Overview
The Recreation Program of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is dedicated to providing safe, sustainable, and enriching outdoor experiences for the public. Our mission is to manage and maintain a range of recreation sites—including campgrounds, day-use areas, and trail systems—while promoting environmental stewardship, public engagement, and equitable access to public lands. The department oversees volunteer coordination, site operations, and compliance with federal standards to ensure high-quality visitor services and long-term resource protection.
This team will focus on the restoration and management of developed recreation facilities, primarily at Lake Moomaw including 8 developed campgrounds, 2 swimming beaches, numerous picnic pavilions, trails, and dispersed recreation. This hands-on role focuses on sustaining high-quality visitor experiences through routine site upkeep, resource protection, site restoration, and collaborative project work. This position is ideal for individuals pursuing careers in natural resource management, outdoor recreation, or federal land agency service.
During their term, members will gain experience in front country developed recreation operations. There will be optional training opportunities, which may include chainsaw certification (e.g., S-212), herbicide application training, and other field-based skill development depending on interest and availability. Training with heavy equipment is possible with interest and capability. This internship will prepare the intern with the skills needed to competitively apply to recreation jobs with federal, state, local, or nonprofit agencies.
Housing may be available for these positions.
Essential roles and responsibilities include:
-Collaborating with Forest Service staff and campground hosts to ensure compliance with agency standards and public expectations
-Performing routine maintenance at developed recreation sites, including cleaning restrooms, removing trash, and restocking supplies Inspecting and maintaining infrastructure such as picnic tables, fire rings, kiosks, and signage
-Assisting with minor repairs, landscaping, and amenity upkeep at developed recreation sites
-Supporting seasonal opening and closing procedures, including hazard assessments and infrastructure prep
-Participating in special projects such as trail work, interpretive installations, or infrastructure improvements
-Monitoring visitor use and reporting safety concerns, vandalism, or resource damage to Forest Service staff
-Manage credit card purchases, submitting receipts monthly
-Assist with data collection and monthly accomplishment reports
-Coordinate vehicle maintenance drop off
Qualifications:
To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
Required Skills:
Interest in or experience working outdoors, skills such as carpentry, chainsaw ability, plumbing, painting etc.
About Appalachian Conservation Corps
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
