Gila National Forest - Silver City Ranger District 3005 E. Camino Del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061
Dates of Employment:
Start Date:
November 16, 2026
End Date:
May 14, 2027 Number of weeks: 26
Purpose:
Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with internships service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. In partnership with the Gila National Forest, CCNM will host a Developed Recreation Technician. The Silver City Ranger District is part of the Gila National Forest, encompassing over 406,768 acres and multiple developed and dispersed recreation areas. This district is a popular area for the recreating public, and the selected candidates will be primarily responsible for general maintenance and cleaning of recreation sites across the district. This opportunity will expose the participants to the roles and responsibilities of a Forest Service Recreation Technician as well as team building as part of a larger effort to care for public lands. This Developed Recreation Technician is an hourly internship position that will support Gila National Forest in its efforts to connect people with nature, promote recreational activities, make decisions with sustainability in mind, and engage the surrounding community.
Description of Duties:
Recreation Site Operation and Duties o Clean and sanitize vault toilets. o Remove trash and litter. o Monitor conditions of infrastructures. Hazard Tree Analysis o Conduct inventory and analysis of hazardous trees. o Remove and mitigate hazardous trees. Safety Planning and Analysis o Plan and analyze work hazards. o Develop and maintain proper approach to safety. o Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for a safe working environment.
Conditions:
Health risks associated with cleaning bathroom facilities; threat of physical injury when using a chain saw - appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided, and proper use of all equipment will be demonstrated.
Qualifications:
At least 18 years of age. Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien. Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a background check. Valid U.S Driver's License - Drivers must be over 21 or have had a license for at least 3 consecutive years. Per federal grant requirements, this position is for young adults between the ages of 18-30 (35 for veterans) at the time the individual begins term of service.
Participation and Expedition Behavior:
Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences. Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason. Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service. Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff. Appropriately represent Conservation Corps New Mexico and Gila National Forest to the public and partners at all times. Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
Safety and Judgment:
Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds. Effectively perceive and understand significant and apparent hazards and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during the exposure to the hazard. Ability to respond appropriately to stress or crises. Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions. If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance from others.
Substance Free:
In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in program activities and while on organization property. Participants will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to government vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Participants must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety.
Our Commitment:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time requirements:
This position is expected to work full-time at 40 hours each week, but exact work schedule may vary.
Orientation and Training:
Participant will receive CCNM orientation that includes prohibited and allowable activities. Training on pressure washer use, disinfecting and sanitation, and maintaining sites to Forest Service standards. Chainsaw training. Job Hazard Analysis and Tailgate Safety Sessions.
Benefits:
Hourly Wage:
$17.50 Healthcare Coverage available after 60-day probationary period. PTO lump sum of 48 hours. Accrual of one hour of Sick Leave for every 21 hours worked. Paid federal holidays. Travel/gear fund of $559.
Supervisor Name and Contact Information:
Program Contact information: Joy Hernandez, jhernandez@conservationlegacy.
org Service Site Contact information:
Brian Martinez, brian.martinez2@usda.gov Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.