Northwest Youth Corps

Individual Placement – 480HR

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

John Day Lock & Dam - Rufus, OR

Position Title: Natural Resource Stewardship Individual Placement

Position Summary:

John Day Dam is recruiting two (2) 480-hour individual placements starting between April and June of 2026 until the end of September 2026. The individual placement will support Natural Resource Management on Army Corps lands at the John Day Lock & Dam. Major duties are related to assisting personnel in recreation, natural resource management, and related activities at the John Day Lock & Dam.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Major duties are related to assisting personnel in recreation, natural resource management, and related activities at the John Day Lock & Dam. The Individual Placement will assist in the following:

• Natural resource maintenance and conservation projects, including invasive species removal (40%)
• Park and Recreation Site Management (40%)
• Development of Visitor Features for Public Education and Interpretive Services (20%)

*Please note percentages describe the estimated time allocated to each task over the course of the term.

All work under this AmeriCorps term shall be performed in accordance with EM 385-1-1, "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual," and FED-OSHA regulations. EM 385-1-1 can be downloaded from: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Safety-and-Occupational-Health/Safety-and-Health-Requirements-Manual/

Required Qualifications:

• Current Driver's License and personal transportation
• Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
• U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
• Must pass a background/driver check
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Ability to drive government vehicle upwards of 200 miles roundtrip in one day to get to work sites
• Good written and verbal communication skills and a positive attitude
• Ability to work outdoors in remote settings, in inclement weather, and on uneven ground
• Willingness to work independently in an outdoor setting at a campground gatehouse
• Enjoys engaging in customer service
• Able to walk campground and interact with campground visitors, campground hosts, and volunteers
• Able to address campground visitor's needs, resolving their problems and complaints
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong collaborating and communication skills.
• Interested in providing educational programs on water safety, environment, local wildlife, the historical and cultural relevance of landmarks
• Willingness to learn about John Day Lock and Dam history and importance
• Enthusiastic about work in conservation, recreation, and environmental and cultural stewardship
• Compassion towards visitors and situations with adversity
• Knowledge of Northwest natural resources, flora, and fauna
• Must be comfortable riding in and working from a boat and kayak
• Knowledge of Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Word

Duty Location:

Individual placement will report daily to the USACE Ranger office at John Day Lock & Dam (Interstate 84 Exit 109, Rufus, Oregon 97050, in the Ranger Office). Incumbent must arrange their own transportation to and from the office. No public transportation opportunities.

Terms of Employment:

One individual placement will complete a term of service (480-hours, 12 weeks), starting April to June through no later than the end of September (Dates of service are flexible to accommodate applicant availability) for a total of 12 weeks. The individual placement will average 40 hours of labor per week, minus holidays. Individual placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food.

Program Benefits:

Individual placements will earn $7,680 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis throughout the 12-week term. The living allowance are taxable. Additionally, there is a reimbursement fund of $54.10 available for defensive driver training during the term.

Application Instructions

• Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
• Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.
• Type of position: Individual Placement
• Service Dates: Start dates from April to June. End no later than the end of September. The starting date is negotiable to accommodate applicant schedules.
• Length of Term: 12 Weeks (minimum of 480 hours)

Additional Information

If you have questions about the position, please reach out to Northwest Youth Corps Internship Department at interns@nwyouthcorps.org or 208-625-8402, or Supervisory Natural Resource Specialist Sylvia Gentilcore at Sylvia.T.Gentilcore@usace.army.mil or 541-739-1134.

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).