Recreation Technician - U.S. Military Veterans Only

Mt. Adams Institute (Federal) | https://mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork

Details

Posting:

https://mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork/

Application Deadline:

07/28/2025

Published:

06/06/2025

Starting Date:

8/4/2025

Ending Date:

6/12/2026

Hours per Week:

Salary:

$500 per week

Education Required:

High School Diploma

Experience Required:

none

Location:

Sitka, Alaska

Description

Hello U.S. Military Veterans! The VetsWork program is a paid, AmeriCorps internship program (45 weeks) specifically for military veterans who are interested in starting a career in the natural resources, public lands management, and conservation fields.

To view a full position description and application instructions please visit: mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork

Position Title: Recreation Technician (Facilities Maintenance)

Partner Organization: Tongass National Forest

Project Location: 2108 Halibut Point Rd, Sitka, Alaska, 99835

Service Dates: Open Until Filled (1700-hour position)

Position Summary -

In partnership with the Mt. Adams Institute (MAI), the Sitka Ranger District on the Tongass National Forest will sponsor an AmeriCorps Intern to serve as a Recreation Technician with a focus on facilities maintenance.

The Intern will support all facets of the Sitka Ranger District through facilities and recreation maintenance with a focus on structures and recreation sites. A primarily field going position, most projects are performed outside under all weather conditions. Weekends and holiday projects are possible. Facilities on the Forest are highly used and in need of regular repair. The Intern will perform these basic recreation and facilities maintenance duties and will receive training pertinent to the field. The Intern, while mainly focused on facilities will also assist with other shops from administration to natural resources to trails and interpretation. Public contact is a daily occurrence and people skills are necessary. Facilities and recreation area maintenance is a very rewarding service, as clean and safe facilities and recreation areas support the functioning of the Ranger District and provide opportunities for visitors to explore the Tongass National Forest’s natural resources in a beautiful setting.

Benefits:

$22,500 living allowance – paid monthly over the 10 ½ -month term of service ($500 weekly, before taxes).
$7,395 education award (can be used towards qualified student loans and/or education expenses)
Free, shared housing for Intern is available through the Forest Service.
Airfare/travel is provided at the start of our program; from Intern’s location to the Service Site (up to $750)
Upon successful completion of the program, airfare is provided from Service Site to Intern’s home (up to $750)
Student loan forbearance
Health Care
Professional development, training and networking opportunities
Potential access to GI Bill benefits via Apprenticeship option (up to $2,400 per month)

Essential Functions - to include, but not limited to:

Improve condition of Forest Service buildings and trailer court as well as developed recreation sites.
Construct, maintain and repair facilities through carpentry, electrical, general landscaping, painting, plumbing and other general construction.
Maintain developed recreation sites by clearing brush, collecting garbage, mowing, weed whacking, etc.
Inventory of all signs, order new signs, and replace damaged signs.
Maintain facility condition through janitorial work such as washing buildings, cleaning gutters, changing light fixtures, fixing toilets, changing out appliances, fixing doors and windows, repairing damaged siding, painting buildings and fuel tanks. Other duties may include fleet vehicle inspections, oil changes, and minor repairs.
Regular communication to exchange information, explain agency policies and objectives, monitor user activities, obtain compliance with permits, and reconcile conflicting viewpoints. Parties involved typically have cooperative attitudes, with occasional uncooperative encounters with special use proponents, permit holders, or the public.
Cross training opportunities with various departments: building and take down of the fish weir with Fisheries Program, trail maintenance or going out to remote cabin locations for cabin cleaning and filling woodsheds with the trails and cabins crew, digging holes and prepping for a blasting site etc.

Position Requirements - to include, but not limited:

Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.
Physically able to perform arduous maintenance work. Typical maintenance duties may require the candidate to stand, stoop, kneel, climb ladders, and work in tiring positions and tight places. Able to lift, carry, and set up material that weighs 15-40 pounds. Some duties might require standing in cold rivers for hours in waders.
Knowledge of safe use and care of tools and equipment.
- Skill in using a variety of hand tools such as shovels, hammers, saws, pliers, wrenches, etc.
- Comfortable using general grounds maintenance equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc.
- Basic understanding of 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines.
- Basic understanding of power tools, such as such as jig, circular saw, and drill.
Basic computer literacy and the skills to prepare documents and work orders.
Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed (averaging 40 hour week, could start at 6 am or end at 7 pm, work on holidays etc).
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with respect for diverse perspectives.
Cooperative team player while also being self-motivated and independent as needed.
Strong time management skills and flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
Follow proper safety procedures and wear protective equipment as required. Required gear will be provided.
Must have served in the Uniformed Services of the United States, including Guard and Reserves and have a DD214 with an honorable discharge (or general under honorable on a case by case basis).
At least 21 years of age at beginning of service term.
U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
Ability to commit to the full 45-week term of service.
Selection, placement, and retention are contingent upon passing the National Sex Offender Public Registry, state of service and state of residence criminal history check, and a national FBI check.
Must follow all health and safety policies and procedures, including any changes that are implemented throughout the course of the program. Accepting a position means accepting the current requirements and any updates to those requirements while enrolled in the program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Plumbing experience and trade skills.
Mechanical and/or electrical trade skills.
Ability to conduct visual examinations and operational tests to determine the need for repair work including trades such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, roofing, etc.

To Apply:
After reading the full position description on our website (linked at the top and below), email the following application materials to erica@mtadamsinstitute.org:

Resume
Cover Letter (include your motivation for applying in the letter)
3 references (include name, email, phone number, and relation to you)
DD214 with honorable discharge.
- A General Under Honorable discharge will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Must be long form "Member 4 copy" (has a total of 30 boxes of information)

Visit mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork for a full position description as well as a detailed program overview, application instructions, and frequently asked questions.

Contact Erica Keleher for further information or if you have questions about the VetsWork program at erica@mtadamsinstitute.org.

Contact

Erica Bingham

erica@mtadamsinstitute.org (preferred contact method)