Engineering Technician - AmeriCorps Individual Placement

Conservation Legacy • Blairsville, GA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Engineering Technician is a full-time, seasonal AmeriCorps Individual Placement serving with the U.S. Forest Service’s Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The 50-week, 1,700-hour service term focuses on field data collection to assess conditions following natural disasters and weather impacts, with an emphasis on road engineering and erosion control. The participant will work alongside Forest Service technicians and specialists across resource areas and gain experience intended to support competition for entry-level positions with land management agencies.

The Blue Ridge Ranger District is responsible for approximately 500 miles of Forest Service roads and estimates that 150–200 miles may need improvement during the disaster-repair period. The placement will use GIS technology and related devices to collect field data and support road assessments, maintenance planning, and maintenance operations. Work may involve uneven terrain, physical exertion, inclement weather, and remote service sites. Housing is not provided. A personal vehicle is required for commuting to and from the service site or office and for personal business; a USFS/SECC vehicle will be provided for operations within the forest.

The position is typically scheduled 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for 40 hours per week, though schedules may vary and may include evening and weekend service depending on project needs. A half-hour lunch break does not count toward AmeriCorps service hours. The service term runs from April 5, 2027, through March 17, 2028.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien.
• Must be 18–30 years old, or up to 35 years old if a military veteran.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, or meet the stated AmeriCorps enrollment and education-award conditions for individuals who have not yet completed high school.
• Must agree to provide eligibility information and complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong interest in road construction, outdoor service, and natural resource management.
• Ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Comfort navigating by map throughout the forest, including areas with limited or no cell coverage.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass Conservation Legacy’s driver-insurability requirements.
• Ability to serve the stated schedule, which may include evening and weekend service depending on project needs.
• Ability to exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to move across varied terrain and work in potentially inclement weather and remote locations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hand tools, power tools, and tractors.
• Crosscut or chainsaw sawyer certification.
• Experience navigating by map and terrain association.
• Experience with ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, and ArcGIS software.

Responsibilities

• Work with the supervisor to understand required data and the purpose of the assessment.
• Help develop a district assessment plan that prioritizes resource needs and concerns.
• Develop proficiency with GIS technology and applications, and maintain consistent records of collected data.
• Assist Engineering with road-condition surveys, site assessments, mapping, road-feature counts, and other routine activities.
• Help prioritize engineering needs and assist with plan development, 811 marking, cost estimates, and procurement.
• Assist Engineering with safety notifications, site preparation, pre-staging, and mobilization.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and limited-complexity equipment under the supervision of certified personnel.
• Assist the team with cleanup and monitoring at the end of the workday.
• Submit bi-weekly timesheets, monthly accomplishment reports and narratives, participate in bi-monthly check-ins, and complete midterm, final, and exit evaluations.
• Participate in orientation and training, including defensive driving and instruction on ArcGIS, Survey123, FieldMaps, Avenza, and USDA maintenance-level evaluation and reporting guidelines.

Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395 upon successful completion of the program.
• Living allowance of $480 per week, paid bi-weekly.
• Additional benefit of $465 per week, paid bi-weekly.
• AmeriCorps health insurance.
• Uniform shirts and personal protective equipment.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate upon successful completion of hours.
• Member assistance program.
• Other professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED