Recreation research assistant

Spruce Pine NC

Description

The job of the recreation research assistant is to collect information from visitors about their recreation experiences in the Pisgah National Forest and to count visitors at specific locations on the forest. These positions are great fit for active retirees or self-employed people with flexible schedules who want to do work that contribute to management of the National Forest. Positions are occasional/part-time (between 4 and 12 days a month) and run through September 30, 2023. Knowledge of the Pisgah National Forest and its recreation sites is beneficial, but not absolutely essential. Travel time to the locations within the forest is paid time. Work is irregular, so this job should not be applicants' sole-source of income. Schedules are built monthly and have some flexibility. Positions are offered by the University of Tennessee, which cooperates with the National Forests in North Carolina, and all forests in the southeast United States, to conduct National Forest Service recreation assessments. To qualify, you must • Live near the Appalachian or Grandfather Districts of the Pisgah National Forest. This could include Mars Hill, Burnsville, Spruce Pine, or Banner Elk areas. • Be available to work weekends or weekdays • Have had successful experience working independently • Enjoy working outdoors and talking to people • Be willing to travel locally and have a reliable vehicle for project work (Travel time is paid time and mileage is reimbursed at 62.5 cents per mile; no overnight travel is required) • Use a computer tablet and a simple app to collect the data