American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America's public lands. ACE has a national reputation for providing exceptional training and support to enable young adult crews to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding conservation projects for the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, USFWS and numerous state and local land management partners.
Job Title: Base Camp Manager
Location: This position is based out of Sacramento, CA and stationed in the Tahoe National Forest. This is an on-site position.
Department/Division: CREW, Pacific West
Status: Seasonal, Full-Time, Hourly
Reports To: Program Manager, Sacramento
Schedule/Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week (Monday - Friday) with some adjustment expected to accommodate specific projects and program needs. Some evening and weekend hours may be occasionally required.
Travel: 100% travel is required. This position is stationed at a backcountry camp location for up to three weeks at a time.
Start Date: August 2026
Position Summary:
The Base Camp Manager will be responsible for the management of the backcountry basecamp for a 12 person trail crew working on the Tevis Cup Trail in the Tahoe National Forest. The incumbent will manage the camp kitchen, including meal planning and preparation, as well as other aspects of the basecamp facility. The incumbent will be responsible for planning provisions, and collaborating with project partners to ensure provisions and other supplies arrive at base camp in a timely manner. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring backcountry health and safety standards at camp, including bear-safe food storage and Leave No Trace principles.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage base camp for a 12 person crew in a backcountry setting
- Manage camp kitchen, water filtration, and camp hygiene station
- Plan nutritious meals that meet dietary restrictions and requirements of crew
- Plan for food provisions and other necessary base camp supplies
- Prepare breakfast and dinner for a 12 person crew in a backcountry setting
- Ensure cleanliness of campsite and bear-safe food and waste disposal at base camp
- Foster a culture and environment that positions ACE for success and ensures that ACE is the program of choice for partners, members and staff.
- Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by ACE.
Required Experience and Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience backcountry camping
- Experience coordinating food plans for a group of people
- Experience with Leave No Trace Principles
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Commitment to ACE's mission of public service through young adult development and volunteerism.
- Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback.
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- A deep and continuing interest in the welfare and professional development of ACE participants.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Other Requirements:
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.
- Proficient in English.
- Ability to pass a federal criminal background check.
- Willing to abide by ACE Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time.
Physical Demands, Work Environmental and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking/hiking, carrying, having full function of arms and legs. There is frequent travel to field sites via four wheel drive vehicles, fixed wing aircraft, and/or boats. Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talks and hears. Manual dexterity required for use of hand and power tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions
- Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
- Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., occasionally moves up to 75 pounds.
- Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Indoor air quality is good and the temperature is controlled. Field sites involve exposure to adverse weather, i.e., rain, snow, wind, cold and/or heat, with outdoor Air Quality Index numbers occasionally and possibly exceeding 200.
- Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic. At field sites, may involve loud equipment like chainsaws, brushcutters, augers, and gas- powered pumps
- Travel: This position requires domestic travel.
Compensation: $19-$21/hr DOE
Medical/Health Benefits: ACE offers competitive medical and ancillary plans (health, mental health, dental, vision and other supplemental benefits). ACE Staff members are also eligible to participate in ACE's 403b retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution.
Additional Benefits:
Outdoor Perks - As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to receive pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on 100’s of established outdoor gear brands.
Trainings and Certifications - Base Camp Manager may receive industry recognized certifications provided by ACE including: Wilderness First Aid (WFA) - equivalent cost of $280 and is a two-year certificate with recertification options.
Phone Provided or Reimbursement Option: You have the option to select one of the following options: ACE work phone device/number provided or monthly phone reimbursement for personal device/number use.
To Apply: Please submit a resume, one-page cover letter and contact for three professional/academic references to the application link. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview. Applicants must follow all application instructions in order to be considered for this opportunity. This position may close at any time.
If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!
ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
