Position Summary:
John Day Dam is recruiting two (2) 960-hour individual placements for up to 24 weeks beginning July of 2026 until the end of December 2026. The individual placement will support Natural Resource Management on U.S. Army Corps lands at the John Day Lock & Dam. Major duties are related to assisting personnel in recreation, natural resource management, and related activities at the John Day Lock & Dam.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Major duties are related to assisting personnel in recreation, natural resource management, and related activities at the John Day Lock & Dam. The Individual Placement will assist in the following:
- Natural resource maintenance and conservation projects, including invasive species removal (40%)
- Park and Recreation Site Management (40%)
- Boat Operator Training (20%)
*Please note percentages describe the estimated time allocated to each task over the course of the term.
All work under this term shall be performed in accordance with EM 385-1-1, “U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual,” and FED-OSHA regulations. EM 385-1-1 can be downloaded from: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Safety-and-Occupational-Health/Safety-and-Health-Requirements-Manual/
Required Qualifications:
- Current Driver’s License
- Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
- U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
- Must pass a background/driver check
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Ability to drive government vehicle upwards of 200 miles roundtrip in one day to get to work sites
- Good written and verbal communication skills and a positive attitude
- Ability to work outdoors in remote settings, in inclement weather, and on uneven ground
- Willingness to work independently in an outdoor setting at a campground gatehouse
- Enjoys engaging in customer service
- Able to walk campground and interact with campground visitors, campground hosts, and volunteers
- Able to address campground visitor’s needs, resolving their problems and complaints
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs
- Personal transportation
Desired Qualifications:
- Strong collaborating and communication skills.
- Interested in providing educational programs on water safety, environment, local wildlife, the historical and cultural relevance of landmarks
- Willingness to learn about John Day Lock and Dam history and importance
- Enthusiastic about work in conservation, recreation, and environmental and cultural stewardship
- Compassion towards visitors and situations with adversity
- Knowledge of Northwest natural resources, flora, and fauna
- Must be comfortable riding in and working from a boat and kayak
- Knowledge of Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Word
Duty Location:
Individual placement will report daily to the USACE Ranger office at John Day Lock & Dam (Interstate 84 Exit 109, Rufus, Oregon 97050, in the Ranger Office). Incumbent must arrange their own transportation to and from the office. No public transportation opportunities.
Terms of Employment:
Individual placement will complete the 24-week program starting July through December, 2026. Dates of service are flexible to accommodate applicant availability. Individual placement will average 40 hours of labor per week, minus holidays. Individual placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food.
Program Benefits:
Individual placements will earn a total living allowance of $15,360 for the 24-week term. The living allowance will be divided into monthly payments over the course of the 24-week term. The living allowance is taxable income. Additionally, there is a reimbursement fund of $54.10 available for relevant training during the term.
Application Instructions
_____________________________________________________________________
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.
Type of position: Individual Placement
Service Dates: July – December 2026 (start date is negotiable to accommodate applicant schedules)
Length of Term: 24 Weeks (minimum of 960 hours)
How to apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references and completely fill out the application form found at https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Internships
Please select “John Day Lock and Dam – Natural Resource Steward Individual Placement” when applying.
Additional Information
If you have questions about the position, please reach out to Northwest Youth Corps Internship Department at interns@nwyouthcorps.org or 208-625-8402, or Supervisory Natural Resource Specialist Sylvia Gentilcore at Sylvia.T.Gentilcore@usace.army.mil or 541-739-1134.
All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).