Ochoco National Forest - Public Affairs and Community Engagement Resource Assistant Internship

Overview:

The U.S. Forest Service, Ochoco NF seeks an individual to primarily support the social media and website needs of the national forest, as well as the redesign of several brochures. In addition, the candidate will be asked to support content creation for social media and the website, as well as occasionally participating in media relations through press release writing and media interviews under the guidance of the Public Affairs Staff Officer. The Ochoco NF manages nearly one million acres of national forest and grassland in Crook, Jefferson, Grant and Wheeler Counties (Oregon). The Public Affairs Staff Officer (PAO) supports two administrative units across that acreage including: the Crooked River National Grassland and Lookout Mountain Ranger District and the Paulina Ranger District. The Ochoco NF is known for its wild horse herd, and the lush and verdant rangeland in the Ochoco Mountains that provide for a robust deer and elk population and associated wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. The Crooked River National Grassland includes close access to the neighboring Smith Rock State Park, and includes Lake Billy Chinook, one of the most heavily recreated lakes in Oregon, and surrounding rangeland.

The Position

The Resource Assistant Program is a rigorous and immersive paid internship for individuals interested in Forest Service careers. Resource Assistants (RAs) work with Forest Service staff to complete mission-critical work that demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication. Through direct training, experience, and exposure, RAs gain the tools to launch their natural and cultural resource careers.

Through a partnership with Northwest Youth Corps, the selected Resource Assistants will support the Ochoco National Forest public affairs staff officer and public services staff area primarily through social media and web content, as well as supporting media relations and community events. This position requires qualifications of what a GS-5/7 positions requires (a degree from an accredited educational institution and some work experience).

Please see the attached position description for more information.