Deschutes National Forest - Special Uses Trainee Resource Assistant Internship

The Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is advertising for one Special Uses Trainee Resource Assistant (RA) position. The position will be located on the Deschutes National Forest. This is an 8-month (32-week) full-time work experience from approximately June 5, 2023 to January 5, 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 daily activities of the RA will be primarily under the direction of Forest Service staff.

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. This is an immersive professional internship that requires a skillful and confident applicant who can manage a portfolio of work with the support of permanent staff.

 

Through a partnership with Northwest Youth Corps, the selected Resource Assistant will support the Deschutes National Forest in several different areas of special use permit administration. Special Uses includes numerous types of uses such as utility lines, communication sites, recreation residences, roads, outfitting and guiding, ski areas, recreation events and commercial filming, just to name a few. The incumbent will be responsible for basic permit administration, special projects, administrative support, field work, assisting in project development, and monitoring. Some of the day-to-day office work may take place in a virtual environment.

·        Learning and utilizing the special uses database system (SUDS)

·        Hard copy permit file and electronic record keeping

·        $24,000 stipend, prorated monthly throughout internship

·        $1,000 monthly housing allowance (total of $8,000)

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

·        $50 monthly commuter allowance (total of $400)

·        60 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

·        Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Strong organizational skills. Ability to work independently and with others.

·        Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and willing to learn additional digital/electronic data and file storage systems. Experience with GPS technology and/or geographical information systems (GIS) is desirable, but not required.

·        Valid state driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle by the time of employment. Government vehicles are available for work-related travel, but Resource Assistants are responsible for travel to and from duty station.

·        Successful completion of a background check to obtain a government issued identification card (known as LincPass) for computer access.

·        Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 19 years old. Anyone who meets age and citizenship requirements is encouraged to apply. Preference is given to the selection of individuals enrolled in an institution of higher education or recent graduates from an institution of higher education, with particular attention given to ensure full representation of women and participants from historically black, Hispanic, and Native American schools.

More detailed information about Central Oregon may be obtained from the following websites:

            

City of Bend | Home (bendoregon.gov)

           Deschutes National Forest - Home (usda.gov)

 

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Application Deadline: May 5, 2023

Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.

Type of position: Individual Placement

Service Dates: June 2023 through January 2024

Length of Term: 1,280 hours (approximately 8 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 “Deschutes NF – Special Uses Trainee Resource Assistant Internship” when applying.

If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Program Coordinator Kate Sanders at kates@nwyouthcorps.org or (541) 239-7122 or U.S. Forest Service Region 6 Regional Volunteer & Services and Workforce Development Program Coordinator, Christine Meyers at christine.meyers@usda.gov.