American Conservation Experience
Recreation Technician - Tahoe National Forest
American Conservation Experience, Nevada City, California, United States, 95959
Recreation Technician - Tahoe National Forest, Multiple Districts
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Forest Service, is seeking recreation technicians to contribute to developed recreation and campground projects alongside Tahoe National Forest Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date May 2026
Estimated End Date September 2026
*a 16-week minimum commitment is required, specific dates are below*
Location Details/Description The Tahoe National Forest is located in the northern Sierra Nevada (east of Sacramento) and extends from the foothills across the Sierra crest to the California state line. It includes over 850,000 acres of public land interspersed with 350,000 acres of private land in a checkerboard ownership pattern. Rivers, snow‑capped peaks and dense forests offer outstanding recreation year‑round. A complex set of ecosystems are found as the terrain ascends from 1,500 feet along the western boundary to over 9,000 feet along the crest. The forest provides a variety of resources and opportunities and is managed by the Forest Service.
Yuba River Ranger District The Yuba River Ranger District offices are located in Camptonville, CA and Nevada City, CA. Many employees live in the Nevada City/Grass Valley area (population 20,000) located 25 miles south. Nevada City is a vibrant town alongside Grass Valley, CA with excellent access to trails, ski resorts, and world class rafting and swimming holes. Nevada City has a flourishing arts scene, hosts excellent concerts and music festivals, and has many restaurants and shopping areas. The Sacramento metro area is within an hour's drive for urban amenities.
Start Date: May 17, 2026
Estimated End Date: September 5, 2026
American River District The American River Ranger District is located in Foresthill, California. Foresthill is a beautiful mountain community, located 17 miles east of Auburn and Interstate 80. Foresthill is surrounded on the south and west by the Auburn State Recreation Area, on the north by BLM lands, and on the east by National Forest. The American River Ranger District is distinguished with a portion of Granite Chief Wilderness, the North Fork American Wild River and Placer County Big Trees (northernmost grove of Giant Sequoias).
Start Date: May 4, 2026
Estimated End Date: August 22, 2026
Truckee Ranger District The Truckee Ranger District Office is in Truckee, California on Interstate 80, approximately 35 miles west of Reno, Nevada and 15 miles north of Lake Tahoe. The town elevation varies between 5200 and 7200 feet. Summer temperatures average in the upper 70s/low 80s, while winter temperatures can be as low as 14. Average annual snowfall is more than 200". The population is about 12,600.
Start Date: May 2026
Estimated End Date: September 2026
Sierraville Ranger District The Sierraville Ranger District office is located in Sierraville, California, a small town on scenic Highway 89 in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Sierraville is a beautiful community located at approximately 5,000 feet in elevation. Communities within 30 minutes of Sierraville include Truckee, Loyalton, Calpine, and Portola.
Start Date: May 2026
Estimated End Date: September 2026
For more information, please visit the Tahoe National Forest website.
Position Overview (may vary by district)
Performs minor maintenance of developed and dispersed recreation area facilities, including campgrounds and trailheads (cleans restrooms, cleans campsites, maintains fire‑safe areas, paints picnic tables and bulletin boards, etc.).
Heavy focus on physical labor
Provides excellent customer service by enthusiastically answering questions, greeting and assisting visitors.
Performs patrols of the campgrounds, trailheads, OHV areas and dispersed sites to ensure it stays presentable and address/and or report discrepancies as they occur.
Ensures visitors comply with rules and regulations.
May be expected to assist at visitor centers.
May assist in the management of group reservations.
May (not guaranteed) assist in trail maintenance activities, including but not limited to brushing, tread work and logging out.
May be given the opportunity to operate a chainsaw; training provided for members who start early enough in the season.
Working with volunteer campground hosts
Performs other duties as assigned
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
Yuba River District: Four (4) 10‑hour days, 7am‑5:30pm, including weekends and holidays.
American River District: Four (4) 10‑hour days, 6:30am‑5:00pm, including weekends and holidays
Truckee District: TBD - historically, four (4) ten‑hour days, including weekends and holidays
Sierraville District: TBD - historically, four (4) ten‑hour days, including weekends and holidays
Position Benefits Living Allowance:
The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi‑weekly.
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.
Housing:
Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or USFS. Up to $240/wk housing reimbursement will be available to help offset the cost of housing. USFS Barracks may be available. Local candidates are encouraged to apply.
Gear Allowance:
ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, work pants, hiking socks, etc, and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
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. ACE members will have up to $55 to spend on eligible training/professional development opportunities, which must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff prior to purchase.
Qualifications If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!
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 located on our Indeed homepage.
Preferred
Have a high fitness level and be comfortable in various indoor and outdoor work environments, and at times adverse weather conditions.
Public outreach and making contacts with visitors is a key component of this role. Contact is to educate visitors in recreation management and law enforcement objectives and policies, to obtain compliance with laws/regulations, to resolve problems, and to provide assistance to forest visitors. Contacts will include dealing with some persons and/or groups that may be uncooperative, hostile and who have different viewpoints.
Chainsaw and First Aid/CPR Certification highly desired; training may be provided.
Have working knowledge of detailed recreation rules and regulations to assist Forest visitors, and to detect and report violations.
Have demonstrated skills and knowledge of basic procedures for cleaning and maintaining recreational areas, facilities and/or trails.
Experience and/or ability to learn the use of a GPS unit.
