Park Ranger with the Bureau of Land Management

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 Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Individual Placements (IPs) will assist the Recreation staff at the Royal Gorge Field Office. The Recreation staff plan, implement, monitor, and maintain recreation areas and facilities to ensure that the public can safely and sustainably enjoy our public lands. 

The BLM Royal Gorge Field Office, and the communities it serves in Fremont, Chaffee, and Teller counties, needs assistance to achieve their objective of effective on the ground management of BLM lands. The IPs will assist BLM recreation staff to monitor visitation in busy recreation sites and build awareness of area rules and regulations. The position has an educational component teaching visitors Leave No Trace principles and ethics in addition to connecting with local and regional community partnerships.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities Include: 

Educate Visitors on Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles and Ethics at Guffey Gorge Day Use Area
•    Effectively communicate and educate the seven LNT principles with visitors
•    Interact and build awareness about how to care for the land with visitors
•    Provide information and communicate effectively with BLM law enforcement rangers

Develop Skills as a General Park Ranger and Patrol in Recreation Areas
•    Learn RGFO recreation areas and general travel management maps for those areas
•    Represent the BLM with a professional attitude and appearance
•    Show respect to visitors and provide information and education as needed 
•    Become proficient at identifying issues that need attention, such as missing signs, trash, resource damage

Learn how to Implement Recreation Area Maintenance and Operation Plans, Including with Youth Corps Service Members and Volunteer Groups
•    Monitor busy recreation areas such as the Goldbelt Scenic Byway and dispersed camping outside of the surrounding towns of Salida and Buena Vista 
•    Check trails, signs, and roads for maintenance needs 
•    Assist on large projects and ensure volunteers complete tasks safely and effectively, maintain trails, complete area clean ups, install fencing/ kiosks, rehab closed areas

Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:  
•    Chainsaw certified
•    Ability to fulfill certain responsibilities under minimal supervision successfully 
•    Ability to interact with diverse members of the public who are potentially disgruntled 

Training Provided:  
•    BLM Safety Week, Basic First Aid/CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens, 4x4 driving OHV, Sharps and Hazardous Materials, potential cross training with other departments at the BLM

Potential Environmental or Human Risk Involved:
•    Exposure to high temperatures and cold temperatures, slips, trips, and falls, may be the first on scene of an injury, 4x4 driving hazards, exposure to sharp objects or harmful waste, and interaction with disgruntled visitors while performing maintenance or clean up at dispersed camping areas 

Housing Provided:  No  

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