OHV Project Coordinator & Field Lead

About American Conservation Experience

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic nonprofit 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, enabling young adults to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding conservation projects for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and numerous state and local land management partners.

About the USFS

The Coconino National Forest encompasses more than 1.8 million acres of diverse landscapes in north-central Arizona, ranging from ponderosa pine forests and high-elevation plateaus to desert canyons and red rock formations. The Red Rock Ranger District, headquartered in Sedona, manages the southern portion of the forest, including the iconic red rock country surrounding Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and the Mogollon Rim. The district provides extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation, including off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, mountain biking, hiking, and camping, while balancing public access with the protection of sensitive natural and cultural resources. OHV management is an important component of the district's mission, requiring ongoing trail maintenance, visitor education, resource protection, and collaboration with agency partners and the public to promote safe and sustainable recreation.

About Trail Partners of Arizona

Trail Partners of Arizona is a Sedona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible motorized recreation, sustainable trail access, and stewardship of Arizona's public lands. Formed out of the Red Rock OHV Conservation Crew (RROCC) and its involvement in the Greater Sedona Recreation Collaborative, the organization works to improve the management and sustainability of motorized recreation routes throughout the region. Its efforts focus on public education, trail monitoring, maintenance, restoration, and collaboration with land management agencies, local businesses, recreation groups, and community partners. Through these partnerships, Trail Partners of Arizona works to balance responsible OHV access with the protection of natural and cultural resources while supporting the long-term sustainability of recreational opportunities.

Job Title: OHV Project Coordinator & Field Lead Location: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest Department/Division: Crew: MTW Status: Temporary, Full Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt) Schedule/Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexible schedule. Typical schedules are either four, 10 hour days/3 days off or five 8 hours days/2 days off Reports To: Project Manager, USFS Trails Lead Travel: This position may require domestic travel as needed (to visit the district) Start Date: 1/4/2027 Position Length: 1 year with possibility of extension

Position Summary

The OHV Project Coordinator & Field Lead is responsible for leading conservation crews, coordinating off-highway vehicle (OHV) restoration projects, and supporting the implementation of restoration and recreation management initiatives on the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest.

This position combines hands-on conservation work, crew leadership, project coordination, restoration planning, monitoring, community engagement, and public education. The successful candidate will work closely with ACE, the USFS, Trail Partners of Arizona (TPA), volunteers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality restoration outcomes while ensuring crew safety, accurate project documentation, and effective communication between partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Field Leadership, Training, and Development

• Lead, train, supervise, and hold team members accountable while serving on conservation projects.

• Support, coach, and mentor team members in their technical skills, professional development, and interpersonal growth.

• Foster a positive, constructive, and inclusive team environment that supports member development and successful project outcomes.

• Lead volunteer work events focused on OHV restoration and track and report project outcomes and volunteer hours.

• Maintain effective working relationships with project partners, volunteers, and the general public.

2. OHV Restoration and Conservation Project Implementation

Plan, coordinate, and complete OHV restoration projects on the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest.

Work may include, but is not limited to:

• Removing downed trees and brushing vegetation.

• Scarifying and preparing disturbed ground for restoration.

• Seeding and supporting native vegetation recovery.

• Installing and maintaining drainage features.

• Constructing fences and placing boulders to support restoration objectives.

• Developing and implementing signage plans.

• Supporting trail construction and maintenance, wildlife habitat restoration, public land rehabilitation, and other conservation projects as required.

• Using hand tools and powered equipment safely and effectively to complete assigned work.

3. Project Development, Mapping, and Monitoring

• Assist with project development, including site visits, mapping, and preparation of site-level plans.

• Support project preparation and, where appropriate, participate in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis.

• Create, maintain, and update an online map documenting reported restoration areas, ensuring accurate data collection and reporting.

• Support University of Arizona and USFS OHV monitoring efforts, including visitor-use monitoring, speed monitoring, OHV social surveys, and OHV-wildlife game camera projects.

