Position Title: USDA Forest Service Trails Recreation Technician - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Southwest Conservation Corps - Four Corners, Durango

Site Location: San Juan National Forest Columbine Ranger District, 367 S Pearl St. Bayfield, CO 81122

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 05/04/2026
• End Date: 10/23/2026
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours
• Position is dependent on grant funding

Purpose:

This AmeriCorps program partners with the USDA Forest Service staff at local field offices throughout southern Colorado. This AmeriCorps position is under direct mentorship and technical guidance of the Columbine Ranger District with additional management, support, and administration from Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC). The U.S. Forest Service works in collaboration with local communities and partners to carry out its mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forest and grasslands to the meet the needs of present and future generations. The values instilled through this mission are service, interdependence, conservation, diversity, and safety. The Recreation department of the Columbine District manages all facets of Recreation including outfitter and guides, special uses and events, wilderness, trails, dispersed and developed recreation, as well as special management of ski areas and infrastructure of anything that supports public use on the National Forest System Lands.

The trails program works to maintain quality trails, access, and related infrastructure (signage, Trailheads, etc.) through clearing, regular maintenance, and occasionally building trails for all user types across the district. The overall goal is to foster quality and accessible recreational opportunities on the forest, while also managing impacts caused by the use from the public now and for future generations to enjoy. This AmeriCorps position will primarily focus on trial maintenance and developed recreation projects within developed and dispersed campgrounds amongst the Columbine district. Recreation projects require a high functioning team environment with a positive culture as well as individuals to be reliable and engaged. Trail projects are a trade, and it takes time to build up the necessary skills for it to become a career path. Individual Placements (IPs) will get the opportunity to engage with members of the agency who will foster an environment with mentorship and developmental opportunities throughout their term.

Description of Duties:

• Perform trail maintenance and developed recreation projects and tasks that follow policies and protocols in alignment with the Forest Service standards and expectations
• Utilize trail maintenance tools such as chainsaws, crosscut saws, axes, pulaskis, shovels, etc. to complete trail maintenance projects safely in sometimes remote environments, with strenuous terrain and challenging weather conditions
• Restore downed and broken trail and informational signs
• Perform field-based projects effectively with a crew and periodically spend multiple nights in the backcountry

Potential Environmental/Human Risks:

• Slips, trips, falls with uneven, remote and rugged high elevation that can change rapidly and become inclement weather suddenly
• Hiking for long distances with heavy packs
• Wildlife encounters
• Operation of motorized equipment

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident
• At least 17 years of age
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Current and valid Driver's License for at least three years
• Per grand funding requirements, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability and desire to hike up to 8-10 miles per day and camp in backcountry settings while completing very physically demanding trail projects
• Interest in Natural Resource Management career
• Ability to serve independently and in a team environment in remote wilderness areas
• Ability to communicate effectively and engage in a culture of safety, while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Ability to complete trail projects with integrity and sound judgement making skills while staying motivated
• Previous trails related experience or experience in related land management fields such as landscaping, construction, outdoor education or recreation

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve a four tens schedule Monday through Thursday, but exact service schedules may vary and are subject to change at any time. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an in-depth orientation provided by Southwest Conservation Corps that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Parter will provide appropriate orientation and training(s) for field activities including Developing Think Sawyers Chainsaw and Crosscut certification, job hazard analysis, risk management, vehicle operations, and wildfire awareness

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50
• Living Allowance of $600 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $175 per week.
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
• Professional development and networking opportunities with both SCC and the Forest Service
• Two SCC field shirts
• Forest Service housing will likely be available - nightly rate of $6.37 - $8.37, paid to the Forest Service monthly

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Individual Placement Program Manager - Niki Antonio (she/her)

Contact Information: nantonio@conservationlegacy.org

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.