Position Title: Visitor Services Information Individual Placement-Coconino National Forest – AmeriCorps (1 opening)
Conservation Legacy Program: Arizona Conservation Corps
Site Location: Red Rock Ranger District (8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351)
Terms of Service:
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Start Date: August 10, 2026
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End Date: February 5, 2027
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AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours
Purpose:
This is an AmeriCorps position with Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC), which is an AmeriCorps program of Conservation Legacy. The member selected for this position will be serving with Coconino National Forest as an AmeriCorps member with Arizona Conservation Corps and completing service projects with Coconino National Forest.
AZCC aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's, and is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with communities and conservation service projects on public lands. AZCC operates programs across Arizona that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. AZCC has program offices in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson.
Coconino National Forest:
One of six National Forests in Arizona, the Coconino National Forest comprises 1.856-million acres in northern Arizona, with elevations ranging from 2,600 feet to the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet (Humphrey's Peak). Coconino National Forest contains diverse landscapes, including deserts, ponderosa pine forests, flatlands, mesas, alpine tundra, and ancient volcanic peaks. The forest surrounds the towns of Sedona and Flagstaff and contains all or parts of 10 designated wilderness areas. The Recreation and Trails program is focused on providing quality recreation opportunities and experiences.
Description of Duties:
The Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center serves as an important connection between the public and the Coconino National Forest. Located in Sedona, the Visitor Center provides visitors with information about recreation opportunities, rules and regulations, fee information, Leave No Trace ethics, and important public safety messaging. The Red Rock Ranger District receives more than two million visitors annually, and the Visitor Center helps ensure visitors have the information they need to safely and responsibly enjoy the Forest’s world-renowned landscapes.
The Visitor Services Intern will contribute to the Red Rock Ranger District by providing information and assistance to the public while supporting daily Visitor Center operations. This position plays an important role in helping visitors understand recreation opportunities, public safety information, and responsible recreation practices that help protect the Forest’s sensitive natural and cultural resources.
The Visitor Services Intern will greet visitors and respond to questions regarding the Red Rock Ranger District and the Forest Service, answer phones and return voicemail messages, assist with the sale of America the Beautiful passes and permits, maintain Visitor Center publications and informational materials, and support daily operations of the facility. The Intern will also provide visitors with information regarding recreation opportunities, local flora and fauna, camping opportunities, safety procedures, and current conditions while helping ensure the information desk remains staffed and available to the public.
The Visitor Services Intern on the Red Rock Ranger District will have many opportunities to explore different aspects of public lands management and gain valuable insights into a variety of career paths. Visitor Center staff work closely with Botanists, Wildlife Biologists, Archaeologists, Trails Managers, Fire Managers, and Recreation Managers and serve as an important link between land managers and the recreating public. Through these interactions, the Intern will gain exposure to multiple resource programs and learn how information provided by visitors supports resource protection and public safety efforts across the Forest.
Essential Responsibilities and Functions:
- Act as a representative of the Forest Service.
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Performs duties as assigned at the Red Rock Ranger Station Visitor Center including staffing the reception desk, answering phones, responding to voicemails, stocking printed guides and interpretive materials, and preforming light facility maintenance.
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Responds to a variety of inquiries regarding Forest Service activities, programs, exhibits, facilities, policies, and functions.
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Provides guidance to the public on rules and regulations regarding on-unit activities and attempts to gain public cooperation in protecting resources from damage and pollution.
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Assist Collection Officer with the sale of forest timber permits and other items, such as maps and passes, in accordance with manual and handbook requirements.
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Assist with submitting and accounting for collected monies using approved computer programs and records.
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Coordinates with staff specialists and public affairs office to provide the latest, most accurate and appropriate information to the public.
- Provides interpretive answers to a wide variety of visitor interests, such as the identification of local flora and fauna, geological formations, cultural and natural history, and responsible recreation ethics.
- Assist in the planning and presentation of interpretive talks, guided activities, and programs for visitors, local schools, and other groups.
- Uses a variety of tools, such as drawings, activity specific tools, and audio/visual equipment, as interpretive aids for presentations.
- Shadows other specialists in the field to assist in a variety of projects including wildlife surveys, range management, archeological surveys, commercial use inspections, and trail maintenance.
Qualifications:
- United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
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At least 18 years of age.
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Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
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Must have or be able to obtain a post-secondary degree by end of service (Associate’s or higher).
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Applicants must pass a criminal history background check and possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
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Valid driver’s license with 3-year driving history required.
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Demonstrate professionalism, both in demeanor and appearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Collection Officer qualification and demonstrated organizational skills.
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Mid-level supervision and setting schedules, duties, and tasks.
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Customer service skills such as working, engaging, and interacting with the public.
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Public speaking experience.
Our Commitment:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time Requirements:
- This position is expected to serve 40 hours per week, with at least one weekend day, typically working a four, ten-hour day schedule, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service.
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Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
Orientation and Training:
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Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
Benefits:
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50 with successful completion of position.
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Living Allowance of $700 per week.
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Additional Benefit of $300 per week.
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Public Lands Corps Certificate*
- Healthcare Coverage provided by The Corps Network and Cigna.
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Childcare Coverage.
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Qualifies for Student Loan forbearance and Interest Payment reimbursement through AmeriCorps.
- To be eligible for a Public Lands Corps certificate, members must be between the ages of 18-30, or up to 35 if a military veteran, at the time the individual begins the term of service and must complete 640 service hours or more to qualify.
Evaluation and Reporting:
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
Supervisor Name and Contact Information:
This position reports to Anica Mercado, Supervisory Visitor Information Specialist, Red Rock Ranger District.
Please submit a resume and cover letter and apply by clicking the APPLY link on this page.
If you have questions, contact AZCC’s Individual Placement Coordinator Preston Sands at [email protected].
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
