Recreation and Lands Fellow

Project Title: Recreation and Lands Fellow

Project Type: In-person

Duration: 8 Month Fellowship: Starting June 2024 (dates are dependent upon the start date)

Location: Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands 

Comanche Ranger District, 27204 Highway 287, Springfield, CO

Housing: Is available in a bunkhouse in Springfield, CO

Project Background:

The Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands are home to short grass prairies, beautiful canyons, archaeological sites including prehistoric rock art and the Historic Santa Fe Trail, the country’s longest dinosaur trackway, extensive grazing operations and a significant oil and gas field. Because of the variety of resources on the grasslands, there are many opportunities for a Resource Assistant to pursue. 

Project Duties: 

The Resource Assistant will assist with programmatic development in both the Recreation and Lands-Special Uses Programs on the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. There are a variety of projects that the Resource Assistant will have the opportunity to assist with or to spearhead in both the recreation and lands programs. Proposed projects include: field inspections using Esri Field Maps, administration of lands and recreation special use permits, developing a fee-system for recreation facilities on the grasslands, establishing grants and agreements to expand our recreation offerings, and growing our community outreach program. The Resource Assistant will have an office-field ratio of about 60-40 throughout their time on the Grasslands. This position is ideal for a self-starter with a broad area of interest who is eager to learn about how the lands and recreation programs operate on a National Grassland.

The RA will have the opportunity to collaborate with FS staff and to travel to various project sites in the course of their work. A valid driver’s license is required for this position, there is no public transportation, but a government vehicle will be available.

Fellows will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Associate during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3-5 blog posts highlighting their experience and development. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Comfortable working independently outside, in all weather conditions
• Is adept at networking and creating partnerships (within the Forest Service as well as with private and non-profit groups and individuals)
• is proficient in and enjoys writing and communicating clearly;
• has experience conducting field inspections (ideally using Field Maps or Survey123)
• is experienced at or interested in gaining experience in creating maps in ArcPro and ArcGIS Online

Minimum Qualifications:

• Environmental Science or Natural Resource degree or similar majors preferred, but open to a variety of Bachelors or Masters degrees and recent grads with strong writing skills.
• US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.

Working Conditions:

~60% office work in rural SE Colorado. 

~40% field work in rural conditions, outside in adverse weather (including heat, wind and sun) on uneven terrain

Stipend + Benefits:

• A biweekly stipend of $1,300 based on a 40-hour workweek
• Monthly housing stipend up to $1000 per month
• Health insurance coverage
• Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.)
• Direct Hire Authority/Public Land Corp Eligibility – after completing ## hours, DHA/PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for certain federal positions.

Application:

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to MANO Program Associate Veronica Torres, veronicat@hispanicaccess.org. 

Applications for this position are due on Sunday April 28th at 11:59pm EST

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Org Mission:

To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission:

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.