Discover Your Forest hosts a wide array of career opportunities! From long-term team members to seasonal hires, volunteer hosts to trainee programs, we are always looking for new ways to connect people to their Public Lands in meaningful ways. Keep scrolling to see the opportunities that we have available right now. If you’d like to see the commitments that we’ve made to our hiring practices, click on the button below.
Please submit your cover letter and resume to the contact in each job description.
We are an equal-opportunity employer.
Discover Your Forest Visitor Services Crew Member
Work Schedule: Full Time Seasonal – 40 hours/week (Days off Tuesday & Wednesday)
Start April 24th – September 9
Compensation: $18.00/hour
The Discover Your Forest Visitor Services Crew Member is an employee of Discover Your Northwest (DYNW) based in Seattle, WA. DYNW is the parent organization of Discover Your Forest (DYF) which is based in Bend, OR.
INTRODUCTION
This is a temporary position and is located at a visitor center. The incumbent is responsible for providing visitors with information, education, and interpretive services for a national monument, historical site, etc., that the Forest Service administers.
MAJOR DUTIES
The Incumbent may perform any or a combination of the following duties:
Ensures that the information desk at a reception area or visitor center is always covered and answers the phone and radio. Greets visitors and responds to inquiries regarding site activities, programs, exhibits, facilities, policies, and functions. Evaluates inquiries to provide the most valuable and appropriate information or to suggest other options, such as alternate routes or activities. Provides guidance to the public on rules and regulations regarding on-unit activities and attempts to gain public cooperation in protecting resources from damage and pollution. Assists visitors and callers with informational searches and using the reference library. Monitors and reports statistics, such as visitor numbers and activities, for project planning. Keeps abreast of unit issues and acts as lead to other information desk co-workers as needed.
Sells Federal Recreation passes, including the day, Northwest Forest Annual and Interagency Annual passes, and other merchandise, in accordance with handbook requirements. Is held responsible for submitting and accounting for sold passes and collected monies using written records.
Performs regular daily activities for the reception area or visitor center, including but not limited to daily opening and closing of the facility, raising and lowering the flag, and maintaining the front desk. Monitors public areas and updates the status of exhibits. Provides visitors with effective security and safety procedures instructions and informs the supervisor of visitor needs. Operates a variety of audio/visual equipment. Maintains a lost and found for visitors and staff. Coordinates with Discover Your Forest bookstore sales, including stocking, sales, inventory, and reporting.
Coordinates with staff specialists and the public affairs office to provide the public with the latest, most accurate, and appropriate information. Researches and maintains an inventory of timely publications, brochures, posters, and informational handouts for the public. Creates and posts informational handouts and flyers concerning safety, events, and other items of importance. Works with the public affairs unit to ensure current and accurate information is available on the external Forest Service website. Updates information such as road and recreation closures.
Arranges informational interpretive displays in the reception area or visitor center. Varies or changes the displays to coincide with seasonal changes and unit program emphases. Provides interpretive answers to various visitor interests, such as identifying local flora and fauna or the location of camping areas. Visits and is very familiar with trails, campgrounds, roads, and other areas on the unit, to provide accurate, descriptive information. Plans and presents interpretive talks and programs for visitors and other groups. Uses various tools, such as drawings, activity-specific tools, and audio/visual equipment, as interpretive aids for presentations.
Assists in developing specific objectives for interpretive programs and displays, providing input to the annual plan of work. Inventories and prepares reports on the annual volumes of use, trends in public information needs, and public response to existing information output.
Makes presentations on subjects such as fire safety, environmental awareness, recreation activities, and litter prevention/Leave No Trace.
Maintains the inventory of existing publications for public use. Prepares or assists in preparing informational exhibits, including photos, displays, maps, etc. Maintains the site’s audio-visual equipment.
Supports the site by performing such duties as monitoring field-going personnel for safety purposes, fleet use maintenance and reporting, and other projects and duties as assigned by the supervisor. Monitors the status of office and security equipment and uses various office and computer equipment to accomplish project and unit goals.
