AmeriCorps USFS Recreation Ranger

Individual Placement/Internships

Norwood Forest Service Ranger District, 1150 Forest St., Norwood,

4929-984

Full-Time/Regular

Title: AmeriCorps USFS Recreation Ranger
Start Date: May 27, 2024
Stipend: $650 per week stipend, paid on a bi-weekly basis
Term: 18 weeks, 40 hours a week
Location: Based out of the Norwood Ranger District Norwood, CO & Telluride, CO area
Status: 675-hour AmeriCorps Service Term
Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $2,626.27 after successful completion and access to Employee Assistant Program

Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, which is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that 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 Forest Service's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Their motto is "Caring for the Land and Serving People." The Norwood Recreation Department serves the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. This area in beautiful Southwest Colorado is home to over three million acres of land and over 3,000 miles of trails from grassy plateaus to rugged peaks. Within the Norwood Recreation Department there is the Recreation Ranger Program. The Recreation Ranger Program holds a primary goal of interacting with the visiting public with an all-inclusive mission to enhance each visitors’ experience on their share public lands.

The Individual Placements (IPs) will help collect quantifiable data at high-recreation sites throughout the area, as well as provide information to the public on how to disperse their use in the Telluride area, an, area that is already very heavily impacted by tourists and recreationists. In addition, the IPs will use Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics as a focal point when educating visitors and locals to do their part in maintaining sustainable public lands for present and future generations. The IPs will also have the opportunity for cross-training throughout the season when feasible.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities Include:
• Serve directly alongside Recreation Ranger Crew Lead & Recreation Staff Supervisor to collect data necessary for year-end reporting to three main local partners (Town of Telluride, Town of Mountain Village and San Miguel County)
• Record and keep detailed daily data logs of service activities accomplished which include, number of physical contacts, vehicles at busy recreation areas, number of people recreating on trails, maps given out, citations/warnings issued, site destinations, pounds of trash collected, and restrooms serviced
• Educate the public on Leave No Trace ethics (LNT) and responsible campfire practices
• Educate the public on how to properly disperse their “footprint” on public lands
• Daily check-ins with Recreation Ranger Crew lead
• Assist with recreation-related projects such as, sign installation, installing fire rings/picnic tables and fences
• Flexibility with weekend service activities and daily schedules

Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:
• College degree or currently in college preferred but not required
• First Aid/CPR is preferred but not required
• Highly motivated and passionate outdoor enthusiast who has confidence communicating with diverse individuals
• Organized, professional and adaptable

Training Provided:
• Forest Protection Officer Training (FPO) with the local Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer, if available CPR/First Aid, Driver Safety Course and possibility to cross-train with other department within the Forest Service

Potential Environmental or Human Risk Involved:
• High elevation and potential acclimatation issues to the area, with the number of daily contacts it can be expected that IPs will encounter unruly visitors that can be difficult to talk to at times, uneven terrain, summer monsoons causing wet/slippery conditions on roads and trails, exposure to human waste at toilet facilities or in the woods/in areas of high use dispersed recreation

Housing Provided: Yes – Forest Service bunkhouse/dorm style living
• $200/per month paid monthly to the Forest Service
• Likely to have a roommate and shared common areas
• Will need to supply own food, sheets, laundry detergent, etc.
• The general expectation is that you tidy up after yourself and help with cleaning wherever you can

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*