Project Title: Assistant Recreation and Lands Staff Officer
Project Type: In-person
Duration: 32 weeks (8 months) starting June 2024
Location: El Rito Ranger District, Carson National Forest, St. Rd 554 Building 1221, El Rito NM 87530
Housing: Must be secured by the intern/fellow. A housing stipend of up to $1,000 per month will be provided.
Project Background:
The Resource Assistant will work throughout the West Zone of the Carson National Forest. Their assigned duty station will be the El Rito Ranger District office in El Rito NM. Northern New Mexico and especially the West Zone of the forest is rural in nature and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. The West Zone Recreation and Lands program of the Carson National Forest needs additional support in-line with the Sustainable Recreation model for the Carson, and assistance with management of a busy and varied special uses program that includes outfitter/guides and lands special uses.
Project Duties:
The recreation and lands program workload on the forest includes recreation and lands special uses support, land conveyances and acquisitions, wilderness, and wild and scenic river management, developed and dispersed recreation management, and trail oversight for both the forest wide and Continental Divide Trail (CDT) programs.
The Resource Assistant will fill a crucial position in the West Zone’s recreation and lands program and serve as the lead for the special uses outfitter/guide program and as well as the volunteer/partnership program for projects on the CDT, and the Cruces Basin wilderness. Additional duties include leading out for maintenance and development of trails throughout the West Zone and the interpretation of trails and the surrounding landscape via signage development and conservation education programs for kids and adults. The Resource Assistant will also help with a) management of developed recreation sites throughout the West Zone, and b) development, implementation, and oversight of four major Great American Outdoors Act projects on the West Zone.
Developed/Dispersed Recreation/Special Uses/Wilderness
•Assist with all aspects of management of developed recreation sites on the West Zone.
•Great American Outdoors Act project support and implementation
•Contracting Officer’s Representative certification to support contract implementation at recreation sites
•Developed Recreation Site fee proposal implementation, cabin rental program management.
•Work with partners and volunteers to design and implement of projects related to recreation sites and trails
- Perform database management for recreation sites, trails, and special uses.
•Prepare and administer recreation and land use permits
•Conduct field inspections for special use permit compliance
•Shared supervision of Resource Clerks, GS-5s and GS-7
- Wilderness field monitoring, data collection and reporting for the Cruces Basin Wilderness
The RA will have the opportunity to collaborate with FS staff and to travel to various project sites in the course of their work. A valid driver’s license is required for this position.
Fellows will work and communicate with a HAF Program Manager during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3 blog posts highlighting their experience and development.
Desired Qualifications:
- Must be capable of working independently and as part of a team, in an office setting and outside in all weather conditions (high elevation, heat, cold, rain, snow)
- Must be capable of working in the outdoors in rural and remote locations, including occasional camping overnight to support recreation enhancement projects.
- Is good at networking and creating partnerships
- Is proficient in and enjoys writing and communicating clearly;
- Has excellent customer service skills
- Has GPS/GIS skills for data collection and map creation
- Has the ability to manage multiple projects and adhere to specific deadlines
- Has successfully supervised others in the past
Minimum Qualifications:
- US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
- Ages 17 and up
- Must have a driver’s license
- Minimum and/or desired level of academic credentials: Associates, Bachelors or Masters degree in the following: Recreation Programming; Social Science; Public Relations; Business Management; Outdoor Education; but open to a variety of degrees from accredited universities AND recent grads with strong verbal and writing skills.
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required
Stipend + Benefits:
- A biweekly stipend of $1,300 based on a 40-hour workweek
- Monthly housing stipend up to $1,000 per month
- Monthly commuting stipend up to $50
- Health insurance coverage
- Travel expenses paid to participate in orientation July 15, 2024 – July 19, 2024
- Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.)
- Direct Hire Authority Eligibility – after completing 960 hours, DHA status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for certain federal positions.
Application:
Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Anastasia Elvira Hernandez, anastasia@hispanicaccess.org.
Accepting applications on a rolling basis until May 26.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
US Forest Service Mission:
To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Hispanic Access Foundation Mission:
Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.