Position Title: Land/Special Uses Resources Assistant 
Duration: 40hrs/week for 8 months, Starting June 2022
Type: Opportunity for In-person
Location: Pintler Ranger District, 88 Business Loop, Philipsburg, MT 59858

Fellowship Description:

The Northern Region of the Forest Service is seeking someone with interests in lands and recreation special use permits.  This position will work directly with District Rangers, resource specialists, and permit applicants and permittees.  

 Responsibilities:

The RA will assist with a variety of routine and complex tasks involving the administration of special use permits on National Forest System lands including roads, water lines, communication sites, and recreation residences.

 Major Duties:

This is a trainee assignment and the individual will be exposed to the following:

• Administers various aspects of the special uses program. Administers a variety of authorizations for a variety of activities, including recreation residences, communication sites, road access, and water lines.  
• Serves as the primary contact for prospective and existing special use holders and works with them to resolve problems if they arise. Meets with special use proponents to discuss the special use application process and inform them of possible special use terms and conditions.  
• Evaluates simple special use proposals according to regulatory screening criteria.  
• Process special use authorization renewals, terminations, revocations, or suspensions as appropriate. Completes, or assures completion of, appropriate documentation to support action,  Keeps special use authorization holders, affected line officers apprised of actions. Conducts on-the-ground inspections.  
• Generates and tracks cost recovery and land use bills.
• Enters data, or works with appropriate staff, to ensure Geographic Information System (GIS) data for special uses is kept current.  
• Maintain SUDS
• Ensure all special uses records are maintained.  

The Desired Candidate will have:

• Experience in the field driving 4x4s and hiking in mountainous terrain.
• Organizational skills are critical. Good writing and computer skills are important, including proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and preferably GIS as well.
• Strong written and verbal skills and ability to deal with diverse groups representing a variety of philosophies. Maintain a professional image of the Forest Service and a positive attitude and outgoing personality.  
• Competency in reading and interpreting maps.  
• Independently gain knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, and policies involving special uses.
• Young professionals (BA/BS, MS/MA, etc.) or currently enrolled associates, undergraduate, or graduate students within Natural Resource and Business degrees (forestry, environmental sciences, recreation management, wildlife biology, etc.)
• The degree is desired, but attitude, commitment to the position, openness to challenges and exploring new things, and multitasking are best appreciated. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ages 17 and up
• Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 8 months
• Driver’s license required
• RA will be required to drive a government vehicle
• US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
• People from all US states and territories are encouraged to apply

Stipend + Benefits:

• $500 weekly pay stipend based on a 40-hour workweek*
• $1000 monthly housing stipend and commuting stipend
• Optional health care benefits are provided by the RAP partner at no cost to the resource assistant
• Up to $2,750 is available for Forest Service work travel, orientation, training, professional development opportunities that align with RA role and goals
• $50/month commuting stipend
• Paid Federal holidays and 40 hours of leave
• Direct Hiring Authority Eligibility – after completing a minimum of 960 hours (excluding orientation week), DHA status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for Forest Service positions.

*Interns are hired as temporary employees; taxes may be withheld from stipends.