FACTOR STATEMENTS
Factor 1. Knowledge Required by the Position
Knowledge of many reference sources to locate answers to visitors’ questions and ability to use good judgment to recognize when to refer questions to a qualified professional.
Knowledge of the Forest Service mission, general Forest Service policies, and specific unit programs to properly present information to the general public. Understanding of the relationship between Discover Your Forest and Forest Service partnership.
Skill in written and verbal communication to successfully communicate with visitors and staff, to assist in developing written interpretive materials, and to prepare and present interpretive talks which will be interesting to the public and consistent with Forest Service programs and policies.
Skill in using computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite to create documents and information materials.
Factor 2. Supervisory Controls
The work lead assigns work in terms of project objectives and essential priorities.
The Incumbent draws upon experience and training previously received to perform work assignments. The incumbent resolves routine problems, and unusual or complicated situations are referred to the work lead or supervisor for guidance.
Completed work is reviewed for technical soundness and compliance with instructions by the supervisor.
Factor 3. Guidelines
Guidelines include Forest Service Manuals and Handbooks, written policy and directions, verbal instructions, and Forest Service-provided training.
Guidelines provide general policy in some cases and specific direction in others. The incumbent is required to exercise judgment in locating, selecting, and translating guidelines into actions. The supervisor is available to provide guidance in unusual situations.
Factor 4. Complexity
The work consists of various duties in the area of information, environmental education, and internal communications. These duties require planning and coordination with several other unit staff members.
The Incumbent decides what needs to be done and how to accomplish it by analyzing the issues involved in the situation and the unit’s needs, priorities, goals, and commitments. The incumbent must check and evaluate facts and instructions before distributing information. This responsibility requires data assimilation and determining appropriate action or attitude for effectively responding to the public.
In addition to routine decisions, significant judgment and interpretation are required when confronted with situations that could be clearer-cut or well-established, i.e., guidelines may have to be adapted or modified to one-of-a-kind situations. Incumbent must select from many alternatives to solve various procedural and operational problems in the functional area.
Factor 5. Scope and Effect
The incumbent must provide information to a wide range of visitors and groups while maintaining and applying a sound understanding of the Forest Service mission and Discover Your Forest partnership.
This work contributes to the better understanding and acceptance of Forest Service activities and policies by the general public.
Factor 6. Personal Contacts
Contacts include fellow employees, special interest groups, unit visitors, and interested persons from the general public.
Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts
Contacts are to provide a service, resolve operational problems, and receive, direct, and give information regarding various duties involved. The contacts require considerable tact, diplomacy, patience, courtesy, and credibility.
Factor 8. Physical Demands
The work varies from sedentary to very active. The incumbent must be able to handle long periods sitting at a desk or standing at a counter. However, occasional active physical activity is also required, such as hiking over rough and varied terrain and lifting, bending, standing, and carrying moderate-weight objects.
Factor 9. Work Environment
The job requires both office and outdoor work. Forest Service field offices and visitor centers are adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in outdoor work, periodically requiring protective clothing such as raincoats or jackets for inclement weather. Extended activities in uneven and varied terrain may be required, including underground.
Important Application and Selection Process Dates Application Window: March 15-April 5 Application Review: April 5-13 Selection Made: April 14, Onboarding Paperwork Process: April 17-20 Start Date: April 24, 2023
To apply or learn more about any of these opportunities, please contact Karen Walsh, Discover Your Forest Executive Director, at mobile: 541-233-6110 and send a resume and cover letter to karen.walsh@discovernw.org to apply.
AmeriCorps Wilderness Trainee 2023 Position Announcement
(Deschutes National Forest, 4 positions available in Bend. )
Spend the summer outdoors as an AmeriCorps Wilderness Trainee!
