The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the United States Forest Service in Big Bend, CA, is recruiting (1) Developed Recreation Lead to serve on the Tahoe National Forest performing work in support of the forest’s recreation program.

The Lead is responsible for implementing both annual and long-term work plans for recreation sites (campgrounds, day use sites, etc.), both developed and dispersed, with primary emphasis on developed campgrounds. The position will be located on the southern portion of the Yuba River Ranger District (Big Bend, CA) but may also assist the neighboring ranger districts.

The Research Associate will lead a team of Job Corps students for a total of (8) weeks throughout the summer. Support for Job Corps students will likely include trips to the store for basic provisions. Support may include a minimal amount of after-hour assistance in case of emergencies at USFS barracks.

The Lead will patrol management units to collect user data, identify and/or correct unsafe conditions, answer visitor inquiries, deter vandalism, and gather current information on recreation opportunities. The Lead will provide visitors with up-to-date information about recreation opportunities, conditions, and Forest Service rules and regulations; providing information on resource management practices, regulations and current conditions.

Maintain developed sites e.g., roadside and/or backcountry dispersed sites.  Make repairs, remove or replace facilities, and/or close areas of facilities when hazards cannot be promptly eliminated.  Maintain District recreation facilities such as toilets, road closure gates, hand pumps, water systems, picnic tables, fire rings, barriers, dumpsters, and other miscellaneous structures. 

May assist USFS staff with other duties such as posting reservations, coordinating with volunteer campground hosts, and/or assisting with counting funds.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day supervision of temporary staff members including Job Corps students or other interns;
• Ensure all safety protocols are followed;
• Transport crew and equipment safely in GBI or agency trucks;
• Assist in the development of plans for recreation area maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction;
• Prepare detailed project work plans and schedules, including required personnel, equipment, and supplies for specific assignments;
• Assist in the implementation of recreation operation and maintenance plans for developed and dispersed recreation sites;
• May recruit and train temporary employees and volunteers;
• Provide public education on matters such as fee compliance, public safety, and resource protection; and
• Coordinate with USFS Forest Protection Officer and/or Law Enforcement staff to report violations and write incident reports.

Timeline:

• Early June through end of November (longer season dependent on weather);
• Full time (40 hours/week; and
• Schedule: can vary dependent on duties.

Location:

The Tahoe National Forest is located in the north-central Sierra Nevada Range between Lake Tahoe and the Sacramento Valley. The land rises from an elevation of 1,500 feet in the Sierra foothills on the west to 9,400 feet along the rugged ridges of the Sierra Crest. Interstate 80 and Highway 49 crisscross the Forest and offer year-round access. The Truckee Ranger District is based in the historic town of Truckee, CA, situated north of Lake Tahoe. Opportunities for recreation abound in this region.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $23.00 hourly.

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays;
• Access to Pro Deals;
• Uniform Stipend: $400; and
• Camping per diem provided per night in the field.

Housing: May be provided, finalizing those details.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Related degree or coursework in Recreation, Natural Resource Management, Education/Interpretation or comparable field;
• Strong interest in resource management;
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record;
• Experience/familiarity with field work and data collection;
• Knowledge of public outreach and communication tools and techniques to identify audiences and messages;
• Demonstrated leadership experience in outdoor recreation or natural resource management, including the ability to supervise, mentor, and coordinate the work of temporary staff, interns, or volunteers in remote field settings;
• Familiarity with the diverse range of outdoor facilities and maintenance requirements, such as, visitor centers, trails, wayside exhibits, in order to provide safe, wildlife and environmental-dependent recreation opportunities for visitors;
• Skills in oral and written communication;
• Ability to assist with the implementation of natural resource-dependent recreational programs;
• Ability to perform work within well-established parameters; employee will have some responsibility for initiating, developing, or modifying work methods;
• Ability to provide quality information, education and interpretive services to increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of natural resources, their conservation and management;
• Interest in the development of natural resource-dependent recreational opportunities that minimize impacts to public land while simultaneously promoting the overall mission of the Forest Service; and
• Interest in making contacts with the general public, co-workers, volunteers, support groups, conservation organizations, and other audiences to welcome and orient visitors, interpret recreational and/or historical sites, explain Forest Service policies and regulations, coordinate work efforts, and assist with partnerships.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience and comfort with public speaking and communicating with diverse audiences;
• Comfortable living onsite in shared housing; and
• Interest in the overall mission and goals of the Forest Service.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the office environment is usually low.