Job Information
Conservation Legacy AmeriCorps USDA Forest Service Recreation Technician in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Title: AmeriCorps USDA Forest Service Recreation Technician
Start: June 3, 2024 – August 23, 2024 (potentially flexible)
Stipend: $680 per week living stipend + $270 per week housing stipend
Term: 12 weeks, 40 hours per week
Location: Based out of the Cibola/Sandia USDA Forest Ranger District Albuquerque, MN
Status: 450-hour AmeriCorps Service Term
Schedule: Individual Placement AmeriCorps members service hours typically follow Monday - Friday service schedule but may include weekends or evenings based on the specific needs of the service site.
Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $1,824.07 after successful completion and access to Member Assistant Program
Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects primarily on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals).
Program Overview:
The USDA Forest Service has an overall mission of “Caring for the Land and Serving People.” The Sandia Ranger District is made up of 99,616 areas that are located directly adjacent to and east of Albuquerque New Mexico. This area includes military withdrawals and special management areas. Due to the proximity to Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains have always been a focal point for various outdoor recreation activities. Over the years these mountains have experienced great overuse because they are a convenient outlet to escape the city and the summer heat in the area. The Recreation Department carries out projects that focus on improvement of the local trail system.
The Individual Placement (IP) will support the operations of the Recreation Department by assisting with diverse project work such as maintenance projects, trail improvements, developed recreation projects and interfacing with conservation forward messaging to the local community. The IP will be playing an integral part in the implementation of these projects knowing that their service on these trails will be enjoyed by the public for generations to come. The IP will also develop various skills that will bolster their resume for future applications. In addition, there are opportunities for exposure to other district programs.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities Include:
Recreation Management Fundamentals and Maintenance
• Understanding of basil trail building tools, their use, and methodology of applying
• Basic Tool Functionality
• PPE Requirements (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Facility maintenance
• Operations at fee collecting sites
• Education site patrols
Site Maintenance
• Understanding of basic recreation site protocols and adherence to USFS standards
• Vegetation management at sites (hazard tree mitigation, brush removal, etc.)
• Facility upkeep (restrooms, repairs, repainting, and replacement of amenities)
• Implementation preparation (ensuring PPE/gear is collected)
• Identifying any follow up needs post project completion
Public Contacts
• Collaborating with agency visitors
• Building confidence with forming public contacts
• Understanding proper approach methods and conveyance of area information
• Becoming familiar with the area and providing accurate information to visitors
Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:
• Previous developed recreation experience preferred
• Willingness to be trained to carry out various projects
• General interest in conservation and the Forest Service
Training Provided:
• Mentoring in a hands-on field environment
• Tool and PPE use
• Various written, classroom and visual learning aids around project material
Potential Environmental or Human Risk Involved:
• Slips, trips, falls, and debris from tool strikes
• Front country/back country trails exposure
• Inclement weather in remote locations
Housing Provided: No
General Requirements:
• Received or on track to receive high school diploma or GED
• Valid U.S Driver's License
• Per grant funding, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status
• U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks
Apply Now!
To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application.
Contact Niki Antonio with any questions | nantonio@conservationlegacy.org
Conservation Legacy strives to create a diverse workplace and an inclusive culture to give more people the chance to experience the outdoors and improve our shared outdoor spaces. Conservation Legacy encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this position. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Conservation Legacy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Internship is dependent on grant funding
Required SkillsRequired Experience