Description: The Deschutes National Forest, in partnership with Discover Your Forest and Heart of Oregon Corps, is seeking four individuals to serve in the Generation Green 21st Century Service Program as AmeriCorps Wilderness Trainees for the summer of 2023.
AmeriCorps Wilderness Trainees support the Deschutes National Forest through wilderness stewardship service while learning key skills and developing professional competencies. You will serve daily with Forest Service staff, other AmeriCorps Members and wilderness volunteers to complete your daily duties. The Heart of Oregon Corps -AmeriCorps, Discover Your Forest, Deschutes National Forest partnership passionate about promoting equity while celebrating the diversity of our community and providing empowering opportunities for those who are under-represented.
Generation Green Heart of Oregon AmeriCorps Program is as follows:
Primary duties include:
Secondary duties include:
Qualified candidates will be/have:
What is the education value to the applicant?
Partnership Overview:
This opportunity is made possible through a partnership between the Deschutes National Forest, Discover Your Forest, and Heart of Oregon Corps. Staff from each partner supports the AmeriCorps Wilderness Trainees. General guidelines for partner roles are:
Forest Service Staff provides:
Heart of Oregon Corps Staff:
Discover Your Forest Staff:
Onboarding & Orientation: Reference checks and a two-part criminal history background check will be conducted on all final candidates, as required for this position. Selected candidates must complete both AmeriCorps and Forest Service onboarding and attend all required Forest Service trainings/orientations.
Questions and How to Apply:
Heart of Oregon Corps is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply for open service opportunities. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be pursued for any interested and qualified applicants. Furthermore, people of color, women, and members of vulnerable or underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. As a recipient of Federal financial assistance, Heart of Oregon Corps is prohibited from discriminating on the grounds of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against any beneficiary of programs on the basis of the beneficiary’s citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States.
2023 Fisheries and Stream Survey Trainee
(Deschutes National Forest, 1 in Bend and 1 in Sisters)
Position Announcement
The Deschutes National Forest, in partnership with Discover Your Forest is seeking a candidate to serve in the Generation Green – 21st Century Conservation Service Program as Fisheries and Stream Survey Trainee for the summer of 2023.
Overview of Generation Green – 21st Century Conservation Service Trainee Program:
Duty Location: Deschutes National Forest Supervisors Office, Bend, OR
Work Schedule: Field days are typically 10 hours. The usual crew schedule is four days a week, Monday -Thursday, with occasional shorter or longer days.
About the Position:
The selectee will collect of Region 6 Level II data on streams in the Deschutes National Forest as part of a multi-person survey crew. Width and depth data are collected on slow and fast water habitats, in-stream wood is measured and tallied, shade and lengths of unstable banks are measured, data on riparian and streamside vegetation are collected, and stream discharge and substrate measured. Fish presence or absence and other aquatic wildlife observations, general stream condition, and stream impacts are recorded. Electrofishing and snorkel surveys will be conducted as well as other field duties including monitoring of water quantity and quality and meadow and stream restoration project implementation.
Opportunities for data collection and entry using ArcGIS and electronic surveys on handheld tablets will be offered.
Selectee will also assist with post-implementation monitoring. Types of monitoring may include photo point monitoring, riparian pasture monitoring, stream temperature monitoring, vegetation monitoring, and fish population monitoring.
Hiking long distances, off-trail, over rough, sometimes steep terrain and wading in cold, fast-moving waters on shifting, uneven substrate are regular conditions of this internship. Selectee can expect exposure to biting and stinging insects, dense vegetation, varying weather conditions, and driving long distances to access survey sites.
Selectee will work with experienced biologists, hydrologists, and others, and gain knowledge and experience in the mission and practices of the Forest Service, standard data collection protocols, fish identification, stream habitat function and ecology, riparian vegetation identification, land management and restoration practices on the forests, temperature and habitat monitoring, invasive species identification, and safety and wellness awareness on the job. Opportunities for GIS and data management will be offered.
Crew vehicle, hardhat, backpack, chest waders and wading boots will be provided.
