Wilderness Ranger-Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, is seeking one Wilderness Ranger to work alongside USFS staff. The Wilderness Ranger will perform work assignments related to the monitoring, assessment, planning and maintenance aspects of recreation management. This opportunity is intended for candidates with a well-developed working background in conservation, natural resources management, wilderness management, recreation management, or a similar field. The Wilderness Ranger should possess a passion for public land management and a professional interest in advancing their career towards natural resource management.

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

Start Date: July 8th, 2024

Estimated End Date: October 26th, 2024

Location Details/Description: Naches, WA. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Covering a large portion of central Washington up to the Canadian border, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest encompasses incredible vistas and countless recreational opportunities.

For more information about Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/okawen/about-forest

Position Overview:

• Wilderness ranger duties will include patrolling wilderness trails and making public contacts to inform visitors of wilderness and forest regulations and use restrictions.
• The ability to hike long distances in remote locations, potentially alone, will be required.
• Backcountry trail maintenance may consist of logging out trails using either a chainsaw or crosscut saw, brushing, tread repair, repair and maintenance of trails structures such as bridges and puncheons, to
• Construction of water bars, retaining walls, etc may occur. Maintenance of saws, equipment and gear will be required.
• Use of technology such as tablets and GPS systems will be utilized to collect field data such as trail feature inventory, sign inventory, resource damage locations, campsite inventory will also be performed.
• Members that are chosen to perform trails and wilderness ranger duties will be required to camp in the backcountry for multiple nights to accomplish work assignments.

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

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $740/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the (agency) 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: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the USFS.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization 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).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check
• 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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• 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. 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.
• 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.

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 self, 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.