Idaho Conservation Corps – AmeriCorps 680 Hour

Individual Placement

U.S. Forest Service

Idaho Panhandle National Forest

St. Joe Ranger District – Emerald Creek Garnet Area – St. Maries, ID

Position Title: Forestry Technician (Recreation) AmeriCorps Member – 680 HR

Grant Program: OYSI 22EDBDC0020010 / EAP 22EDBDC0020053

Position Summary:

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest, St. Joe Ranger District is recruiting one 680 Hour (17 Week) Forestry Technician (Recreation) members beginning May through September 2025.  Incumbents will primarily serve in a frontline visitor contact position serving the public at the Emerald Creek Garnet Area, answering questions, and assisting forest visitors. The Emerald Creek Garnet Area is a unique forest recreation site that allows visitors and families to dig for Star Garnets.  They are a rare gem found at the Garnet Area and only one other place in the world, India.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties will include ensuring that visitors have a fun, safe, and educational visit. This is accomplished by orienting visitors to the site, explaining procedures, assisting diggers, and administering the reservation system.  This work also involves site maintenance and facility improvement. (60%)

Working alongside district recreation staff on completing regular duties. This will include recreation site maintenance, campground checks and visitor contacts, patrols, trail projects, assisting during wildland fires, and other duties as assigned by recreation staff.  These assignments will enable the members to be introduced to the wide variety of work performed in the recreation branch of the forest and provide and excellent overview of working for the U.S. Forest Service. (40%)

Required Qualifications:

• Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
• S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
• Must pass a background/driver check
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Willingness to work as part of a team
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• A positive attitude
• Current driver’s license
• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs
• Ability and interest to work outdoors in remote settings and inclement weather on uneven ground

Desired Qualifications:

• Attention to detail.
• Experience or interest in speaking to public groups
• Desire to work with around children and family groups
• Willingness to work hard and get dirty
• Coursework in natural resources, geology, forestry, or related field.
• A strong interest in resource management, public lands and visitor services.
• Personal transportation

Duty/Housing Location:

Duties are performed out of the St. Joe Ranger District Office located in St. Maries, Idaho. Housing options are “The Riverside Suites Hotel” that feature one- and two-bedroom units furnished with kitchenettes, and/or home rentals listed at local real estate agents (more spendy, and less likely).

Terms of Employment:

One AmeriCorps member will complete a term of service (length dependent on commitment of hours), starting May 2025 through September 2025. The member must complete a minimum of 680 service hours by the end of their term. The member will receive a 30-minute lunch each day and this lunch break does not count towards AmeriCorps member service hours. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours.

Program Benefits:

$10,880 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis and upon successful completion of program requirements, education award amount of $2,817.14. The position also includes a $500 gear reimbursement and $1000/month housing fund.

The living allowance and education award are taxable. Members are responsible for providing their own food. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a criminal background check.

These positions are sponsored by The Corps Network’s OYSI and EAP program.