Personal transportation from home to duty location will be is the responsibility of the selectee but mileage reimbursement may be available. If personal vehicle use is required for travel beyond the duty location for work related travel, mileage would be compensated.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to spend long days in the field under varying weather conditions
• Ability to swim or comfort being in and around water
• Good, professional attitude and ability to learn and work as a team member
• Efficient organization and communication skills
• Good communication skills are critical for relaying observations
• Basic computer and mobile device skills, legible handwriting in field conditions
• Interest in a fisheries/aquatics/natural resource management career
Partnership Overview:
This opportunity is made possible through a partnership between the Deschutes National Forest and Discover Your Forest. Staff from each partner supports the Fisheries & Stream Survey Trainee. General guidelines for partner roles are:
Forest Service provides:
Discover Your Forest Provides:
Onboarding & Orientation: Reference checks and a two-part criminal history background check will be conducted on all final candidates, as required for this position. Selected candidate must complete the Forest Service onboarding process and attend all required Forest Service trainings/orientations.
Questions and How to Apply:
2023 Fisheries and Wildlife Stream Survey Trainee
(Ochoco National Forest 2 positions available)
Position Announcement
The Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, in partnership with Discover Your Forest is seeking a candidate to serve in the Generation Green – 21st Century Conservation Service Program as Fisheries and Stream Survey Trainee for the summer of 2023.
Overview of Generation Green – 21st Century Conservation Service Trainee Program:
Duty Location: Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland Supervisors Office, Prineville, OR
Work Schedule: Field days are typically 10 hours. The usual crew schedule is four days a week, Monday -Thursday, with occasional shorter or longer days.
About the Position:
The selectee will collect of Region 6 Level II data on streams in the Ochoco National Forest as part of a multi-person survey crew. Width and depth data are collected on slow and fast water habitats, in-stream wood is measured and tallied, shade and lengths of unstable banks are measured, data on riparian and streamside vegetation are collected, and stream discharge and substrate measured. Fish presence or absence and other aquatic wildlife observations, general stream condition, and stream impacts are recorded. Electrofishing and snorkel surveys will be
conducted as well as other field duties including monitoring of water quantity and quality and meadow and stream restoration project implementation.
In addition, the selectee will also be implementing monitoring to detect American beaver occupancy. This monitoring will assist the Ochoco National Forest in better understanding beaver distribution Forest wide, as well as habitat selection and potential limiting factors. The selectee will be using Petro etal. 2020 beaver monitoring protocol as a guide to implement the monitoring.
Lastly, the Ochoco National Forest has a variety of ongoing aquatic/riparian restoration projects. The selectee will also participate in ongoing beaver dam analogue installation, riparian planting, and riparian protection (fencing meadows and caging plants)
Opportunities for data collection and entry using ArcGIS and electronic surveys on handheld tablets will be offered.
Selectee will also assist with post-implementation monitoring. Types of monitoring may include photo point monitoring, riparian pasture monitoring, stream temperature monitoring, vegetation monitoring, and fish population monitoring.
Hiking long distances, off-trail, over rough, sometimes steep terrain and wading in cold, fast-moving waters on shifting, uneven substrate are regular conditions of this internship. Selectee can expect exposure to biting and stinging insects, dense vegetation, varying weather conditions, and driving long distances to access survey sites.
Selectee will work with experienced biologists, hydrologists, and others, and gain knowledge and experience in the mission and practices of the Forest Service, standard data collection protocols, fish identification, stream habitat function and ecology, riparian vegetation identification, land management and restoration practices on the forests, temperature and habitat monitoring, invasive species identification, and safety and wellness awareness on the job. Opportunities for GIS and data management will be offered.
Crew vehicle, hardhat, backpack, chest waders and wading boots will be provided.
