Address
Form of workPosition:Support Services Specialist Resource Assistant
Duration: 6 Month Fellowship (26 weeks): Starting February 2024
Location: White River National Forest, Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station, 620 Main Street, Carbondale, CO 81623
Fellowship Description:
The District Support Services Specialist (SSS) reports to the Deputy District Ranger and is responsible for accomplishing a variety of Support Services including but not limited to the following: office management, including, but not limited to budget planning, initiating personnel actions, and database support. The SSS also oversees Visitor Information Services, where employees interact with the public, sell permits, and collect fees.
We are specifically trying to increase our information outreach to the Latino and Latina population in the Roaring Fork Valley through our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts and this position is vital to that effort. Specifically, the SSS position will coordinate and implement outreach opportunities for the District and ensure outreach information is offered in both English and Spanish. A valid driver’s license is required for this position.
The RA will work and communicate with a HAF Program Manager during their fellowship. The RA will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. The RA will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3 blog posts highlighting their experience and development.
Position Duties:
The District Support Services Specialist is responsible for accomplishing a variety of Support Services including but not limited to the following: office management, including, but not limited to budget planning, initiating personnel actions, and database support.
The incumbent:
- Manages facility management and housing for the District, including four residences, three bunkhouses, and two ranger stations (one in Aspen and one in Carbondale).
- Supports and assists all employees on the Ranger District with Human Resources (including hiring), Travel authorizations and vouchers.
- Oversees Mercury correspondence database for the district and trains and assists employees on proper procedures.
- Is responsible for accounting on all District personal property inventory.
- Plans and implements outreach strategies that reaches a diverse public
- Plans and implements USFS outreach events that reach a diverse public
If converted into the full-time position, the incumbent will supervise at least one permanent Visitor Information employee and exercise the minimum supervisory and managerial authorities and responsibilities 20% or less of the time. This would include planning work to be accomplished by subordinates, setting and adjusting short-term priorities, and preparing schedules for completion of work, while supporting the subordinate employee’s career growth and development. In addition, if converted, the individual would hold a government purchase card and serve as the primary purchaser for the Ranger District. If converted, the individual would also serve as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for individual contracts.
Special or Preferred skills.
To be successful in the District Support Services Specialist position:
- You must be a self-starter and willing to take on challenges and provide innovative solutions to problems.
- The ability to lead, manage, and serve as a supportive team member are all vital elements of the position.
- A customer service mentality, both internally and externally, is very important to being successful.
- The ability to manage multiple, and sometimes shifting, priorities in a calm, efficient, and organized manner.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must.
Minimum Qualifications.
- Ages 17 and up
- Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 26 weeks/6 months
- Starting February 2024
- Driver’s license required
- RA will be required to drive a government vehicle
- Recent grads, or young professionals
- Minimum: completed 2 years at accredited university or earned an Associate’s degree or higher
- This position does not have a positive education requirement – it is open to a variety of Associates, Bachelors or Masters degrees
- US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred
Stipend + Benefits.
- $600 weekly pay stipend based on a 40-hour workweek*
- $1,000 monthly housing stipend
- $50 monthly commuting stipend (if in-person)
- Option for health insurance coverage during full term
- Up to $2,750 available for Forest Service work travel, orientation, trainings, professional development opportunities that align with RA role and goals
- Direct Hire Authority Eligibility – after completing a minimum of 960 hours, DHA status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for Forest Service positions.
Application
HAF is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through HAF’s MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Stephanie Pereira at spereira@hispanicaccess.org
About Us
White River National Forest Vision: We are a 21st century organization, leading the nation in innovative landscape conservation, connecting citizens to the land through world-class recreation, restoring and enhancing resilient ecosystems, and contributing to sustainable economies. We share our story and take care of each other as we continue our legacy of meeting incredible challenges with passion, creativity and collaboration.
Aspen-Sopris Ranger District Information (Carbondale, Colorado):
The Aspen- Sopris Ranger District is located in western Colorado in the Roaring Fork Valley, south of Glenwood Springs in Carbondale, Colorado. The valley is an internationally renowned winter and summer destination with high recreation visitor numbers. Almost half of the district is designated Wilderness. The District covers approximately 760,000 acres within the counties of Pitkin, Garfield, Eagle, and Gunnison. District programs focus on summer and winter recreation, the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, mountain sports administration, Wilderness management, landscape restoration, grazing, oil and gas development, and a multitude of recreation special uses.
Carbondale (population 6,000) is a full-service community. Aspen, with a population of 7,400 is in the upper part of the Roaring Fork Valley. Real Estate in the Roaring Fork Valley is very expensive as is the cost of living. Some District staff commute to and from work 30 minutes to 1 hour daily. Average home prices are a moving target and can be found on websites such as Zillow.com. The quality of life is excellent. Step outside your front door to enjoy the natural and cultural environment of the area. The Roaring Fork Transit Authority provides the best rural bus service in the country from Rifle to Aspen. For more information about the area, check out: www.aspensnowmass.com and http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/.
US Forest Service Mission
To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Hispanic Access Foundation Mission
Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. HAF’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.
