Southern Sierra Recreation Ambassador Program Subcontractors

Issued by: Sierra Nevada Alliance in partnership with Friends of the Inyo and Winter Wildlands Alliance
Service Areas: Various recreation site locations within the Stanislaus and Inyo National Forests
Timeframe: Winter through Summer (Year-Round Engagement)
Deadline to Apply: Position open until filled, with an expected start date of  December 15, 2025.
Compensation: $35/hour, between 20-40 hours per week (based on seasonality and work tasks) from December 16th, 2025, through the end of August 2026. Mileage, field equipment, and all-weather uniforms provided. 

Project Overview

Sierra Nevada Alliance, in collaboration with Friends of the Inyo and Winter Wildlands Alliance, is seeking independent subcontractors to support a Sustainable Recreation Study and  Ambassador Program. This initiative promotes positive interactions among winter and summer recreationists, encourages responsible recreation, advances public education on conservation and safety, and supports data collection efforts that inform long-term stewardship in the Stanislaus and Inyo National Forests.

Selected subcontractors (“Ambassadors”) will be contracted by Sierra Nevada Alliance and work under the direction of either Friends of the Inyo or Winter Wildlands Alliance, depending on location. Subcontractors will engage with the public, model good stewardship, and collect field data throughout high-use recreation areas during peak visitation periods during the winter and summer.

Scope of Work

Subcontractors will be responsible for the following services:

Public Engagement

• Interact with visitors at trailheads and recreation areas to share information about responsible recreation, natural history, and safety practices.
• Encourage environmental stewardship and promote awareness of conservation issues specific to the region.

Education & Outreach

• Share information on local recreation opportunities (hiking, biking, etc.) and visitor etiquette.
• Provide resources such as pet waste bags and model Leave No Trace principles.

Data Collection

• Collect a set number of daily data points related to recreation usage and visitor interactions.
• Use the RIMS app (Recreation Impact Monitoring System) to log observations and interactions.

Reporting

• Submit data and site observations through established reporting systems.
• Assist in data analysis and reporting.
• Communicate regularly with program staff and meet reporting deadlines.

Required Qualifications

Subcontractors must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Traditional ecological knowledge and local cultural connections are highly valued.
• Self-directed with the ability to independently engage the public and meet data collection goals
• Comfortable initiating respectful, inclusive conversations with a diverse public
• Punctual and responsive to communication, including timely email and phone correspondence
• Proficient in using Gmail, Google Drive, Excel, and mobile applications like RIMS (camera use required)
• Able to work outdoors for up to 8 hours in varying weather conditions
• Must have reliable transportation to and from assigned sites, with 4WD/AWD for the wintertime

Location

Subcontractors will operate within either the Stanislaus or Inyo National Forests. Assignments will include a variety of popular recreation sites, primarily during peak visitor times and on weekends.

Contract Term and Compensation

This is a seasonal subcontract opportunity that begins with winter data collection and continues into summer public engagement.

• Compensation: $35/hour
• Weekly Hours: 20-40 hours per week
• Contract Length: [e.g., December 2025 – September 2026]
• Mileage reimbursed at federal rate
• Weather-appropriate uniform will be provided