Personal transportation from home to duty location will be is the responsibility of the selectee but mileage reimbursement may be available. If personal vehicle use is required for travel beyond the duty location for work related travel, mileage would be compensated.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to spend long days in the field under varying weather conditions
• Ability to swim or comfort being in and around water
• Good, professional attitude and ability to learn and work as a team member
• Efficient organization and communication skills
• Good communication skills are critical for relaying observations
• Basic computer and mobile device skills, legible handwriting in field conditions
• Interest in a fisheries/aquatics/natural resource management career
Partnership Overview:
This opportunity is made possible through a partnership between the Deschutes National Forest and Discover Your Forest. Staff from each partner supports the Fisheries & Stream Survey Trainee. General guidelines for partner roles are:
Forest Service provides:
Discover Your Forest Provides:
Onboarding & Orientation: Reference checks and a two-part criminal history background check will be conducted on all final candidates, as required for this position. Selected candidate must complete the Forest Service onboarding process and attend all required Forest Service trainings/orientations.
Questions and How to Apply:
Once a trainee starts, they must be available to serve the duration of their internship. Some flexibility may be given to enrolled students.
Discover Your Forest – Forest Stewards Program Coordinator
This new position will play a key role in building the Discover Your Forest (DYF) and the Deschutes National Forest -Forest Stewards Program – a 3-year pilot program in its first year. The Forest Stewards Program is being developed to increase opportunities to educate and inform forest users through personal interactions on various forest management and responsible recreation topics. This is a dynamic role, and as the program develops and grows, so will likely the part of the coordinator. The coordinator will work closely with the DYF executive director (ED) and DYF to guide how the program will evolve. With the support of the ED, the coordinator will take the lead on recruiting a 10-12 person Forest Steward’s crew and the administrative tasks related to bringing on new volunteers. They will also work closely with DYF partners – recreation groups and land managers – to identify projects and establish work schedules, identify training needs, gather equipment, and take the lead on managing the logistics for all DYF Forest Stewards operations. The coordinator will be the liaison between the volunteer stewards, land managers/partnering organizations, and DYF – to identify and schedule programs and associated needs, keep DYF apprised of progress, and make suggested modifications to the program as needed.
The Forest Stewards Program Coordinator is an employee of Discover Your Northwest (DYNW) based in Seattle, WA. DYNW is the parent organization of Discover Your Forest (DYF), based in Bend, OR.
PRIMARY DUTIES
Participate as DYF Staff:
Personnel:
Project Coordination:
Work Schedule:
Desired Qualities and Experience:
Other:
Compensation:
Salary is 50,000 – 55,000/year commensurate with experience. This position will accrue vacation and sick leave, including health and dental insurance, 401K, and additional benefits.
To Apply: Anyone interested in the position should submit a resume and letter of interest demonstrating their qualifications. The letter of interest should succinctly describe the applicant’s goals, suitability for the job, and other pertinent facts that may not appear in the resume. Applications received by March 27, 2023, will be given priority. No phone calls, please. Discover Your Forest is an equal-opportunity employer. Please send resumes and cover letters to karen.walsh@discovernw.org. All offers of employment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of a background check.
Start Date: April 17, 2023
PGE Project ZeroPathways to Green Jobs
Program highlights
Young Adults Ages 19 to 24
Interns are Paid $19.50 an hour
Interns can work 25 to 40 hours a week
Paid monthly cohort meetings
Work for environmentally focused nonprofits
Interns receive work gear (boots, jackets, gloves, etc.)
Technology and transportation assistance available
PGE professional mentorship
Potential full time job placement after program completion
Program Timeframe
Interviews are April 2023
Interns selected May 2023
Program runs June 1 and ends November 30
Graduation ceremony December 1, 2023
Professional mentoring available December through May 2023
We appreciate your interest in volunteering on your Public Lands! By filling out this form your answers will help us learn a bit about who you are and what kind of volunteer service best fits your interests and skills. After you submit this form, Discover Your Forest’s Community Engagement Director will follow up with you to help connect you to local forest service volunteer opportunities and/or refer you to our partnering volunteer service organizations.