Deschutes National Forest - Archaeology Resource Assistant Internship

The Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) Deschutes National Forest is advertising for one (1) Archaeology Resource Assistant (RA). The position will be located on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District in Bend, OR. This is a 8-month (32 week) full-time work experience from approximately June 2023 through February 2024. Created in 1984 and modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, NYC is a non-profit job training and experiential education program for youth and young adults to learn and work in the field of natural resource management. NYC will recruit and hire the selected RA candidates providing personnel and Human Resources (HR) needs during the placement.

The Resource Assistant Program is a rigorous and immersive paid internship for individuals interested in Forest Service careers. Resource Assistants (RAs) work with Forest Service staff to complete mission-critical work that demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication. Through direct training, experience, and exposure, RAs gain the tools to launch their natural and cultural resource careers.

Through a partnership with Northwest Youth Corps, the selected Resource Assistants will support the Deschutes National Forest in natural and cultural resource planning and analysis. This is an immersive professional internship that requires a skillful and confident applicant who can manage a busy workload and learning opportunities with the support of permanent staff. This position would offer an estimated near GS-7/9 qualifications.

·        Assisting U.S. Forest Service Archaeologists with planning and implementing archaeological fieldwork, including analyzing project proposals for potential effects to historic properties, completing background literature and data reviews, working with Forest Service archaeologists to develop appropriate fieldwork strategies, and implementing archaeological survey, excavation, and/or monitoring.

·        Conducting archaeological survey, identifying and recording precontact and historic sites. Providing recommendations on the eligibility of sites to the National Register of Historic Places.

·        Contributing to cultural resource compliance reports.

·        Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings and fieldtrips.

·        Participating in public outreach events.

·        Assisting with heritage program based special projects based on knowledge and interest

·        $24,000 stipend, prorated monthly throughout internship

·        $1,000 monthly housing allowance (total of $8,000)

·        $3,500 for work-related training and professional development opportunities

·        $50 monthly commuter allowance (total of $400)

·        60 hours of available PTO

·        Health care coverage offered, workers compensation, and FICA/Medicare

·        RA will have special United States Forest Service Direct Hire Authority upon completion of a minimum of 960 hours of service

·        Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Strong organizational skills. Ability to work independently and with others.

·        Professional knowledge of basic principles, concepts and methodology of cultural resource management and archaeology as would typically be acquired through a bachelor's degree program within Anthropology or an associated discipline, plus skills and knowledge gained through additional work experience, that provides the ability to perform recurring assignments independently.

·        Fieldwork is a requirement of this position. The selected individual must be able to hike up to 10 miles with a 25-pound pack per shift.

·        Familiarity with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing instructions in 36 CFR800.

·        Experience conducting archaeological survey and identifying and documenting precontact and historic archaeological sites.

·        Skill in using current desktop publishing software and equipment technology applicable to electronic and print publication procedures and word processing, including experience in Microsoft Office and Adobe software. Experience with GIS software desired but not required.

·        Valid state driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle by the time of employment. Government vehicles are available for work-related travel, but Resource Assistants are responsible for travel to and from duty station.

·        Successful completion of a background check.

·        Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents over 19 years old.

The Deschutes National Forest encompasses 1.6 million acres ranging from the Cascade Mountains to the high desert. The Forest is one of 19 national forests in the Pacific Northwest Region. The Forest lands fall into Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath, and Lake counties and has four wilderness areas as well as the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The Forest, with its Supervisor's Office in Bend, is composed of the Sisters, Crescent, and Bend/Ft. Rock Ranger Districts, and the Bend Seed Extractory.

The Deschutes also administers the Redmond Air Center, located 2 miles east of Redmond, Oregon. The Redmond Air Center serves as the base for smokejumpers, an Interagency Hotshot Crew, an air tanker base, the Regional Air Group, and the Regional Fire Cache.

The Deschutes has 94 family campgrounds, 6 group campgrounds, and other recreation sites. In addition, there are 13 resorts, marinas, and stores, and 283 summer homes under special use permit. Attractions including 215 lakes and reservoirs, 617 miles of streams provide fishing and boating, winter sports, and thousands of acres of magnificent scenery. Current recreation use places the Deschutes among the top five national forests in the nation as a place to visit.

Mt. Bachelor ski area is located on the National Forest 20 miles west of Bend. The ski area serves nearly a million people who recreate here each winter. Facilities are provided for both downhill and cross-country skiing.

Central Oregon is a fabulous place to live and is also increasingly expensive. Please research housing costs.

More information about the area can be found at:

·        Bend, OR: http://www.bendchamber.org

 

See also: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/deschutes/home

 

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Application Deadline: May 5, 2023

Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.

Type of position: Individual Placement

Service Dates: June 2023 through January 2024

Length of Term: 1,280 hours (approximately 8 months)

 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references and completely fill out the application form found at https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Internships

Please select “Deschutes NF – Archaeology Resource Assistant Internship” when applying.

If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Program Coordinator Kate Sanders at kates@nwyouthcorps.org or (541) 239-7122 or Deschutes National Forest Heritage Program Manager Jillian Gantt at jillian.gantt@usda.gov or (541) 383-5638/

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history). NYC recommends that all participants be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.