Northwest Youth Corps OR- 640 HR

Individual Placement

Willamette National Forest

McKenzie River Ranger District, Middle Fork Ranger District

U.S. Forest Service

Position Title: Silviculture and Genetics Technician

Position Summary:

The Willamette National Forest is recruiting one individual placement to provide genetic resource management and reforestation survey support. The primary location will be on the McKenzie River Ranger District, however some work may occur on the Middle Fork Ranger District for support or training purposes. The individual placement will serve as a member of the Genetics and Silviculture teams of the Willamette National Forest performing a range of tasks that will help restore and protect Seed Orchards – which serve as critical reforestation infrastructure for the Forest as well as completing reforestation surveys. The incumbent will typically work 40 hours per week for four months.

Duties and Responsibilities: The primary duties of the incumbent will be to work alongside Forest Service employees - and eventually independently - to map, tag, and inventory the trees within the Foley and Upper Foley Seed Orchards (60%). The incumbent may also perform a range of other miscellaneous tasks associated with Seed Orchard upkeep and maintenance including surveying survival in both seedlings and adult trees, planting seedlings, basic computer work including spreadsheet management, and reviewing historical documents (20%). This work will occur primarily in the field, and therefore may involve working in hot, cold, and/or wet conditions. Some projects will include using hand tools and power tools such as hammers and drills to secure metal tags to the bole of trees or using shovels to plant seedlings. Reforestation support duties (20%) may include surveying forest units that have either natural regeneration or have been planted. The incumbent would be surveying for quantity, species and survival of seedlings. Additional work would include data management of findings in the field. While data management would occur in the office, the survey work would be in the field, in burned stands. The previous field conditions may apply, in addition to downed trees and overhead hazards. All required tools and materials will be provided by the Forest Service.

About Northwest Youth Corps (NYC):

Northwest Youth Corps was created in 1984 to offer teenagers and young adults an education-based, work experience modeled after the historic Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. Today, we serve over 1,000 youth and young adults each year across a four-state region who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, and educate youth and young adults to learn, grow and experience success.

Required Qualifications:

• Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
• U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
• Must pass a background/driver check
• Current driver's license
• Willingness to work alone or as part of a small team
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and on uneven ground for hours at a time
• Personal transportation

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with hand tools such as hammers and drills
• Coursework in forestry, genetics, and/or natural resources
• A strong interest in reforestation and natural resources management

Duty Location:

Duties are performed within the McKenzie River Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest. The office is in McKenzie Bridge, OR, which is one of several unincorporated communities along the McKenzie River, east of the Eugene/Springfield metropolitan area. Government housing may be available for this role.

Terms of Employment:

One Individual Placement will complete a term of service of 640 minimum hours starting May through September for a total of 16 Weeks. The individual placement will average 40 hours of labor per week, minus holidays. Individual placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food. Housing will be provided.

Program Benefits:

Individual Placements will earn a $11,520 living allowance that is dispersed on a monthly basis throughout the 16 weeks. There will be a $300 gear stipend and a $2,000 housing fund. The living allowance is taxable.

Application Instructions

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.

Type of position: Individual Placement

Service Dates: May- September 2026

Length of Term: 16 weeks (640 HR)

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

Please select "Silviculture and Genetics Technician Individual Placement" when applying.

Additional Information:

If you have questions about the position, please reach out to the Interns Department at interns@nwyouthcorps.org or contact Matt Peterson at Matthew.Peterson1@usda.gov

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).