Full job description Project Title: Regional Land Adjustment Team (RLAT) Resource Assistant (RA)
Project Type: In-person/Hybrid
Duration: 32 weeks (8 months) starting June 2024
Location: USDA Pacific Southwest Regional Office, Vallejo CA; RA will work primarily from the Sacramento Office. Housing: Must be secured by the intern/fellow. A housing stipend of up to $1,000 per month will be provided.
Project Background: The Lands and Realty Management program secures and protects the American public's rights, title, value, and interests in its national forests and grasslands and authorizes a variety of uses on those lands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Through direct land management practices, the Lands and Realty Management program enables the agency to better manage Federal lands within or adjacent to National Forest System (NFS) boundaries and deliver the necessary products and services that are essential for enhancing natural resource stewardship and providing for the public's enjoyment, future use, and access to NFS lands.
In a developmental capacity, the RA will accompany the realty specialists in contacts with landowners, assembling routine real estate transactions, and completing such transactions in accordance with guidelines and procedures. The RA will accompany and assist the realty specialist on field visits. The RA will inspect the property involved, research court and other legal records, extract and prepare real estate ownership data, and review realty instruments to ensure that all requirements are met.
Work Environment : Fieldwork and administrative work in an office is required. The RA will be required to travel and work in the backcountry and other remote locations on the forests, independently, and in teams. Driving on and navigating forest roads and hiking will be required. The RA will be required to work in high and low temperatures (sun exposure) and in high elevation conditions.
Location Description: The Pacific Southwest Region of the US Forest Service manages 20 million acres of National Forest land in California and assists the State and Private forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. Eighteen national forests are located in this region, in the North Coast, Cascade, and Sierra Nevada ranges and from Big Sur to the Mexican border in the south Coast range.
Project Duties: Assist in managing a wide variety of projects and plans covering an assortment of lands and realty management projects. Evaluate issues that impact projects, planning, casework, compliance, and environmental analysis, which relate to lands and realty programs. Work with the RLAT members to communicate and negotiate with representatives of Federal, state, and local governmental agencies in addition to applicants, non-governmental organizations, stakeholders, and the general public. Participate in budget and workload planning processes for the RLAT. Prepare documents on all types and complexities of realty casework. Help identify long-range RLAT needs and analyze alternative strategies for meeting those needs. This is a field going position, which may require hiking on uneven terrain and exposure to various environmental conditions. Resource Assistants (RAs) will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Associate during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3-5 blog posts highlighting their experience and development. (5%)
Desired Qualifications: The RA should be a self-starter with experience working within a team and the ability to communicate orally and in writing across program areas and to all levels of the agency. The RA will work to support projects and team efforts to meet the mission of Forest Service and the RLAT program. The RA must be service-oriented and comfortable working in a virtual and collaborative environment. The RA must have the ability and desire to learn and understand realty policies, laws, regulations, concepts, and practices. General knowledge of environmental policies, laws, and regulations. Ability to operate and/or learn various computer programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and databases such as SharePoint and Pinyon. Time and problem-solving skills to manage resources and processes. Minimum Qualifications: US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected. Must be 17 years of age or older Must have a driver's license Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Forest Resources/Forestry, Geography/GIS, Natural Resource Management, or Real Estate. Stipend + Benefits: A biweekly stipend of $1,500 based on a 40-hour workweek Monthly housing stipend up to $1,000 per month Monthly commuting stipend up to $50 Health insurance coverage 56 hours of PTO and paid Federal Holidays Travel expenses paid to participate in orientation Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.) Direct Hire Authority Eligibility – after completing 960 hours, DHA status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for certain federal positions. Application: Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' 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 Carina Chavez at .
Applications for this position are due on Sunday, April 28, 2024 11:59 pm . Interviews are scheduled to take place between May 7 and May 9, 2024. Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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 (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access'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.
