Length: Term of positions is 13 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk *this position has the potential to be extended

Location: Paonia, CO

Living Allowance: $520/week

AmeriCorps Award: Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $1,638.89 (pre-tax).

Start Date: Monday, 5/17/2021

Application Due Date: Preference given to applicants that submit application by 3/15/2021

Title of Position: Field Ranger Steward

Position Details:

Stewards Individual Placements (SIP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. SIP, in partnership with the United States Forest Service, is seeking Field Ranger Stewards who will work primarily in developed and dispersed recreation sites doing patrols, site inventories, facility maintenance, and travel management, among other tasks.

The Stewards will primarily assist in helping inventory and manage dispersed recreation sites, which will protect the resource from further degradation and provide a more positive visitor experience. They will also perform regular maintenance of developed recreation sites including trailhead signage, campground facilities, and outdoor toilets.

The Stewards will be expected to work as an independent team, sometimes with the support of the program lead. They will get to live in the small town of Paonia and work in the surrounding mountains including the West Elk Mountains and Raggeds Mountains.

Lastly, Stewards will have exposure to many facets of USFS management and the opportunity to work with other resources such as timber, range, wildlife, and fire. Previous members have used this experience as a gateway into a career with the USFS and other agencies. It will be a rigorous yet very rewarding experience.

Position Responsibilities will include:

· Inventory dispersed recreation sites along major travel corridors utilizing GPS system.

· Perform site rehabilitation where identified by management plan.

· Close and rehabilitate sites non-compliant with management plan.

· Initiate contact with public users to offer information and assistance as well as educate public on resource concerns and low-impact user techniques.

· Assist lead Field Ranger with potential non-compliance public contacts by providing back-up and communication.

· Perform trail corridor maintenance in wilderness and non-wilderness settings.

· Restore downed and broken trail signs.

Minimum Requirements:

· Must be a US Citizen, National or legal resident

· It is essential for the Stewards to be able to drive

· Ability to hike up to 10 miles/day with a 60-pound pack

· Ability to camp up to 8 days in backcountry settings

· Ability to work with little to no direct supervision

• Willingness to live and work in a small, rural community and be a responsible and respectable member of that community
• Willingness to work outdoors in areas containing natural hazards including biting and stinging insects, poisonous plants, inclement weather, and rugged terrain
• Willingness and capability to camp 1-4 nights per week, potentially in consistently inclement weather
• The selected Stewards will be required to submit a midterm and a final report during their term of service

Preferred Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree or in pursuit of bachelor’s degree

· Experience with backcountry travel and camping for extended periods

· Horse experience/exposure

· ATV/off road vehicle experience

· Trail work experience

· Manual labor experience

• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively as part of a larger team
• Ability to work independently and make good decisions
• Strong outdoor leadership skills

Benefits:

· Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $1,638.89 (pre-tax).

· Living Allowance: $520/week (pre-tax)

· S-212 Chainsaw certification

· Crosscut saw training and certification

· First aid and CPR

· ATV certification through ATV Safety Institute

· Defensive driving and 4×4 vehicle operation

· Horse and mule (stock) training and certification

· GPS and electronic data collection devices

· Government housing is available

How to Apply

Apply on-line through the external application link via Handshake. In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.

For Application Questions:

Please contact Alex Whittow, Stewards Program Coordinator at awhittow@conservationlegacy.org.

Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.