Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest – Visitor Information Resource Assistant

United States Forest Service – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Visitor Information Resource Assistant

1 Position – Cave Junction, Oregon

Please respond by APRIL 26, 2024

Delivering Benefits to a Multicultural Public – Resource Assistant Program

The Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is advertising for one Visitor Information Resource Assistant. The position will be located on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, which includes the Wild Rivers Ranger Districts (if applicable). This is an 8-month full-time work experience from approximately July 2024-February 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 Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in visitor information services and other miscellaneous activities. 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 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 4-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 outdoor recreation or biological science. 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

• $20,400 living stipend, prorated monthly throughout 8-month internship
• $1,200 monthly housing allowance
• $2,750 reimbursable funds for work-related training and professional development opportunities
• $50 monthly commuter allowance
• 56 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

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Greet visitors, answer phones and effectively respond to customer inquiries and requests
• Serve as a collections officer to sell maps and issue permits, as well as follow Forest Service protocol for processing collected monies
• Perform daily duties to maintain the reception area and front desk
• Handle clerical activities such as processing mail and updating phone lists
• May be assigned to miscellaneous tasks such as assisting recreation or public affairs staff

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Strong organizational skills. Ability to work independently and with others.
• Skill in using current desktop publishing software and equipment technology applicable to electronic and print publication procedures and word processing, including experience in Microsoft Office and Adobe software.
• Ability to gather and verify facts and to develop information that is clear and meaningful to the intended audience.
• Ability to review and/or edit reports prepared by others and to ensure that material conveys information that the writer intended, and that areas of misunderstanding or ambiguities are eliminated.

 Full Job Description