Recreation and Trails Technician

American Conservation Experience is hiring 3 Recreation and Trails Technicians for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Naches, WA. The role involves trail monitoring, maintenance, and public education about Wilderness regulations and Leave No Trace principles. Technicians will work on trail repair, data collection using GPS/GIS, and collaborate with partners. The position runs from June 9, 2025, to September 27, 2025, in a remote mountain setting.
Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is seeking 3 Recreation and Trails Technicians. This opportunity is intended for

enthusiastic professionals, with a deep interest in trail monitoring and management on National Forest land, including Wilderness areas.

The Recreation and Trails Technicians will assist Forest Service personnel with the maintenance of FS-system trails, both inside and outside wilderness; and will include trail repair, log out, occasional construction/reconstruction of infrastructure, the monitoring of designated Wilderness areas with a focus on inventorying user-created trails and recreation sites, and coordinating with various partner organizations during projects. Members will also help with educating the public about Wilderness awareness and regulations, permit compliance, campsite impacts and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.

Start Date: June 9, 2025

End Date: 9/27/2025

Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest; Naches Ranger District, Naches WA

Naches Ranger Station, Naches, WA-located approximately 15 miles west on Hwy 12 from the nearest full service community of Yakima, WA. There are minimal services such as gas and groceries at this site. Government housing is an additional 20 minutes west from the ranger station. Cell service is limited at the housing location, please be prepared to live and work in this remote, mountain setting.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest encompasses nearly 3.8 million acres along the east slopes of the Cascade Range in central Washington. The Forest encompasses a diverse area of sparkling rivers and lakes, deep canyons, and rugged mountains up to 10,541 feet in elevation. The Okanogan-Wenatchee NF produces a wealth of water resources, timber, wildlife, fish, minerals and outdoor recreation opportunities. Included within the district are the Goat Rocks, William O'Douglass and Norse Peak wilderness areas. The district is also home to White Pass Ski area and the Rimrock Lake and Clear Lake Recreation areas.

For more information about Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, please visit the USFS website.

Position Overview
• Use GPS/GIS to complete map and collect data on trails and conditions, and complete inventories of recreation sites and user-created trails within Wilderness
• Maintain Forest Service system trails to standard using tools such as crosscut saws on frequently large-diameter logs, hand saws, shovels, pulaskis, McLeods, grip hoists, rock bars and other tools related to trails maintenance
• Provide excellent visitor service by answering the public's questions on Wilderness regulations, LNT ethics and nearby recreational attractions
• Coordination and collaboration with partners on projects
• Project work on the Pacific Crest Trail along with inventorying user-created trails for decommissioning.
• Contacts recreational visitors to provide factual information and answers questions about recreation opportunities, rules, regulation, and information on resource management practices on the unit.
• Collects monies from sale of recreation use permits at designated fee sites.
• Keeps records of sales, safeguards monies, and unused permits. Collects wilderness use permits from trailheads.
• Patrols recreation areas and trails for compliance by day visitors and campers with established rules and regulations posted in the area. Reports apparent violations to supervisor.
• Performs routine recreation operations and maintenance, including but not limited to picnic table and fire ring installation, signboard maintenance and installation, ensuring correct signage is included and cleanup work including repairing minor damage of recreation facilities; i.e., toilets, buildings, etc
• Cleaning bathrooms and restocking supplies will also be necessary
• Use of technology such as tablets and GPS systems will be utilized to collect baseline data and inventories
• Perform trail maintenance and patrols of motorized trails. Use of 4-wheel drive equipment will be necessary and the chosen member needs to be comfortable traveling in a UTV or Jeep on rough, steep, and remote motorized trails.
• Training will be provided to operate UTV's and Jeep operations will be limited to trained agency personnel. Making public contacts with those in the motorized community and informing of rules and regulations regarding motorized use will be performed.
• Assessing dispersed camping locations where motorized users congregate for resource damage will be necessary and the use of technology such as tablets and GPS systems will be utilized to accomplish this along with inventorying user created trails, signs and sign needs.
• Strong verbal communication skills are preferred, as many public contacts will be made and education and enforcement will occur.
• OHV rangers will work with agency partners to accomplish project work and attend public events hosted by the motorized community.
• Motorized trail maintenance will require the use of hand tools and some power equipment such as chainsaws.
• Installation of signs, maintenance of sign boards and posted information will also be performed.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The member should anticipate serving 40 hrs/wk and will receive a living allowance of $740/wk for food and incidentals, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the USFS

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Qualifications: Ideal applicants will hold (or be pursuing) a bachelor's degree in a natural resource field, though relevant experience and a passion for public lands may be substituted. A background in trails is preferred. This is a highly demanding outdoor position that requires substantial physical fitness and mobility, and a tolerance for extreme weather and demanding conditions, snow, sun, heat, mosquitoes and long-hours.

Training Provided: Members will be trained in a variety of trail maintenance skills and techniques, and may have the opportunity to complete more specialized training in crosscut, chainsaw or rock-work/rigging operations.

Qualifications

Preferred Skills:
• Experience and/or ability to learn the use of a GPS unit. Experience with GIS software is preferential.
• Prior backpacking and trails experience is preferred
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and participate in collaborative efforts
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals
• Ability to work outdoors while using and transporting a variety of hand tools including crosscut saws, shovels, rakes, loppers, power tools, rigging, etc.

Required
• Ability to work in small teams in close/remote setting with minimal supervision
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Proficient in English
• Must be 18-30 years of age
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Personal reliable transportation is required, as the duty station is considered remote
• Members must possess a high fitness level and interest in camping, with potential for backcountry work trips in inclement weather.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request)
• Ability to pass a basic written test and road test to obtain a US Government Motor Vehicle Operators Card
• Ability to pass a federal criminal background check
• ACE is a drug free workplace and reserves the right to drug test at any time

The member must be willing to represent ACE and the Forest Service in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.

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 in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. 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 feel free to contact Jack Hall, BLM/USFS Assistant Director

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, 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, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, 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.

Salary: $740 per week