National Visitor Use Monitoring Survey -Deer River Ranger District

position Summary 

This position will primarily focus on conducting national visitor use monitoring (NVUM) surveys at recreation sites across the Chippewa National Forest. Prospective candidates would be expected to interact directly with National Forest visitors to complete surveys at pre-determined locations and times using established survey protocols and questions.

These NVUM surveys help to develop an estimate of the recreation use on national forests. Data collection methods, including onsite surveys and traffic counters, provide the US Forest Service with data on visitor satisfaction, recreation activity patterns, demographics, and visitor satisfaction. NVUM information assists Congress, Forest Service leaders, and program managers in making sound decisions that best serve the public and protect valuable natural resources by providing science-based, reliable information about the type, quantity, quality, and location of recreation use on public lands. This position provides excellent experience for candidates who wish to pursue a career with the USDA Forest Service as NVUM surveys are completed on every National Forest and Grassland on a five-year cycle.

In addition to conducting NVUM surveys, selected candidates will also work with recreation staff on the Chippewa National Forest to complete recreation site and trail maintenance projects. Selected candidates may also support Ranger District administrative staff by providing customer service for visitors at Ranger District Offices.

Positions will likely work from May 18- September 4 but start and end dates may be negotiable. For questions, contact Michelle Heiker: Michelle.heiker@usda.gov.

Location 

• Deer River, MN

Schedule 

• May 18, 2026 – September 4, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Conducting National Visitor Use Monitoring Surveys at pre-determined sites and times using established survey protocols and questions. Training on survey protocols will be provided. This schedule includes weekend dates, and some amount of weekend work will be required for this position.
• Utilizing portable computing devices such as tablets, trail counters, and GPS devices in support of National Visitor Use Monitoring.
• Assisting with recreation site and trail maintenance.
• Providing visitor education, and information to National Forest visitors.
• Working alone once they are fully trained on applicable duties and safety protocols.

Marginal Duties 

• Administrative support at Ranger District Offices including answering phones, interacting with forest visitors, and providing visitor education at Ranger District Offices.
• Completing recreation site and trail maintenance tasks under the direction of Forest Service Staff. This may include mowing, brushing, cleaning and stocking outhouses, general carpentry, installation and maintenance of fire grates, and painting/staining facilities and amenities.

Required Qualifications 

• Driver’s License.
• Ability to work independently.
• Communication skills
• Ability to operate a pickup truck or other 4WD vehicle on unpaved roads.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience talking to forest visitors and completing surveys using established protocols.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Hours 

• 40 per week

Living Accommodations 

• Selected candidates will be provided with housing free of charge at US Forest Service cabins or bunkhouses. Candidates can expect shared living conditions and must plan to provide their own bedding.
• All facilities have modern amenities (full kitchens, flush toilets; showers; electricity; Wi-Fi; on-site laundry).
• Cabins and bunkhouses have on-site parking for personal vehicles; any candidates who come without personal transportation may request to be placed into a bunkhouse that is closer to grocery options.

Compensation  

• Living allowance – $500/week
• Free Housing at Forest Service cabins or bunkhouses
• One-time travel allowance of $1,100.
• Up to $200 reimbursement for required specialized gear.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

• Recommended

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Drive Training
• First Aid/CPR
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student jobshiringnearme.org Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.