SCA Intern - Recreation Technician (seasonal)

Job Description

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is seeking to host one dynamic seasonal intern in the beautiful Lake Quinault area of Olympic National Forest. Recreation management strives to create clean, safe, and welcoming recreation experiences, which provide opportunities for visitors to explore the Olympic National Forest’s natural resources in a beautiful setting. The intern will work closely with the local recreation manager, who will provide mentorship and training opportunities. The Intern will provide information to visitors to help them engage with the forest and recreation areas safely and responsibly. Recreation site duties are labor intensive, as the facilities are highly used and in need of regular attention. The Intern will perform basic recreation operations and facilities and trail maintenance duties. The Intern will implement duties individually, with a team, and/or with forest volunteers to maintain trailheads, facilities, trails, campgrounds, and day-use areas. The intern may work with various work crews throughout the year. This is a field-based position and the Intern should expect to hike with a heavy load of tools and equipment. This position will involve driving to work sites. Additional opportunities may be possible in timber, wildlife surveys, invasive species work, and botany that directly affect the Quinault area. This position would be well suited for someone who wants to live remotely and work outside in a stunning landscape while learning about the work required to sustain thriving recreation opportunities for the public.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

To include, but not limited to:

• General campground maintenance including cleaning restrooms and campsites
• Making visitor contacts and supporting campground hosts.
• Repair/rebuild/install informational kiosks and replace and update signs.
• Brush trail systems and clear trails using power brushers, hand tools, or other tools.
• Provide information to the public on recreation opportunities, safety, and responsible recreation practices.
• Collect recreation fees and provide information on fee compliance, rules, and regulations of the sites.
• Collaborate with volunteers and partners to implement recreation project work.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local recreation groups, businesses, volunteers, and the public while representing the Forest Service.

Marginal Duties 

• Trail data collection
• Survey123 for trail assessments
• Recreation.gov for reservation reports

Required Qualifications 

• Ability to commit to the full internship.
• Ability to drive a large, four-wheel drive vehicle on narrow gravel roads.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors, in inclement weather, for long durations.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to develop individual learning goals and communicate those goals effectively with supervisor.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Willingness to work on weekends and holidays.
• A safe, professional, and strong work ethic.
• Demonstrates creativity, motivation, critical thinking skills and resourcefulness for problem solving.
• The ability to take direction, follow instructions, and take initiative to find creative solutions.
• Communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations, such as project partners, staff, stakeholders, volunteers, youth and the public.
• Attend program orientation, trainings, and other required meetings.
• Selection, placement, and retention are contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory criminal history report.
• Must follow all health and safety policies and procedures, including any changes that are implemented throughout the course of the internship.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Strong interpersonal skills, experience working in team settings, and independently. Customer service/ retail experience a plus.
• Experience using basic power tools such as jig, circular saw, and drill.
• Experience using hand tools such as shovel, hammer, and pliers (this could include experience in farming, gardening, orchard work, landscaping, carpentry, construction, etc.).

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Forest Service bunkhouse is available to rent. Includes individual rooms, a shared kitchen, living and bathroom space. Laundry and a gym are on-site. There is basic furniture in the bunkhouse. Intern is responsible for personal items including bedding. There is no cell service in Quinault, WA, and there is no wifi currently in the bunkhouse. The Intern may opt to have Century Link, Starlink, or other internet installed in the bunkhouse. The intern would be financially responsible for installation and monthly payments for Wi-Fi. Pets, firearms, alcohol, and drugs (including marijuana) are prohibited in the bunkhouse. Under federal law, marijuana & cannabis products are still classified as a controlled substance. Even though it may be legal in certain states, it is illegal on Federal lands, including campgrounds, buildings, and other facilities. Finding housing other than forest service housing in this area is extremely difficult. Closest town for services such as groceries is Aberdeen, WA.

Compensation  

• $1,100 Round Trip Travel Allowance (Paid once)
• Living Allowance- $750/Week (Paid Bi-Weekly)
• Housing Allowance- $550/ Month (to be paid to USFS on site housing)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training

Interpretive Skills

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.