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 required for use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
Environmental: Outdoor 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 does not require unique 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 in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. Other hazards may include poison oak, ticks, thorny plants, and the public.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the USFS. 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 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 Tahoe Project Director, Al Richert, arichert@usaconservation.org
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 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.
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For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date May 2026
Estimated End Date September 2026
*a 16-week minimum commitment is required, specific dates are below*
Location Details/Description The Tahoe National Forest is located in the northern Sierra Nevada (east of Sacramento) and extends from the foothills across the Sierra crest to the California state line. It includes over 850,000 acres of public land interspersed with 350,000 acres of private land in a checkerboard ownership pattern. Rivers, snow‑capped peaks and dense forests offer outstanding recreation year‑round. A complex set of ecosystems are found as the terrain ascends from 1,500 feet along the western boundary to over 9,000 feet along the crest. The forest provides a variety of resources and opportunities and is managed by the Forest Service.
Yuba River Ranger District The Yuba River Ranger District offices are located in Camptonville, CA and Nevada City, CA. Many employees live in the Nevada City/Grass Valley area (population 20,000) located 25 miles south. Nevada City is a vibrant town alongside Grass Valley, CA with excellent access to trails, ski resorts, and world class rafting and swimming holes. Nevada City has a flourishing arts scene, hosts excellent concerts and music festivals, and has many restaurants and shopping areas. The Sacramento metro area is within an hour's drive for urban amenities.
Start Date: May 17, 2026
Estimated End Date: September 5, 2026
American River District The American River Ranger District is located in Foresthill, California. Foresthill is a beautiful mountain community, located 17 miles east of Auburn and Interstate 80. Foresthill is surrounded on the south and west by the Auburn State Recreation Area, on the north by BLM lands, and on the east by National Forest. The American River Ranger District is distinguished with a portion of Granite Chief Wilderness, the North Fork American Wild River and Placer County Big Trees (northernmost grove of Giant Sequoias).
Start Date: May 4, 2026
Estimated End Date: August 22, 2026
Truckee Ranger District The Truckee Ranger District Office is in Truckee, California on Interstate 80, approximately 35 miles west of Reno, Nevada and 15 miles north of Lake Tahoe. The town elevation varies between 5200 and 7200 feet. Summer temperatures average in the upper 70s/low 80s, while winter temperatures can be as low as 14. Average annual snowfall is more than 200". The population is about 12,600.
Start Date: May 2026
Estimated End Date: September 2026
Sierraville Ranger District The Sierraville Ranger District office is located in Sierraville, California, a small town on scenic Highway 89 in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Sierraville is a beautiful community located at approximately 5,000 feet in elevation. Communities within 30 minutes of Sierraville include Truckee, Loyalton, Calpine, and Portola.
Start Date: May 2026
Estimated End Date: September 2026
For more information, please visit the Tahoe National Forest website.
Position Overview (may vary by district)
Performs minor maintenance of developed and dispersed recreation area facilities, including campgrounds and trailheads (cleans restrooms, cleans campsites, maintains fire‑safe areas, paints picnic tables and bulletin boards, etc.).
Heavy focus on physical labor
Provides excellent customer service by enthusiastically answering questions, greeting and assisting visitors.
Performs patrols of the campgrounds, trailheads, OHV areas and dispersed sites to ensure it stays presentable and address/and or report discrepancies as they occur.
Ensures visitors comply with rules and regulations.
May be expected to assist at visitor centers.
May assist in the management of group reservations.
May (not guaranteed) assist in trail maintenance activities, including but not limited to brushing, tread work and logging out.
May be given the opportunity to operate a chainsaw; training provided for members who start early enough in the season.
Working with volunteer campground hosts
Performs other duties as assigned
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
Yuba River District: Four (4) 10‑hour days, 7am‑5:30pm, including weekends and holidays.
American River District: Four (4) 10‑hour days, 6:30am‑5:00pm, including weekends and holidays
Truckee District: TBD - historically, four (4) ten‑hour days, including weekends and holidays
Sierraville District: TBD - historically, four (4) ten‑hour days, including weekends and holidays
Position Benefits Living Allowance:
The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi‑weekly.
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.
Housing:
Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or USFS. Up to $240/wk housing reimbursement will be available to help offset the cost of housing. USFS Barracks may be available. Local candidates are encouraged to apply.
Gear Allowance:
ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, work pants, hiking socks, etc, and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
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. ACE members will have up to $55 to spend on eligible training/professional development opportunities, which must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff prior to purchase.
Qualifications If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!
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 located on our Indeed homepage.
Preferred
Have a high fitness level and be comfortable in various indoor and outdoor work environments, and at times adverse weather conditions.
Public outreach and making contacts with visitors is a key component of this role. Contact is to educate visitors in recreation management and law enforcement objectives and policies, to obtain compliance with laws/regulations, to resolve problems, and to provide assistance to forest visitors. Contacts will include dealing with some persons and/or groups that may be uncooperative, hostile and who have different viewpoints.
Chainsaw and First Aid/CPR Certification highly desired; training may be provided.
Have working knowledge of detailed recreation rules and regulations to assist Forest visitors, and to detect and report violations.
Have demonstrated skills and knowledge of basic procedures for cleaning and maintaining recreational areas, facilities and/or trails.
Experience and/or ability to learn the use of a GPS unit.
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 required for use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
Environmental: Outdoor 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 does not require unique 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 in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. Other hazards may include poison oak, ticks, thorny plants, and the public.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the USFS. 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 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 Tahoe Project Director, Al Richert, arichert@usaconservation.org
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 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.
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