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
Marginal Duties
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
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
Compensation
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation 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.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
