Recreation/OHV Technician

Summary
The American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Caribou-Targhee National Forest, is seeking one (1) Recreation/OHV Technician to contribute to a variety of projects alongside U.S. Forestry Service staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: May 6th, 2024
Estimated End Date: October 4th, 2024
*a 12-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Palisades Ranger District, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, ID

The Palisades Ranger District encompasses about 450,000 acres in southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming. The District stretches from the Big Hole Mountains at the north end, along the Idaho –Wyoming state line on the east, to McCoy Creek on the south. The District has about 24 permanent employees and several seasonal employees. The world-famous fly fishing stream, South Fork of the Snake River is located within the District, as well as very diverse wildlife populations (including elk, deer, bear, mountain goats, lynx, and grey wolf), spectacular scenery, and a variety of resource programs and challenges. Trails consist of 298 miles of nonmotorized and 282 miles of motorized. The district has 9 developed campgrounds and vast areas for dispersed camping.

For more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf.

Position Overview: 

• Construct and/or maintain trails
• Construct/assemble ATV trail bridges
• Cut and remove trees and dense brush
• Operate power tools such as chainsaws, hedgers, weed eaters, augers, compacting plates, drills, electric saws, and pole saws
• Utilize hand tools such as rakes, shovels, axes, pulaskis, loppers, mcleod, and rock bars
• Camping in remote backcountry areas for extended periods
• Ride horses and OHVs
• Install picnic tables, utility tables, fire rings, and retaining walls
• Pour concrete for anchoring campground infrastructure
• Other duties to assist the recreation/trails program as assigned

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Typically Monday – Thursday 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $720.00/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the USFS and ACE and is not flexible.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. 

Housing:  ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing by the USFS for $150.00-$300.00/month for the duration of the term (price varies by type of housing available). 

Gear Assistance: ACE members will have up to $450.00 to spend on eligible gear purchases and up to $500.00 to spend on boots. Eligible gear for this position includes appropriate footwear, camping gear, and proper weather protection/work apparel. All gear must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. 

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, and networks for support. Specific training by the USFS may include UTV training, horseback riding training, trailer towing, chainsaw training, and more.  

Qualifications 

Required:

• Member must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the USFS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Member must be 21 years of age or older.
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
• Personal reliable transportation is required as the duty station is considered remote.
• Member must have a high fitness level and an interest in camping, with potential for backcountry work trips.
• Ability to work alone/in a small group with minimal supervision in remote settings.
• Experience and/or ability to learn the use of a GPS unit.
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors and be capable of lifting 50 lbs.
• Must be able to take initiative, work independently, and participate in collaborative efforts.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals and the public.
• The applicant must be able to work in the outdoors using and transporting a variety of hand tools including; – crosscut saws, shovels, rakes, loppers, etc. In addition, prior backpacking and trail work experience is desirable.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning-of-term feedback forms, end-of-term evaluations, and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• The applicant must be able to work in the outdoors using and transporting a variety of hand tools including; – crosscut saws, shovels, rakes, loppers, etc. In addition, prior backpacking and trail work experience is desirable.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions: 

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing. Manual dexterity is required for the use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 50 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:  The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger themself, fellow staff/members, or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the USFS or ACE.  Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the USFS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the USFS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  Strict adherence to USFS and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.