Groveland Ranger District, Groveland, CA
Social Scientist/Natural Resource Specialist (Recreation Specialist)

GS-101/401 – 7/9

Full Time – Permanent Opportunity

Submit your response form by March 31, 2021

Located between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, the Stanislaus National Forest landscape is a continuum of natural and scenic beauty that defines the Sierra. Amid soaring crests, sparkling mountain lakes, towering forests, and canyons carved by cool rushing rivers, visitors discover connections with nature and the spirit of the Sierra Nevada. Today, the Forest is managed for multiple uses; including recreation (whitewater rafting, Mtn. Biking, camping, motorized & non-motorized boating & Kayaking, OHV/OSV, hiking/backpacking, etc.

If you are passionate about natural resources and outdoor recreation, service to others; are accountable for your work and to your team, and would enjoy the challenges of diverse and complex landscapes, and Public Service program, we invite you to consider joining our team.

The Groveland Ranger District office is located in Groveland, CA and stretched thru Tuolumne and Mariposa counties. The District shares its easternmost boundary with Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest to the south. The District is home to the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River and Cherry Lake, the Ferretti-Non-Motorized Trails, and many access points for day and overnight backpacking trips into Yosemite and Forest wilderness areas. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=14919

The Position

This position is on the Stanislaus National Forest, Groveland Ranger District. The position is responsible for District recreation program; including but not limited to: River, Lake, OHV, developed and dispersed recreation and collaborates on the special uses, interpretive, and visitor information programs.

At full performance, the position will provide expertise and advice in the administration of recreation program and projects.  Review proposals for new recreation facilities or activities and recommends actions in accordance with approved plans. Coordinate activities between units and among other specialists (engineers, wildlife biologists, fire, law enforcement, etc.) to ensure consistency in program emphasis, development, and use between unit resources. Provide expertise and advice in assessing current recreation use, type, and standards, and in long-range planning, maintenance, and operation of recreation facilities.  Review new projects or proposed revisions of existing plans and coordinates action on approved projects. Compile and develop information for the recreation management database, including location, condition, costs, history, potential developments, and related data.  Monitor and review outputs and directs maintenance of the database.  Advice on the development of recreation management plans.  Make field reconnaissance and provide expertise and advice as requested on various types of recreation programs, which may include trails, Wild & Scenic River, Lake, OHV, dispersed recreation, construction and maintenance, development of new sites, operation and management of existing developed sites, and interpretive services.

Provide input into the recreation budget.  Review requests to ensure they compare with needs as shown in the information system, and coordinate adjustments with requesting budget and personnel.  Collect data, analyze program needs, and recommend action to maintain a balanced budget. Seek and establish mutual working relationships with outside entities, such as Federal, State, Tribal and local agencies who partner with the Forest Service. Develop and provide timely annual reports. Provide and prepare oral and written communication for Forest Services line managers to approve and sign.

Provide professional expert advice and support in the planning, designing, development, implementation, and evaluation of program/project activities. Assure all program management activities remain responsive to identified customer needs. Review and monitor natural resources management activities and prepares management recommendations of accomplishments. Review environmental analysis reports to determine adequacy of coordination of natural resources needs. Inspect projects for compliance with approved plans. Analyze and determine the effects of management activities on natural resources and prepares environmental assessments to document findings.

Supervision Less than 20% – Provide technical and administrative supervision to subordinate employees.  Plan work to be accomplished, set and adjust short-term priorities and prepare schedules for completion of work.  Assign work based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees.  Evaluate work performance.  Gives advice, counsel or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters.  Hear and resolve minor complaints from employees.  Refer group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher-level supervisor or manager.  Participate in agency outreach and hiring efforts.

Provide leadership, allocate resources, and implement activities to accomplish Forest Service multicultural organization direction and Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights requirements, goals, policies, and objectives.  Support and participate in the Work Environment Continuous Improvement process.  Ensure all communication – written, oral, visual, and signed – is non-discriminatory and sensitive to all employees and the public.  Create a work environment which respects, appreciates, and accepts contributions and perspectives of all employees.

Community Information

Groveland is located approximately 1hr west of Yosemite; along State Highway 120. A historic gold rush mining town, today serves the national and international visitors; providing a unique vacation experience. Learn more about Groveland at https://www.visittuolumne.com/groveland.

Outreach Response

Interested applicants submit your Outreach Reply Form to, or for more information contact Jose L. Hernandez, Public Service Staff Officer @ jose.l.hernandez@usda.gov or By Phone: 209-984-6135