US Forest Service Trail Technician

Title: Trail Technician 

Start/End Date: April 10, 2023 – November 17, 2023 (Start date is flexible)

Stipend:  $700 + $250 (housing allowance)

Term:   32 weeks

Reports To: USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region

Location:  Albuquerque, NM

Status:  1200-hour AmeriCorps Service Term 

Benefits:  AmeriCorps Education Award $4,546.50 after successful completion 

Southwest Conservation Corps’ Mission 

It is the mission of the Southwest Conservation Corps to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities, and the environment. 

Program Overview: 

The Southwestern Region Recreation Program supports eleven National Forests (primarily in Arizona and New Mexico) developed and dispersed recreation programs including developed recreation such as campgrounds and picnic areas as well as motorized and non-motorized trails. Trails provide access and enjoyment on public lands, provide for a high quality of life, and provide economic benefits to regional and local communities. The USDA Forest Service is the largest trails manager in the country managing approximately 160,000 miles of trail many of which need maintenance and improvement.

Alongside of the Southwestern Regional Trails Program the individuals will be contributing to the Forest Service’s 10 Year Trails Challenge which is intended to improve trail management including multiple elements for increasing sustainability, partnerships, and benefits. The information gathered will provide foundational data to inform the next phase of the Challenge for improving trail sustainability and workforce planning. 

Essential roles and responsibilities include:

• Assist/facilitate Forest Trail Staffing Model Inventory
• Perform Trail Sustainability Assessments in Southwest Region
• Create Final Reports and Informational Handouts 

Assist/Facilitate Forest Trail Staffing Model Inventory:

• Work with Regional Trails PM to learn the objectives of the trail staffing model inventory
• Become familiar with the inventory tool, inputting process and FAQ’s
• Coordinate/schedule virtual or in person meetings with Forests/districts to complete inventory tool

Perform Trail Sustainability Assessments in Southwest Region:

• Hike or bike trails to perform assessments, use GPS (tablet) and other tools and materials to collect quality trail sustainability data
• Ensure data is accurately entered into database, trail narratives and supporting documents are filed correctly

Create Final Reports and Informational Handouts:

• Assist Trails Program Manager in compiling recorded data from staffing model and trail sustainability assessments
• Assist in development of informational materials for use in briefing papers and other efforts
• Coordinate with graphics services to prepare and produce materials

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• 2+ seasons experience in trail construction and/or maintenance
• 5+ years of experience traveling in rugged and mountainous terrain by foot
• Ability to self-manage schedule for safety and efficiency
• Familiarity with GPS, tablets, measuring wheel
• Familiarity with use of handheld radios
• Works/communicates well with others
• Good speaking and writing skills
• Good organizational techniques 

Training Provided: 

• Familiarity of FS positions and staffing models in trails and recreation
• Inventory tool introduction and training
• Survey123, ArcGIS online, Publisher, and other relevant databases.
• Trail sustainability criteria and evaluation techniques

Housing Provided:  No

Requirements: 

• U.S. Citizenship
  • Permanent Resident Card, INS form I-551
  • Alien Registration Card, INS form I-551
  • A passport indicating that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
  • A departure record (INS 194) indication that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
• Driver's License
• Per grant funding, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status

Apply Now! 

To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application. 

Contact Niki Antonio with any questions. Nantonio@conservationlegacy.org

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.