Please Respond By May 16, 2021
Duty Location: Darrington, WA or Verlot, WA
The Position
The Treasured Landscape Coordinator is a Resource Assistant Program (RAP) internship hosted in partnership with Northwest Youth Corps (https://www.nwyouthcorps.org/m/) . RAP is a rigorous, immersive work and learning experience that provides developmental and training opportunities for individuals interested in learning more about Forest Service careers, and allows for meaningful contribution to the agency’s mission.
The Treasured Landscape Coordinator will be responsible for working with the U.S. Forest Service, National Forest Foundation, and local communities and organizations to build mutually beneficial partnerships through recreation and forest enhancement projects on national forest lands.
This position is based at the Darrington Ranger District of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and is a key part of the District team. The Coordinator will build National Environmental Policy Act and strategic planning skills while gaining direct hands on experience that can be transferred to a variety of organizations and future work setting. The incumbent will build leadership, public speaking, outreach, event management, and writing skills in the course of organizing and supporting events. The coordinator will be provided opportunities to attend virtual trainings and conferences (in-person opportunities will be dependent on COVID-19 safety guidelines). There is flexibility for some work to be conducted virtually.
Target start date: July 5, 2021
Approximate Duration: 34 weeks (approximately 8 months)
Status: Full time
Duty Location: Darrington, Washington or Verlot, Washington
Duties and Responsibilities (but not limited to):
• Work directly with U.S. Forest Service and National Forest Foundation personnel to plan, develop, and support key forest conservation and enhancement projects that are a part of the Treasured Landscapes campaign. Projects may include but not limited to recreation enhancements, riparian restoration, alpine meadow preservation, and native planting.
• Support the development of Treasured Landscape projects by coordinating with staff at both District offices and the Supervisor’s Office.
• Develop, coordinate and manage community engagement, environmental education, volunteerism and stewardship events that enhances the visibility and awareness of public lands.
• Work with local communities, State and federal agencies, and other participating organizations to support projects and events related to the implementation of the Treasured Landscape initiative.
• Work with partners to develop inclusive educational and interpretive materials and displays that connect people to their public lands including diverse communities, schools, and youth organizations in the Puget Sound area.
• Develop and contribute written stories for sharing on Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, National Forest Foundation and partners’ websites, social media sites, blogs, and magazine.
• Support any National Forest Foundation Friends of the Forest® Day volunteer stewardship events with the U.S. Forest Service and partner organizations. Ensure quality work opportunities are provided for volunteers and help build a constituency for National Forests through these events.
• Work with U.S. Forest Service and National Forest Foundation personnel and other partner organizations to evaluate projects and events and provide recommendations for improvements.
• At the end of the internship, the Coordinator will give a presentation summarizing the work performed.
Requirements:
• The ability to work effectively with professionals in a variety of disciplines in a collaborative and cooperative manner and handle multiple tasks/projects at a given time.
• Skills in problem solving, analysis, evaluation and resolution. Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to meet objectives as part of the performance of position duties.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders, exercise sound judgment, and maintain a positive attitude.
Desired Skills:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science or related field is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to distil complex issues and convey a compelling story in a clear, concise manner in individual and group settings.
• Experience coordinating and/or managing outdoor projects
• Strong community engagement skills and a desire to authentically collaborate with diverse groups.
• Capability to solve problems through creative and innovative leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership that fosters and environment of performance and accountability where stakeholders feel valued respected and empowered to bring new ideas forward.
• Outdoor work experience completing activities such as, habitat restoration, recreation enhancement, and native planting.
Program Benefits
• $500 weekly living allowance (totaling $17,000)
• $217.25 weekly allowance for housing/relocation/daily commute (totaling $7,386.50)
• $2,750 for work related travel and training
• Coordinator will receive health care coverage, workers compensation, and FICA/Medicare.
• Coordinator will qualify for a special federal direct hiring authority upon completion of 960 hours of service. The hiring authority is valid for 2 years, once issued.
• The position duty location will be Darrington, WA. However, because the Forest is so large, the intern may travel away from duty location to reach field sites or training location. If the intern spends one or more nights working away from duty location (with appropriate lodging provided), they will receive reimbursement for meal/travel costs. Reimbursements will be drawn from the $2,750 travel/training fund.
• Full time work for 8 months, but willing to accommodate students at a part-time schedule.
• Professional development, trainings, and networking opportunities.
About the U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Established in 1905, the agency works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat and wild places across the 193-million-acre National Forest System.
About the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Located in the state of Washington, the Forest extends over 140 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains from the Canadian border south to Mt. Rainier National Park. The Forest covers portions of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King and Pierce Counties in which over 55 percent of the state’s total population resides. Nearly 5 million people live in or near the Puget Sound metropolitan area and are generally 40 to 70 miles west of the Forest boundary. This, coupled with the fact that four major mountain passes cross the Cascade Mountains through the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, makes it one of the most visible and visited National Forests in the country. Its permanent and seasonal employees are responsible for managing 1.7 million acres of public land.
Additional Information
If you have questions about the Youth and Community Engagement Resource Assistant Internship, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Coordinator, Andrew Tagge at andrewt@nwyouthcorps.org or 541-654-4704, or Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Partnership Specialist Aleta Eng, at aleta.eng@usda.gov or 425-783-6017. Application Instructions Below _________________________________________________________________________ Application Deadline: May 16, 2021
Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.
Type of position: Individual Placement
Service Dates July 2021 to February 2022
Length of Term: 8 months
How to apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references and completely fill out the application form found at http://bit.ly/NYCInternApplicationForm
Please select “Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF – Treasured Landscape Coordinator” when applying.
Additional Information
If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Program Officer Andrew Tagge at andrewt@nwyouthcorps.org or Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Partnership Specialist Aleta Eng at aleta.eng@usda.gov. Northwest Youth Corps COVID-19 Protocols: We have developed and facilitated industry leading COVID management protocols that are in place to keep our members and staff healthy, and have maintained an excellent safety record. Read our COVID protocols by visiting www.nwyouthcorps.org/m/covid19.