Individual Placement - Olympic National Forest Recreation Technician

Student Conservation Association•Olympia, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Recreation management strives to create clean, safe, and welcoming recreation experiences, which provide opportunities for visitors to explore the Olympic National Forest’s natural resources in a beautiful setting. The intern will work closely with the local recreation manager, who will provide mentorship and training opportunities. The Intern will provide information to visitors to help them engage with the forest and recreation areas safely and responsibly. Recreation site duties are labor intensive, as the facilities are highly used and in need of regular attention. The Intern will perform basic recreation operations and facilities and trail maintenance duties. The Intern will implement duties individually, with a team, and/or with forest volunteers to maintain trailheads, facilities, trails, campgrounds, and day-use areas. The intern may work with various work crews throughout the year. This is a field-based position and the Intern should expect to hike with a heavy load of tools and equipment. This position will involve driving to work sites. Additional opportunities may be possible in timber, wildlife surveys, invasive species work, and botany that directly affect the Quinault area. This position would be well suited for someone who wants to live remotely and work outside in a stunning landscape while learning about the work required to sustain thriving recreation opportunities for the public.

Requirements

Ability to commit to the full internship.
Ability to drive a large, four-wheel drive vehicle on narrow gravel roads.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors, in inclement weather, for long durations.
Physical ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
Ability to develop individual learning goals and communicate those goals effectively with supervisor.
Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
Willingness to work on weekends and holidays.
A safe, professional, and strong work ethic.
Demonstrates creativity, motivation, critical thinking skills and resourcefulness for problem solving.
The ability to take direction, follow instructions, and take initiative to find creative solutions.
Communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations, such as project partners, staff, stakeholders, volunteers, youth and the public.
Attend program orientation, trainings, and other required meetings.
Selection, placement, and retention are contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory criminal history report.
Must follow all health and safety policies and procedures, including any changes that are implemented throughout the course of the internship.

Nice To Haves

Strong interpersonal skills, experience working in team settings, and independently. Customer service/ retail experience a plus.
Experience using basic power tools such as jig, circular saw, and drill.
Experience using hand tools such as shovel, hammer, and pliers (this could include experience in farming, gardening, orchard work, landscaping, carpentry, construction, etc.).

Responsibilities

General campground maintenance including cleaning restrooms and campsites
Making visitor contacts and supporting campground hosts.
Repair/rebuild/install informational kiosks and replace and update signs.
Brush trail systems and clear trails using power brushers, hand tools, or other tools.
Provide information to the public on recreation opportunities, safety, and responsible recreation practices.
Collect recreation fees and provide information on fee compliance, rules, and regulations of the sites.
Collaborate with volunteers and partners to implement recreation project work.
Develop and maintain relationships with local recreation groups, businesses, volunteers, and the public while representing the Forest Service.