Okanogan-Wenatchee NF: Special Uses Resource Assistant

Job Announcement

United States Forest Service – Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Special Uses Resource Assistant

1 Position – Naches, Washington

Please respond by AUGUST 23, 2024

Delivering Benefits to a Multicultural Public – Resource Assistant Program

The Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is advertising for one Special Uses Resource Assistant. The position will be located on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Naches Ranger District. This is a 12-month full-time work experience from approximately October 2024-October 2025.

Created in 1984 and modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, NYC is a non-profit job training and experiential education program for youth and young adults to learn and work in the field of natural resource management. NYC will recruit and hire the selected RA candidates providing personnel and Human Resources HR needs during the placement.

The Position

The Resource Assistant Program is a rigorous and immersive paid internship for individuals interested in Forest Service careers. Resource Assistants (RAs) work with Forest Service staff to complete mission-critical work that demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication. Through direct training, experience, and exposure, RAs gain the tools to launch their natural and cultural resource careers.

Through a partnership with Northwest Youth Corps, the selected Resource Assistant will support the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in supporting the Forest Special Use Program. This is an immersive professional internship that requires a skillful and confident applicant who can manage a busy workload and learning opportunities with the support of permanent staff. This position will perform work at the equivalent of a GS 5/7 position in the federal service. Visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/general-schedule/ for more information.

Position Requirements:

• Successful completion of a full 2-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree that included a major field of study in Natural Resource Management. However, any degree will still be considered.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and over 19 years old.
• Valid state driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle by the time of employment. Government vehicles are available for work-related travel. RAs are responsible for travel to and from duty station.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Program Benefits

• $31,200 living stipend, prorated monthly throughout 12-month internship
• $1,200 monthly housing allowance
• $2,750 reimbursable funds for work-related training and professional development opportunities
• $50 monthly commuter allowance (on-site and hybrid positions only)
• 96 hours of available PTO
• Workers’ compensation, FICA/Medicare, and optional health care coverage (monthly premiums covered)
• RA will have special United States Forest Service Direct Hire Authority upon completion of a minimum of 960 hours of service, but placement is not guaranteed.

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Use of the special uses database system (SUDS) for generating permits and bills.
• Maintain high quality, hard copy and electronic permit files.
• Correspond with permit holders and colleagues professionally both in writing and orally.
• Inspection and monitoring of permit areas; will require some physical demands such as walking up and down steep hills both on and off trails and roads in all weather conditions and seasons.
• Processing applications/proposals using Forest Service Manual and Handbook direction.
• Assistance with the environmental review process (NEPA)
• Mapping permit areas.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Professional knowledge of basic principles, concepts and methodology of Natural Resource and Land management as would typically be acquired through a bachelor’s degree program within the profession in which the work is to be performed, plus skill and knowledge gained through additional work experience, that provides the ability to perform recurring assignments independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently and with others.
• Skill, or ability to learn current field mapping software and GIS database management.
• Ability to gather and verify facts and to develop information that is clear and meaningful to the intended audience.
• Ability to anticipate work needs and develop a plan for implementation.
• Ability to develop and maintain respectful working relationships with colleagues and permit holders.