US Army Corps of Engineers – John Day Lock and Dam – Natural Resource Steward AmeriCorps Member

Northwest Youth Corps

AmeriCorps 480-Hour Individual Placement

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – John Day Lock & Dam; Rufus, OR

Position Title: Natural Resource Stewardship AmeriCorps Member – 480 Hours

Grant Program: OYSI 22EDBDC0020010 / EAP 21EDBDC0010041

Position Summary:

John Day Dam is recruiting two (2) 480-hour AmeriCorps members starting April to June 2024. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently recruiting for a position that will support Natural Resource Management on Army Corps lands at the John Day Lock & Dam. Major duties are related to assisting personnel in recreation, natural resource management, and related activities at the John Day Lock & Dam.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Major duties are related to assisting personnel in recreation, natural resource management, and related activities at the John Day Lock & Dam. The member will assist in the following:

• 40% natural resource maintenance and conservation projects (including invasive species removal).
• 40% Park and Recreation Site Management
• 20% Development of Visitor Features for Public Education and Interpretive Services

Please note percentages describe the estimated time allocated to each task over the course of the AmeriCorps term.

All work under this AmeriCorps term shall be performed in accordance with EM 385-1-1, “U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual,” and FED-OSHA regulations. EM 385-1-1 can be downloaded from: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Safety-and-Occupational-Health/Safety-and-Health-Requirements-Manual/

Required Qualifications:

• Current Driver’s License
• Must be at least 18 years of age upon start date.
• Willingness to submit to a government background survey.
• Ability to drive government vehicle upwards of 200 miles roundtrip in one day to get to work sites.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and a positive attitude
• Ability to work outdoors in remote settings, in inclement weather, and on uneven ground.
• Willingness to work independently in an outdoor setting at a campground gatehouse.
• Enjoys engaging in customer service skills and able to walk campground and interact with campground visitors, campground hosts, and other volunteers.
• Able to address campground visitor’s needs, resolving their problems and complaints.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong collaborating and communication skills.
• Interested in providing educational programs on water safety, environment, local wildlife, the historical and cultural relevance of landmarks.
• Willingness to learn about John Day Lock and Dam history and importance.
• Enthusiastic about work in conservation, recreation, and environmental and cultural stewardship.
• Compassion towards visitors and situations with adversity.
• Knowledge of Northwest natural resources, flora, and fauna.
• Must be comfortable riding in and working from a boat and kayak.
• Knowledge of Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Word.

Duty Location:

Member will report daily to the USACE Ranger office at John Day Lock & Dam (Interstate 84 Exit 109, Rufus, Oregon 97050, in the Ranger Office). Incumbent must arrange their own transportation to and from the office. No public transportation opportunities.

Terms of Employment:

The AmeriCorps members will complete a term of service (480-hours, 12 weeks), starting April to June through no later than the end of September. (Dates of service are flexible to accommodate applicant availability.) The member must complete a minimum of 480 service hours by the end of their term. The member will receive a 30-minute lunch each day and this lunch break does not count towards AmeriCorps member service hours. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours.

Program Benefits:

$7,680 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis and upon successful completion of program requirements, an education award amount of a $1,824.07.

The living allowance and education award are taxable. Members are responsible for providing their own food. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a criminal and driving background check.

These positions are sponsored by The Corps Network’s OYSI and EAP program.