Job Details

Hosted by American Conservation Experience (ACE) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service - Coronado National Forest
Position Details
* Start Date: January 26, 2026
* End Date: 14 weeks from start date (with potential for extension)
* Location: Coronado National Forest, based out of both the Catalina Ranger District and the Nogales Ranger District
About the Coronado National Forest
The Coronado National Forest spans nearly two million acres across southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, encompassing a remarkable diversity of landscapes-from desert canyons and grasslands to high-elevation pine forests. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the forest includes 12 distinct "sky island" mountain ranges that support rich biodiversity and offer year-round opportunities for recreation, conservation, and resource management. Staff and partners working in the Coronado play a vital role in protecting its unique ecosystems, maintaining trails and facilities, and supporting sustainable access to this extraordinary natural resource.
Position Overview
The Recreation Technician will assist Forest Service staff in managing and maintaining a variety of recreation sites throughout the Santa Catalina (based in Tucson) and Nogales and Rangers districts. Work is primarily field-based and focuses on campground, trailhead, and day-use site upkeep, as well as visitor engagement and data collection.
Major Duties
* Site Maintenance:
* Assures recreation sites are operated and maintained regularly to ensure excellent public service.
* Cleans and maintains Forest-operated campgrounds, day-use areas, and trailheads.
* Assists with installation and upkeep of recreation infrastructure (bear boxes, picnic tables, fire rings, signage, etc.).
* Reports on site conditions, use levels, and maintenance needs.
* Conduct Trail maintenance in the National Forest
* Concession and Public Contact:
* Serves as inspector for concessionaire-operated recreation areas.
* Maintains contact with and provides support to campground host(s) and concessionaire operators.
* Visitor Interaction and Public Education:
* Provides detailed information about recreation opportunities, regulations, and resource management practices.
* Explains Forest Service rules, restrictions, and current conditions to visitors.
* Ensures public areas are safe, accessible, and compliant with recreation and wilderness standards.
* Safety and Compliance:
* Performs safety hazard analyses of public recreation sites and takes or recommends corrective actions.
* May patrol wilderness areas to ensure operations align with the Wilderness Management Plan.
* Installs and maintains information boards, regulatory signs, and safety notices.
* Data and Reporting:
* Collects, compiles, and summarizes information for recreation data reporting.
* Documents maintenance and use trends for agency records.
* Schedule and Conditions:
* Some weekend work required.
* Daily driving in a Forest Service vehicle is required.
* The role involves moderate to strenuous physical exertion including walking on steep or uneven terrain, bending, lifting, and carrying.
* Work is performed outdoors in varying weather and temperatures, requiring use of safety equipment (boots, gloves, goggles, hard hat, etc.).
Position Benefits
* Living Allowance: $850/week for food and incidentals (disbursed biweekly)
* Housing: Provided by the U.S. Forest Service and ACE in a shared bunkhouse setting
* Training and Mentorship: On-the-job training, exposure to Forest Service operations, and professional development in recreation and natural resource management
Qualifications Required:
* Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
* Knowledge of recreation and/or forestry practices applicable to public lands
* Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
* Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record (documentation required)
* Reliable personal transportation to reach duty station
* High level of physical fitness and willingness to camp as part of fieldwork
* Ability to pass a federal background check
* ACE is a drug-free workplace and reserves the right to test at any time
* Professional, positive, and enthusiastic representation of ACE and the Forest Service
Preferred
* Working knowledge of recreation rules, regulations, and maintenance practices
* Experience cleaning and maintaining recreational areas, facilities, or trails
* Ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate with others
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with staff and the public
To Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references using the "Apply Now". Early consideration will be given to applications received first. This position may close at any time. For questions, please contact: Sara Pena-Lee.
EEO Statement
Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.