Job Details

Summary

The American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Caribou-Targhee National Forest, is seeking ONE (1) Recreation Technician to contribute to a variety of projects alongside U.S. Forest Service staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: April 20, 2026

End Date: September 5, 2026

Location Details/Description: Palisades Ranger District, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, ID

The Palisades Ranger District encompasses about 450,000 acres in southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming. The District stretches from the Big Hole Mountains at the north end, along the Idaho –Wyoming state line on the east, to McCoy Creek on the south. The District has about 24 permanent employees and several seasonal employees. The world-famous fly fishing stream, South Fork of the Snake River is located within the District, as well as very diverse wildlife populations (including elk, deer, bear, mountain goats, lynx, and grey wolf), spectacular scenery, and a variety of resource programs and challenges. Trails consist of 298 miles of nonmotorized and 282 miles of motorized. The district has 9 developed campgrounds and vast areas for dispersed camping.

For more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest, please visit the forest website.

Position Overview:

• Construct and/or maintain trails
• Construct/assemble ATV trail bridges
• Cut and remove trees and dense brush
• Operate power tools such as chainsaws, hedgers, weed eaters, augers, compacting plates, drills, electric saws, and pole saws
• Utilize hand tools such as rakes, shovels, axes, pulaskis, loppers, Mcleod, and rock bars
• Camping in remote backcountry areas for extended periods
• Ride horses and OHVs
• Install picnic tables, utility tables, fire rings, and retaining walls
• Help with cleaning the trailhead restrooms
• Assist other District function areas, such as rangeland management and weed reduction
• Pour concrete for anchoring campground infrastructure
• Other duties to assist the recreation/trails program as assigned

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development, promote exposure to land management agencies, and network with professionals. This could include gaining experience in conservation fields and shadowing work groups.

Schedule: Typically Monday - Thursday 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800.00/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the USFS and ACE and is not flexible.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon their term of service completion. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing by the USFS.

Gear Assistance: ACE members have a reimbursement of up to $500.00 on eligible gear purchases

Eligible gear for this position includes appropriate footwear, camping gear, and proper weather protection/work apparel. All gear must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Per diem: ACE members will have a $45/day per diem for 15 work days.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, and networks for support. Specific training by the USFS may include UTV training, horseback riding training, trailer towing, chainsaw training, and more.

Qualifications

Required:

• Member must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the USFS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Member must be 21 years of age or older.
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
• Personal reliable transportation is required as the duty station is considered remote.
• Members must have a high fitness level and an interest in camping, with potential for backcountry work trips.
• Ability to work alone/in a small group with minimal supervision in remote settings.
• Experience and/or ability to learn the use of a GPS unit.
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors and be capable of lifting 50 lbs.
• Must be able to take initiative, work independently, and participate in collaborative efforts.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals and the public.
• The applicant must be able to work outdoors using and transporting a variety of hand tools including; - crosscut saws, shovels, rakes, loppers, etc. In addition, prior backpacking and trail work experience is desirable.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning-of-term feedback forms, end-of-term evaluations, and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing. Manual dexterity is required for the use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 50 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties safely and orderly so as not to endanger themselves, fellow staff/members, or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the USFS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the USFS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the USFS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to USFS and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Member Manager, Yunielis Clemente Ortiz, yclemente-ortiz at usaconservation dot org

ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.