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Hoosier National Forest Putting Veterans To Work

Last updated on Wednesday, January 6, 2016

(BEDFORD) - Hoosier National Forest staff is working with a program called VetsWork to hire three seasonal interns for the Forest. The program was developed by the non-profit Mt. Adams Institute, as a career training program for military veterans.

The program entails 45 weeks of hands-on training in which participants will learn while supporting natural resource, recreation, community engagement and volunteer coordination projects on the national forests. Participants will receive training and experience on topics pertaining to a variety of natural and cultural resources. The experience and training in the VetsWork program is designed to encourage participants to explore potential career options with the U.S. Forest Service.

"The VetsWork program is intended to support military veterans as they transition back into civilian life by providing them with this opportunity to explore careers in service to public lands and the natural resources that abound in the region", states Brendan Norman, Executive Director of the Mt. Adams Institute.

On the Hoosier National Forest two positions will be located at Bedford and one at Tell City. The participants will work in a variety of programs including recreation, wildlife habitat and forest management projects, will help layout and mark timber sales and help with prescribed burns. The jobs are open to any prior member of the armed forces with an honorable discharge who is at least 21 and can pass the physical requirements. For more information or to apply, go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/hoosier and click on employment opportunities under Quick links.

Mt Adams Institute is working with national forests across the Midwest to train military veterans for potential careers in public lands / natural resources management. The Corporation for National Service (AmeriCorps) has provided additional support for the project.

The program begins on February 22, 2016. Participants receive a modest living stipend, basic health insurance, an AmeriCorps education award of $5,730 and other benefits.

About Mt. Adams Institute:

Mt. Adams Institute is a nonprofit organization with a mission to strengthen the connection between people and the natural world through education, service learning, career development and research. More information about the organization and the VetsWork program can be found at: www.mtadamsinstitute.com and www.facebook.com/Mt.AdamsInstitute

About AmeriCorps:

AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 men and women in intensive service each year at more than 15,000 locations including nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. Learn more at: http://www.nationalservice.gov/

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