Fremont-Winema National Forest - FACTS/GIS Database Management Internship
Job Announcement
United States Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Region
Fremont-Winema National Forest
FACTS/GIS Database manager
Please Respond By: March 31, 2023
Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) welcomes applications for a GIS, FACTS database manager for reforestation (RA) position. This is a 52-week full-time work experience from approximately June 1, 2023, to 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 candidate providing personnel and Human Resources needs during the placement. The daily activities of the RA will be primarily under the direction of Forest Service staff.
Position: FACTS Database Manager (Internship)
Target start date: June 1, 2023 (specific date to be determined by the RA and supervisor, may be up to two weeks earlier or later depending on the RA’s availability)
Duration: 52 weeks (Twelve Months)
Status: Full time (40 hours/week).
Duty Location: There are three options for the location of this position:
· Lakeview (LIO) option: U.S. Forest Service, Lakeview, OR. Full time work from the Supervisors Office, Monday – Friday.
· Klamath Falls (Klamath Falls RD) option: U.S. Forest Service, Klamath Falls, OR. Full time work from the Supervisors Office, Monday – Friday.
· On Forest with partial telework: Full time work split between a virtual location (e.g., home office or desk space).
Or, if mutually agreeable to the Forest Service and RA, this position could be considered for 100% virtual work after an agreed period has been spent on the Forest.
This is generally an office-based position. However, going to the field could be common to see projects planned and in progress to correlate activities with entries in FACTS. Also, short field assignments are possible during periods when FACTS and GIS projects are up to date. Limited travel for training sessions may be required, at the expense of the employer.
Overview – About the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region:
The Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region manages 24.75 million acres across 16 National Forests, 59 District Offices, a National Scenic Area, and a National Grassland across Oregon and Washington. Within the region, there are more than 2,400 developed recreation sites, over 24,000 miles of trails, 51 Wild and Scenic Rivers, two national monuments, one national historic trail, and two national scenic trails. Through culturally relevant partnerships, engagement, and communication, the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region builds connections with rural and urban communities to help sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Position Description:
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 the GIS and FACTS database manager for the Silviculture Program as well as other reforestation assignments on Forest. The REPLANT Act requires the Forest Service to address our existing reforestation needs by 2030, which requires the FACTS database to be current and accurate.
Duties and Areas of Responsibility
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
· Maintaining the FACTS database (tabular as well as spatial) to provide current information pertinent to the replant act.
· Complete GIS assignments as request by Forest.
· Becomes familiar with our reforestation program on the Forest by field inspections and data reviews (example. review stocking surveys, survival stake rows, assist monitoring)
· Work closely with forest personnel in relation to FACTS such as, planting, site prep, fuels management to accurately reflect activity codes.
This position does not supervise or lead other employees or volunteers. This position may drive government vehicles.
Requirements
· Strong written and verbal communication skills.
· 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.
· Maintain a positive attitude.
· Ability to work independently
· Undergraduate degree in forestry or related field
· Successful completion of a background check.
· Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents over 19 years old.
Desired Skills
· Well versed in GIS with an interest in using data to foster learning and collaboration.
· Experience coordinating and/or managing projects in a timely manner.
· Ability to adapt to change (such as changes to project scope, tasks, and timelines) and to persist through challenges to achieve goals and outcomes.
· Demonstrate professionalism that fosters an environment where colleagues and stakeholders feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring new ideas and issues forward.
· Advanced degree a plus
· Field experience in silviculture or reforestation a plus but not required.
Program Benefits:
· NYC will provide RA a total stipend of $36,400 divided across a 52-week term along with health care coverage, workers compensation, and FICA/Medicare.
· The RA will receive $2,750 in funding to reimburse relocation costs, program travel, and applicable trainings.
· The RA will receive a total monthly commuter fund of $600, and a total housing stipend of $12,000 prorated monthly.
· The RA will have a minimum of 80 hours of flexible paid leave in addition to federally recognized holidays.
· The RA will qualify for a U.S. Forest Service Direct Hiring Authority and Noncompetitive Hiring Eligibility upon completion of 960 hours of service. The hiring authority is valid for 2 years, once issued.
· Professional development, trainings, and networking opportunities.
About the Fremont-Winema NF:
If you are looking for progressive forest management, a vintage recreation experience, diverse ecosystems, spectacular landscapes, and the charms of rural America, the Fremont-Winema is a great place to work and play!
There are more than 2.3 million acres making up the Fremont-Winema National Forest extending across Lake and Klamath counties in south central Oregon. Combined in 2002, the Forest has the distinction of containing both the oldest (Fremont) and youngest (Winema) National Forests in Oregon. The Forest Supervisor’s Office is in Lakeview, the delightful hub of Lake County. Seven Ranger Stations range from rustic western communities to the bustle of Klamath Falls.
The landscape is varied – from lush forests in the Cascades on the western edge of the forest to the high desert on the eastern side. Recreation includes busy locations like Lake of the Woods on the Klamath Ranger District. But many are finding a vintage recreation experience on the Forest – where you can hike for days and see only a couple people, enjoy the solitude in a favorite camping spot or take in the breathtaking vistas during the day and the expansive and dramatic dark skies at night.
Despite sitting in the high desert, the Fremont-Winema and surrounding area hold wetlands that serve as a valuable resting point in the heart of the Pacific Flyway. A wide range of migratory birds travel through the area during the year between the Arctic and Mexico, providing a unique area for birdwatching. Bald eagles are frequently seen in the area any time of year. There are also great fisheries and wildlife habitat. Deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, bears, mountain lions and numerous other species can be found in the area.
The southern section of the Oregon Timber Trail, a newly established mountain bike-packing trail extending from Cave Lake on the Modoc National Forest to the Columbia River Gorge, is on the Fremont-Winema National Forest and is consistently rated as the most technical, remote, and scenic section. The trail includes part of the Fremont National Recreation Trail.
The Fremont-Winema National Forest is a leader in the Pacific Northwest Region for innovative landscape restoration work. This includes a robust timber program, strong hazardous fuel reduction and prescribed fire programs, and integrated natural resource restoration efforts. It is a working forest with active timber, grazing and other resource programs and is an integral part of the local communities.
The southern boundary of the forest is generally the Oregon-California border; to the east is the Warner Mountain Range; to the west is the Cascade Mountain Range. To the north and west, the Forest is bounded by the Deschutes, Rogue River-Siskiyou, and Umpqua National Forests. Three wilderness areas can be found on the forest: Mountain Lakes, Sky Lakes, and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness. Picturesque rock formations cap most of the high-elevation ridge tops.
Application Instructions Below
Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received
Type of position: Individual Placement
Service Dates: June 2023 to June 2024
Length of Term: 52 Weeks (2080 Hours)
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 https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Internships
Additional Information
If you have questions about the Resource Assistant Internship, please reach NYC Internship Program Officer Kate Sanders at kates@nwyouthcorps.org or Mike Reed at robert.m.reed@usda.gov
NYC 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.
All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check. NYC recommends that all participants be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.