projects and activities that have challenging terrain and weather conditions
•    Maintain a safe and professional attitude and demeanor
•    Be able to lift more than 25 pounds and hike up to 6 miles per day

Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:  
•    Perform service activities safely and effectively with a crew and follow crew leader instructions 
•    Be able to operate independently and be prepared to work each day in a physically demanding role
•    Interest in learning more about the Forest Service
•    Able to meet standards required to operate professionally and safely in arduous conditions

Training Provided:  
•    Tool use, public outreach skills, wildfire awareness

Potential Environmental or Human Risk Involved:
•    Slips, trips, and falls
•    Rugged terrain
•    Varying and arduous weather conditions

Housing Provided: Yes – Forest Service bunkhouse/dorm style living
•    Nightly rate of $6.50 paid to the Forest Service on a monthly basis
•    Likely to have a roommate, there is a shared common area and kitchen
•    Will need to supply your own food, sheets, laundry detergent, etc. 
•    The general expectation is that you do your own dishes, keep spaces tidy and help with cleaning whenever you can

General Requirements:  
•    Received or on track to receive high school diploma or GED  
•    Valid U.S Driver's License  
•    Per grant funding, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status 
•    U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident 
•    Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks

Apply Now!  
To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application.  
  
Contact Niki Antonio with any questions | nantonio@conservationlegacy.org