Recreation Technician Member
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Upper Snake Field Office, is seeking Two Recreation Technician Members to contribute to the Youth Recreation project alongside BLM Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date: June 8, 2026 (contingent upon passing a government background check)
Estimated End Date: September 25, 2026
*a 16-week minimum commitment is required *
Location Details/Description:The BLM's Upper Snake Field Office (USFO) is the largest field office in the Idaho Falls District and has strong range management, recreation and realty programs. Whether fishing or floating the internationally-renowned South Fork of the Snake River, taking an exhilarating buggy ride on the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, or a quiet stroll on the Cress Creek Nature trail, there is an impressive variety of recreational activities for enthusiasts of all ability levels. It offers one of the most dynamic and complex recreation programs in the BLM. With over 250,000 visitors a summer, the South Fork of the Snake River is one of the most sought after fishing excursions. Likewise, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes offers over 10,000 acres of continuous sand dunes for those interested in recreating on public land. The Dunes also see approximately 250,000 visitors a year. The Upper Snake Field Office's range staff manage and oversee 350 grazing allotments.
For more information about the Upper Snake Field Office, please visit the BLM website.
Position Overview: The successful applicant will assist the Outdoor Recreation Planners with the USFO's recreation program, which covers almost 1.8 million acres of public land in southeast Idaho. Numerous opportunities exist for primarily field work and limited office work.The participant will work out of the USFO in Idaho Falls, ID. and the project will be coordinated by the Outdoor Recreation Planners. Fieldwork will be done in the St. Anthony Sand Dunes SRMA, Snake River SRMA, and in remote backcountry settings. Field work requires strenuous exertion. Weather and terrain conditions may be extreme (e.g. heat, cold, thunderstorms, steep badlands).
Field Work (~90%):
- Inventory and monitoring visitor use
- Inventory of 11 wilderness study areas (WSA)
- Sign installation
- Maintenance of recreation facilities (Cleaning restrooms, lawn mowing, weed control, painting)
- Opportunities for education and interpretation while interacting with visitors
- Monitoring dispersed recreation sites
- Operating OHVs
Field Preparation & Office Tasks (~10%):
- Data entry
- Completing inventory & monitoring reports
- Counting recreation fees
- Development of education materials
Project expected outcomes include assisting with the monitoring of ~5-6 WSAs within the field office. This will be documented by the inventory reports completed. Monitoring and inventory of visitor use within the SRMAs. This will also be documented by the completed monitoring and inventory forms. Completion of various projects (fence construction, sign installation, painting of buildings, trail construction) within the SRMAs and dispersed recreation sites. These can be measured by the number of projects completed.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.
Schedule: Generally 4 days per week 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Weekends are required since this project supports the recreation program.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $625/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM and ACE and is not flexible.
This position is part of the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement must meet the PLC Eligibility requirements to be considered for this position. Members 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.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or BLM.
Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $400 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.
Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include first aid/CPR, computer training, OHV, boating, GPS, proper use of hand tools and equipment, and trailering.
Qualifications
Required:
- Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization 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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
- 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.
- Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in recreation/visitor services-related discipline.
- All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.
- Ability and willingness to work in various weather conditions.
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. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
- Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 10 lbs., ability to move up to 40-50 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 gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
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.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the BLM or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM 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 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 Project Manager - EPIC BLM/USFS, Anna Louise Calliham.
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 enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
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.