Overview

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS Sequoia National Forest, is recruiting a Recreation Technician who will work independently under the direction of the USFS to develop presentations and media based on recent science regarding ecological processes, natural and cultural effects of the drought on the local landscape, and the efforts to maintain and restore the ecology and processes on Sequoia National Forest. Tasks include:

 

1. Present interpretive or conservation education programs or activities regarding ecological restoration topics at campgrounds, organization camps and resorts on forest; and at local schools or community organizations and events.

2. Developing social media for uploading on the Forest’s public-facing website, facebook and instagram accounts.

3. Use U.S. Forest Service computer to access and update GIS layers, the Naturewatch, Interpretation and Conservation Education (NICE) database, and share and file documents in the project record and with public services staff.

Contract Timeline:
• 26-week appointment beginning May 3, 2021, or upon availability
• Full time, 40 hours per weekWork schedules generally consist of 5 days per week (8 hours/day). However, there is potential for an abbreviated work schedule consisting of 4 days per week (10 hours/day). This position will require a typical schedule of Thursday or Friday – Monday and work on holidays to accommodate high visitation periods.
Location:
The incumbent will be based out of the Hume Lake Ranger District (Dunlap, CA) of the Sequoia National Forest (SQF), which is one of 19 National Forests in California and takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world’s largest tree. The SQF’s landscape includes soaring granite monoliths, glacier-carved canyons, roaring whitewater, and more than 30 groves of sequoia trees in the forest’s lower elevation slopes. Elevations range from 1,000 feet in the foothill region to peaks over 12,000 feet in the rugged high country, providing visitors with some of the most spectacular views of mountainous landscape in the entire west. For additional details about the forest, please visit the forest’s official website.
Compensation and Benefits:
Living Allowance and Education Award: The recreation technician will receive a living allowance, the value of which is dependent on the length of service. The living allowance is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary. The allowance is paid to members in bi-weekly installments throughout their term of service. Upon successful completion of AmeriCorps service, members become eligible for an education award (the amount is dependent on the length of service) that can be used for paying student loans, paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college, as well as additional certifications such as NOLS courses.

Living Allowance: Approx. $500/week

Education Awards:
900-hour term – $3,097.50
675-hour term – $2,360.00

Health Insurance: The Great Basin Institute will cover 100% of the premium for Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for each member.

Student Loan Forbearance: If you are currently paying on any federal student loans, you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, allowing you to cease payments while in service.

Interest Accrual Repayment: As an AmeriCorps alumnus, you will be eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible for this service, the loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.

Job Qualifications:
  • Education/Experience
    • Complete or partial-completion of a higher education degree in environmental science, natural resources, K-12 education, community outreach, recreation, or other related field
    • 2 years of experience working with children (formal or informal)
    • OR combination of relevant education and experience
  • Solid foundational knowledge of environmental science topics (plants, animals, geology, ecosystems, etc.) and interest in learning about Sierra Nevada and Great Basin Ecosystems
  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills
  • Previous work experience at a day or residential camp is highly desirable
  • Campfire skills (song leading, playing of musical instrument, storytelling, games, riddles, etc.)
  • Enthusiastic, patient, and adaptable disposition
  • Passionate about field of environmental education and human dimensions;
  • Ability to work outdoors on a daily basis, in all types of weather;
  • Ability to hike between 2 and 5 miles daily and lift up to 25 pounds;
  • Applicants fluent in both Spanish and English are highly encouraged to apply
  • Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements:
    • U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
    • Must be at least 17 years of age
    • Received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this before using education award)
    • Eligible to receive and AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or equivalent of 2 full-time awards)
    • Pass state and federal criminal background checks
Other Job Information (if applicable):
EEO Statement
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.