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Recreation Technician Military Veterans Only

Mt. Adams Institute
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Position Title: Recreation Technician

Partner Organization: Chugach National Forest

Partner Website: www.fs.usda.gov/chugach

Location: 35399 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664

Service Dates: March 17, 2025, to January 23, 2026 (45 week, 1700-hour position)

 

Position Summary

In partnership with the Mt. Adams Institute (MAI), the Chugach National Forest will sponsor a VetsWork AmeriCorps Intern to serve as a Recreation Technician. The Intern will support all facets of a year-round recreation program. When a recreation technician helps maintain and operate recreation sites, it prevents the degradation of natural resources. It also enhances a visitor’s experience, enjoyment, and satisfaction with the outdoors, providing a wide range of positive health benefits and boosting local economies through recreation tourism.

Although the address for this position is listed in Seward, AK, the office is technically located closer to a small town called Moose Pass, AK. The city of Seward is about 30 minutes away from the office. This is a field-based position with most tasks performed outside under all weather conditions, and could involve weekends and holidays. The duties will primarily involve assisting in the weekly replenishment of recreation areas, servicing and maintaining remote cabin sites, and informing guests in recreation areas of rules and regulations. Recreation maintenance is labor intensive as the facilities are highly used and need regular repair. The Intern will perform basic recreation and facilities maintenance duties and receive training in Recreation Management. The work is rewarding and allows visitors to explore the Chugach National Forest’s natural resources in a beautiful setting.

Essential Functions

To include, but not limited to:

  • Inform the public about recreation rules and answer questions.
  • Restock, replenish and clean campgrounds and developed recreation facilities such as bathrooms, showers, and picnic sites.
  • General campground and recreation site maintenance such as removing campfire ash, sign installation, grass cutting, string trimming, painting, and trash removal.
  • Provide support to the fuels program during prescribed burning operations.
  • Assist Forest Service staff at the Russian River with managing large groups of people to avoid bear-human conflict, regulation compliance, and habitat protection.
  • Work with partners and volunteers at the Russian River to encourage responsible behaviors from those fishing within the National Forest.
  • Assist the remote cabin maintenance team to perform annual maintenance like chinking logs, staining exterior logs, and basic carpentry repair.
  • Support departments throughout the district to experience different professional disciplines.
  • Support trail restoration projects as they arise.
  • Attend and complete all MAI/AmeriCorps trainings and service requirements.
  • Complete and submit all necessary MAI/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

 

Position Requirements

Service Site

  • Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation when requested.
  • A commitment to maintain a safe workplace, and desire to participate in a team environment.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. and hike 3 miles with a 50 lb. pack.
  • Comfortable staying overnight at remote locations, which may require tent camping.
  • Ability to communicate professionally and clearly with members of the public.
  • Must follow all health and safety policies and procedures, including any changes that are implemented throughout the course of the program. Accepting a position means accepting the current requirements and any updates to those requirements while enrolled in the program.

 

AmeriCorps

  • Must have served in the Uniformed Services of the United States, including Guard and Reserves and have a DD214 with an honorable discharge or general under honorable on case-by-case basis after further review.
  • At least 21 years of age at the beginning of the service term.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident.
  • Ability to commit to the full term of service.
  • Attend program orientation, Intern trainings, and graduation.
  • Wear MAI identifiers while performing service or attending official events.
  • Selection, placement, and retention are contingent upon passing the National Sex Offender Public Registry, state of service and state of residence criminal history check, and a national FBI check.
  • Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to using education award.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to use basic power tools and hand tools such as shovel, hammer, and pliers.
  • Ability to operate basic gas-powered equipment such as generators, power-washers, mowers, brush-cutters, soil compactors, and tracked wheelbarrows.
  • Experience hauling and loading trailers.
  • Able to endure arduous duties in the field.
  • Customer service skills.

Benefits

  • VetsWork is an apprenticeship program approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor. Members with G.I. Bill benefits may be able to dual enroll as an apprentice and access their Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of up to approximately $2,400 per month. Actual benefits vary by individuals’ qualified benefits.
  • $22,500 living allowance – paid monthly over term of service ($500 weekly, before taxes).
  • $7,395 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses)
  • Loan Forbearance
  • Health Care Insurance
  • Child Care Reimbursement through AmeriCorps Childcare Program for those who qualify
  • Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.

 

Housing

  • An $800 per month housing stipend is provided. This payment is deposited monthly with the living allowance (listed above under Benefits) and is taxable.
  • Forest Service bunkhousing is available to rent:
    • The housing is dormitory style, and is fully furnished with free Wi-Fi, TV, and laundry. Rooms are subject to occupancy of two individuals but may be single occupancy when space allows.
    • Smoking, pets, alcohol, firearms, and drugs (including marijuana) are prohibited in federal housing. 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 and buildings.
    • View pictures of the housing here.
  • Groceries are available in Seward, about twenty road miles (30-45 minutes) from the office.

 

Transportation Information

  • Airfare is provided at the start of our program; from Intern’s location to the Service Site (up to $750).
  • Upon successful completion of the program, airfare is provided from Service Site to Intern’s home (up to $750).
  • Public transportation is not available.
  • A personal vehicle is recommended.
  • Intern is responsible for travel to and from the office.
  • Agency vehicles are available for service-related travel.

 

Other Considerations

  • Although the technical address for the office is Seward, the area where the intern will service is in Moose Pass, AK. Moose Pass is a rural community with a few local amenities including a small store, restaurant, and library. Seward is 20 minutes away and has a full-service community with more options. Anchorage is about two hours away with most services of a modern city.
  • Recreational opportunities in the area including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
  • Cell phone reception is not reliable at the office, but generally reliable in nearby communities. AT&T and Verizon are the most reliable. Generally, the Wi-Fi at the bunkhouse is capable of handling regular communication.
  • Any gear required to perform the duties of the position will be provided by the Forest Service. Rubberized rain gear and good rain boots are recommended. Staff recommends Xtratuf and Grundens.
  • View a community profile of Seward, AK here; view a community profile of Moose Pass, AK here.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

MAI does not discriminate against any person or group based on race, ethnicity, culture, age, sex, ability, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, social economic class, religion, professional status, pregnancy, or parents/guardians with children. MAI is committed to supporting our Interns and staff with trainings and career development opportunities.

MAI provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative formats at any point in the employment process.