Umpqua National Forest - Reforestation Specialist Resource Assistant Internship

The Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) Umpqua National Forest is advertising for a Reforestation Specialist Resource Assistant (RA) position. The position will be located on the Umpqua National Forest, on the North Umpqua Ranger District in Glide, OR. This is a 48-week full-time work experience from approximately July 2023 through June 2024. Created in 1984 and modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, NYC is a non-profit job training and experiential education program for youth and young adults to learn and work in the field of natural resource management. NYC will recruit and hire the selected RA candidates providing personnel and Human Resources HR needs during the placement.

The Resource Assistant Program is a rigorous and immersive paid internship for individuals interested in Forest Service careers. Resource Assistants (RAs) work with Forest Service staff to complete mission-critical work that demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication. Through direct training, experience, and exposure, RAs gain the tools to launch their natural and cultural resource careers.

Through a partnership with Northwest Youth Corps, the selected Resource Assistant will serve as a reforestation specialist within the Umpqua National Forest silviculture program at the North Umpqua Ranger District in Glide, Oregon. The selectee will assist the Umpqua National Forest silviculture program in providing surge capacity to meet the REPLANT Act and Forest Service Reforestation Strategy goals at the local level. The REPLANT Act requires the Forest Service to address our existing reforestation needs by 2030. The selectee will work both independently and in coordination with other silviculture and Forest staff. This position will perform work at the equivalent of a GS-7/8/9 position in the federal service.

·        Working on a team with internal and external partners to meet reforestation and fire recovery goals.

·        Assists with the preparation and executes the implementation of project work for silvicultural examinations, reforestation and stand improvement activities.

·        Conducts silviculture surveys, layout and design of field projects using existing protocols as well as using new and innovative tools to streamline existing processes.

·        Serves as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or inspector on specific contracts and oversees implementation of field work by internal employees, partners and/or contractors.

·        Plans activities and records accomplishments in Forest Service databases and in geospatial interface programs (FACTS, FSVeg, ArcGIS, ArcPro or current programs).

·        Assists with contract development and partnership agreements.

·        Collection reforestation data and produces reports.

·        Assists with seed use planning, seed need reports and seedling orders. 

·        Communicates work plans and outcomes with other reforestation specialists and supervisor.

·        $30,720 stipend, prorated monthly throughout internship

·        $1,000 monthly housing allowance (total of $11,000)

·        $2,750 for work-related training and professional development opportunities

·        $50 monthly commuter allowance (total of $550)

·        74 hours of available PTO

·        Health care coverage offered, workers compensation, and FICA/Medicare

·        RA will have special United States Forest Service Direct Hire Authority upon completion of a minimum of 960 hours of service

·        Strong written and verbal communication skills.

·        Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and maintain a positive attitude.

·        Ability to work independently and accomplish repetitive and recurring tasks.

·        Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and cooperative manner and handle multiple tasks/projects at a given time.

·        Willingness to work in inclement conditions, including cold weather, rain, heat and in the presence of allergens, stinging insects, etc.

·        Ability to hike long distances over uneven and steep terrain.

·        Undergraduate degree in forestry or related field.

·        Successful completion of a background check.

·        Driver’s license.

·        Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents over 19 years old.

The Umpqua National Forest (https://www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua/) covers nearly one million acres along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Southwest Oregon. The Forest encompasses a diverse area of sparkling rivers and lakes, deep canyons, and rugged mountains up to 9200 feet in elevation. The Umpqua produces a wealth of water resources, plant and fungal diversity, forest, wildlife, fish habitat, minerals, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors discover a diverse place of thundering waters, high mountain lakes, heart-stopping rapids, and peaceful ponds. The Forest is characterized by its many waterfalls, acres of native forest, three wildernesses, and the Oregon Cascades Recreation Area.

 

The Umpqua National Forest employs approximately 180 permanent, and 20 hosted employees. The Forest has four ranger district offices geographically located at Cottage Grove, Glide, Toketee, and Tiller; and the Dorena Genetics Resource Center, which supports genetic tree improvement and vegetation management programs for Oregon and Washington. The Forest also provides administrative and engineering assistance to the Wolf Creek Civilian Conservation Corps Center located near Glide.

 

Roseburg is a full-service community, with a population of 23k people in city limits and a total population of 60k within a 20- mile service area. Roseburg is the county seat for Douglas County, which has a population of 110k people. The city is located 70 miles south of Eugene on Interstate 5 and is near the confluence of the South Umpqua and North Umpqua rivers, at an elevation of 465 feet. While still heavily reliant on the wood products industry, the economy of the surrounding community is diversifying and has expanded to include light manufacturing medical, tourism, government, and service sectors. In addition, the area supports numerous wineries.

One modern full-service hospital is available in Roseburg, with over 100 beds. There is also a large Veterans Administration Medical Center. Indian Health Service (IHS) 638 clinic is available in Roseburg for any enrolled member of a federally recognized Tribe or Indian Nation and the Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center which provides medical services. The Roseburg School District has one high school (grades 9-12), two middle schools (grades 6-8), and eight elementary schools. The community features five private schools and Umpqua Community College, a two-year vocational and technical school with an adult continuing education program. Additional information on the Roseburg area can be found at https://www.cityofroseburg.org/.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Application Deadline: June 9th, 2023

Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.

Type of position: Individual Placement

Service Dates: July 2023 through June 2024

Length of Term: 1,920 hours (approximately 11 months)

 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references and completely fill out the application form found at https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Internships

Please select “Umpqua National Forest – Reforestation Specialist Resource Assistant Internship” when applying.

If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Program Officer Kate Sanders at kates@nwyouthcorps.org, 541-239-7122 or Ryan Siebold at ryan.siebold@usda.gov, 541-767-5050.

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history). NYC recommends that all participants be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.