The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with USFS at Mt. Saint Helen National Volcanic Monument, is recruiting one (1) Recreation Program Assistant (South) to support the recreation program at the monument.

On the south side of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, the intern supports a wide variety of recreation activities and visitor services. Patrols and inspects backcountry areas and mountaineering routes, sometimes requiring multiple days of traveling through steep terrain and overnight camping, to ensure areas are operated, used, restored and/or maintained in accordance with management plans.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist with issuing special permits and tickets for recreational activities on the Monitor Ridge climbing route, the Mount Margaret Backcountry and Ape Cave Interpretive Site. Provides information on resource management practices, regulations, and current conditions at these sites. Collects, compiles, and summarizes recreation and trail data. Provides input for programming and planning.
• Assure recreation sites at the Monument and nearby dispersed areas are operated and maintained in accordance with management plans. Schedules daily activities, establishes maintenance schedules, and inspects cleanup operations. Reports on conditions and use of sites and areas to program supervisors.
• Clean both roadside and backcountry dispersed sites and naturalized sites where necessary in order to control use and prevent resource damage. Installs and maintains information boards, travel signs, regulatory signs, and other signs associated with recreation sites, trails, travel management, and safety.
• Conduct education programs addressing Leave No Trace (LNT) camping, wilderness philosophy and minimum impacts. Educates user groups on LNT camping techniques and packing out garbage. Helps curtail improper management of human waste and educates visitors on campsite placement.
• Prepare and conduct environmental education programs for a variety of audiences. Initiates or assists with the creation or revision of environmental education materials. Maintains working relationships with partnership organizations and volunteers.

Timeline:

• Anticipated Start Date: June (flexible for the right candidate); 12 weeks.
• Full time (40 hours/week).
• Schedule: 4/10-hour days.

Location:

At 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. Within a few moments, nearly 150 square miles of forest was blown over or left dead and standing. Fifty-seven lives were lost and the ensuing 9-hour eruption left a dramatically changed landscape.

In 1982, the President and Congress created the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument to be managed by the Forest Service for research, recreation, education, protecting local communities, and allowing natural processes to unfold. In addition to the legislated Monument, Mount St. Helens administrative unit also includes general forest areas. These areas are primarily to the south and east of the Monument, and are where the majority of dispersed recreation activities occur.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $20.82/hour.

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost.
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Housing may be available on site in USFS barracks at a daily rate. Selected RA’s may be provided a housing stipend if opting in for USFS barracks.

Technical requirements:

• Related degree or coursework in Recreation, Natural Resource Management, Education/Interpretation or comparable field.
• Strong interest in resource management.
• Experience/familiarity with field work.

Additional requirements:

• Demonstrated experience and comfort with public speaking and communicating with diverse audiences.
• Comfortable living onsite in shared housing.
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.

How to Apply:

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

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.