River Recreation Intern
The Klamath National Forest includes 1.7 million acres of spectacular scenery including steep mountainous terrain, pristine rivers and remote lakes. The Forest includes portions of 5 wilderness areas: Siskiyou, Marble Mountain, Russian, Trinity Alps and Red Buttes. Position will be based in Happy Camp, CA. The town of Happy Camp is located along the Klamath Wild and Scenic River in Northern California. Happy Camp is a small community of approximately 1,000 people. Several larger communities are located within a couple hours drive. Yreka is the nearest full-service community, which is about 1.5 hours from Happy Camp.
River intern responsibilities will include:
- conducting daily patrols of the river and main tributaries;
- maintaining river access points;
- cleaning river campsites;
- posting signs;
- invasive species removal from along the river;
- informing and educating the public;
- working with other volunteers in a leadership role;
- collecting and compiling visitor use data;
- assisting with the administration of special use permits.
You will typically be spending five days per week along or on the Klamath River and its tributaries. The Forest Service River Ranger will serve as your work leader. You will be expected to help lift, carry, load, and inflate boats, collect safety equipment, assist with trip planning logistics, and paddle an inflatable kayak or raft down the river. There is also a healthy degree of invasive plant and brush removal, litter removal, and mowing involved, with a bit of record-keeping as well. The Klamath is typically considered a good "family" river with most rapids in the Class II and III range, but with a few class IV's depending on water levels. Tributary streams can vary in difficulty. Other hazards you may encounter include stinging insects and snakes.The Forest Service can provide all necessary equipment (though you are also welcome to bring your own). Interacting with the public is an important part of this position. You will therefore be expected to provide quality customer service and maintain a professional appearance (to the extent practical given work on the river). A 2-way radio will be provided to the river crew. You will be expected to follow Forest Service and SCA safety and communication procedures at all times.