• Collect, organize, and maintain accurate project data to support restoration planning, monitoring, and reporting.

• Provide written and photographic documentation of completed work.

• Regularly report volunteer hours to Trail Partners of Arizona.

4. Safety, Equipment, and Field Logistics

• Maintain responsibility for personal and crew safety throughout field operations, particularly when using chainsaws and other hazardous power tools.

• Enforce appropriate safety procedures and ensure compliance with ACE and USFS safety policies.

• Coordinate transportation, tools, equipment and field communications.

• Lead project setup and breakdown before and after assignments.

• Transport crew members and equipment safely in USFS vehicles and trailers.

• Maintain and repair hand tools, power tools, and other equipment as necessary.

• Maintain and replace supplies in first aid kits, and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits as needed.

• Adapt to changing field conditions, including challenging terrain, variable weather, and physically demanding work environments.

5. Partner Coordination and Public Engagement

• Collaborate and communicate with ACE Project Managers and project partners to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

• Maintain open and effective communication among the USFS, Trail Partners of Arizona, and ACE.

• Participate in community collaborative meetings to help align the program of work with USFS, TPA, and stakeholder goals.

• Provide clear, positive educational messaging to members of the public regarding restoration work and responsible recreation.

• Foster an environment that positions ACE as the program of choice for partners, members, and staff.

6. Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete project field paperwork accurately and on time, including weekly reports, safety sheets, incident reports, end-of-week checklists, and other required documentation.

• Maintain accurate project records, maps, photographs, monitoring information, and volunteer-hour reports.

• Follow ACE and USFS systems and processes, including applicable supervisor responsibilities.

• Perform other duties as assigned. Responsibilities are not exhaustive and may change as determined by ACE.

Required Experience and Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate the following qualifications and abilities:

Education and Technical Experience

• At least one year of experience developing and implementing restoration and/or infrastructure projects.

• Experience in field conservation, environmental restoration, trail construction and maintenance, or related conservation work.

• Education and/or experience using ArcGIS applications, primarily ArcGIS Pro and Field Maps, in a natural resources context

• Existing Wilderness First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification through ACE..

• Ability to effectively and safely use hand tools.

• Knowledge of environmental conservation practices, basic environmental education, and outdoor living and camping skills.

Leadership and Communication

• At least one year of experience coordinating volunteers, field crews, or undergraduate students.

• Experience leading, training, and supervising teams, preferably within a conservation corps or similar field-based organization.

• Ability to support team development, provide constructive feedback, and serve as a positive role model and mentor.

• Working knowledge of young adult development, team-building, and motivational techniques.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, partner agency staff, volunteers, and the public.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.

• Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback.

Field Readiness and Professional Requirements

• Ability to perform physically demanding manual labor for extended periods, often in adverse weather conditions and varied climates.

• Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight in field conditions.

• Proven experience driving vehicles and trucks with trailers across a variety of road conditions safely.

• Ability to adapt to changing work environments and conditions.

• Commitment to ACE's mission of public service through young adult development and volunteerism.

• A deep and continuing interest in the welfare and professional development of ACE participants.

• Ability to understand and follow ACE systems, processes, and policies.

Other Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record.

• Staff must be at least 21 years old to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.

• Must be proficient in English.

• Must be able to pass a federal criminal background check.

• Must comply with ACE policies and applicable federal Drug-Free Workplace policies and laws. ACE reserves the right to conduct drug testing at any time.

• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within 14 days of employment and maintain certification.

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assisting with research or monitoring projects, including data collection, data analysis, and report writing.

• Experience operating heavy machinery.

• Bachelor's degree in a natural resources-related field, including environmental science, forestry, conservation biology, wildlife biology, botany, soil science, hydrology, or recreation management.

Compensation (Grade 2): Starting hourly range of $22.00 - $24.00/hour, depending on experience. 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.