United States Forest Service – Vegetation Management Stewards at Ozark-St. Francis National Forest – AmeriCorps

Job Overview

Position Title: United States Forest Service – Vegetation Management Stewards at Ozark-St. Francis National Forest – AmeriCorps

Number of Openings: Two

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

605 West Main St., Russellville AR 72801

Terms of Service:

• Anticipated Start Date: 4/27/26
• Anticipated End Date: 9/25/26 (22 weeks)
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements is an AmeriCorps Program which provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting the conservation of natural areas. The Ozark–St. Francis National Forest consists of the Ozark National Forest in the Ozark Mountains and the St. Francis National Forest on Crowley’s Ridge, both located in Arkansas. Stewards, in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) and Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, is seeking two members who will serve alongside Forest Service staff, gaining hands-on experience in active forest management, timber production, and ecological restoration.

The Vegetation Management Steward is an AmeriCorps position which will provide support to the USFS and Ozark-St. Francis National Forest to increase timber production. The AmeriCorps members will collaborate with Forest Service staff and gain hands-on experience in forestry and timber sale preparation, managing invasive species, and supporting stand improvements for wildlife. Members will gain valuable experience in modern timber cruising techniques, encourage future land stewardship, and create opportunities to build and advance professional skills.

If you are ready to embark on a fulfilling journey with the USFS and Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, apply now at conservationlegacy:Career Search by uploading your resume and cover letter, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with the United States Forest Service!

To learn more about Stewards, please visit: Homepage | Stewards Individual Placement Program

To learn more about the USFS and Ocala Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, please visit: Home | Ozark-St. Francis National Forest | Forest Service

Description of Duties:

As an AmeriCorps Member serving with the USFS at Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with forestry and timber sale preparation projects, including layout and boundary marking, hardwood and pine timber marking, harvest inspections, common stand exams, etc.
• Treating Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) via backpack and boom spraying of herbicides.
• Supporting wildlife stand improvements which may include feral hog control, placing large woody debris in lakes, and other wildlife related activities.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• Between the ages of 18 – 30, or up to age 35 with Veteran status.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Excited and eager to learn with a desire to serve outdoors in rough and variable conditions.
• Ability to navigate using a map, compass, or GPS.
• Degree or previous experience in Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, Botany, or GIS is preferred.
• Certification in herbicide application is preferred but not required.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours a week Monday to Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service.
• Serving on weekends and federal holidays may be required.
• The member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
• The member will serve in-person on-site.

Orientation and Training:

• The member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• The member will receive one-on-one training with professional foresters completing stand exams and designing cruises, gain basic knowledge of cruising software and technology, and understand how to become a qualified Region 8 Cruiser.
• The member will learn the basics of laying out stands of timber via topography and timber types and be a part of a crew to start a timber sale from beginning to end learning teamwork, leadership, technology uses, etc.
• The member will be trained and certified to drive a government vehicle and will be provided with first aid/CPR training if needed.
• If comfortable with chainsaw operation, the member will be properly trained to attain a saw qualification card.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14.
• Living Allowance of $630 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $200 per week.
• One-time Relocation Stipend of $500.
• Approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) funds of $250.
• On-Site Housing Available.
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible.
• Loan forbearance if Eligible.
• Interest Payments if Eligible.

• Eligible for Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of term.
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities.

• Employee Wellness Program (connect with a licensed professional counselor and 24/7 support).

• Networking and Mentorship.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:

Meaghan Hall

Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator

[email protected]

681-666-3266

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.