Rec Wilderness Trails Ottawa NF
*Position Title :
*Opportunity Type:
*Organizational Unit :
Natural Resources Spec (Rec)
Vac announcement, Other
R9 - Ottawa National Forest
*Series :
0401 - Gen Biolcl Sci
*Grade :
11
*Duty Location State - City:
MI - ONTONAGON
*Virtual Position?:
No
*Primary Contact :
susanne adams
*Contact Phone:
*Contact Email:
906-884-2085
smadams@fs.fed.us
Position Description :
This position is part of the Recreation/Technical Services Team and provides oversight of the
Recreation, Wilderness, Trails and Recreation Special Uses programs for the North Zone of the
Ottawa National Forest, encompassing the Kenton and Ontonagon Ranger Districts. The
position is responsible for developed and dispersed recreation program development, planning,
and administration. The position develops and coordinates with other entities including State,
local and private organizations and agencies to promote outdoor recreation opportunities,
including trails and wilderness programming.
The position is responsible for management of two wildernesses (Sturgeon River Gorge and
McCormick Wilderness); management of the nationally designated North Country Trail, and a
locally designated equestrian trail. There are multiple developed recreation sites, including
campgrounds, trailheads, and an Environmental Education Center built by the CCC. The Forest
is proud of its strong partnerships with both motorized and non-motorized recreation groups.
The incumbent supervises the North Zone recreation staff, including: plans work to be
accomplished; sets and adjusts priorities; evaluates work performance; and coordinates with unit
managers.
Duty Station Specifics :
Ontonagon, MI
Community Information:
Welcome to the Northwoods
The 988,785-acre Ottawa National Forest is located in the Western Upper Peninsula of
Michigan, an area known for its remote character, relatively pristine lakes and streams, vast
northern hardwood forests, and abundant wildlife. The towns where the field units are located
range from very small (Kenton - approx. 200 population) to somewhat larger
(Bessemer/Ironwood area - approx. 10,000 population). Somewhat larger nearby cities include:
Marquette, MI (approx. 25,000 population - 75 miles east of Kenton); Wausau, WI (approx.
35,000 population - 120 miles south of Watersmeet). The Ottawa offers numerous recreational
opportunities, including stream and lake fishing (blue-ribbon trout streams), deer and small-game
hunting, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, birding, cross-country and downhill
skiing, and many others.
The southern portion of the Ottawa, in particular, contains numerous glacial lakes, which are
home to bald eagles, ospreys, loons, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike,
and other native fish and wildlife species. Some of the highest-quality streams and rivers in the
Midwest are also found on the Ottawa, with several now designated as Federal Wild, Scenic, or
Recreational Rivers. Rivers on the Forest drain into both the Lake Michigan and Lake Superior
watersheds, with several of the Lake Superior streams having numerous waterfalls. There are
three designated Wildernesses on the Ottawa (Sylvania, McCormick, Sturgeon Gorge).
Post-secondary education is available at the following locations: Gogebic Community College
in Ironwood, MI; Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI; and Michigan Technological
University in Houghton, MI..
Air transportation is available in Ironwood, Iron Mountain, Marquette, and Hancock, MI, and in
Rhinelander, WI., all within approximately 60 - 100 miles. Bus transportation is also available
in most towns.
Michigan State income tax is 4.4% of adjusted gross income. Sales tax is 6%, excluding food
items. There are no city or county income taxes.
Housing prices are variable depending on location, but are generally somewhat lower than other
parts of the Midwest. Prices for lakefront property/housing are considerably higher than for offwater property, due to high demand and limited availability in some areas. Rentals can be
difficult to obtain in some areas, but some may be available.
Contact Information :
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Susanne Adams, Ontonagon District Ranger
Phone # - 906-884-2085, ext. 14
E-mail Address – smadams@fs.fed.us