Veterans Resources Blog « Office of the Dean of Student Life

We all see the veritable flood of timber position outreaches flowing through our inboxes, and here is another. This one stands out from the rest, though. So if you are a potential candidate or know one, please read on!

The Superior National Forest is advertising a GS-460-9/11 Timber Management Assistant position located in Cook, Minnesota. Here is a chance to live in beautiful northeastern Minnesota, with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and lakes galore to fish and enjoy, many small towns full of people that are truly “Minnesota nice,” and affordable homes and land. On top of that, the Superior National Forest is a great place to work. The Forest has a diverse program of work, with timber and vegetation management, wilderness and recreation, and mineral development being major focus areas.

The vacancy opens today, December 5, 2013 and Merit closes December 18 and Demo closes December 16. Links to the announcements are below:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/356695900 (Merit) open Dec 5-18, 2013.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/356696200 (Demo)open Dec 5-16, 2013.

This position is located on the West Zone of the Forest, which consists of three ranger districts: LaCroix, Laurentian and Kawishiwi. The position works across the zone based on the LaCroix Ranger District in Cook, MN. The West Zone traditionally generates more than 60% of the Forest’s offering of timber volume, which in recent years has averaged around 60 million board feet.

The position works closely with two GS-11 silviculturists and one GS-11 Forest Service Representative to lead the vegetation management program for the Laurentian (Aurora), Kawishiwi (Aurora) and LaCroix (Cook) Ranger Districts. Core responsibilities include: development of annual program of work, establishment of timber sale program and production goals, and setting priorities, oversight of sale offer schedule, packaging, layout & marking, appraisal and offering. The incumbent will work closely with forest timber staff including the forest Contracting Officer as well as district resource staff areas of planning, wildlife and others during project planning, sale preparation and implementation.

For more information about the position or this great part of the word feel free to contact me.

Andrew K. Johnson District Ranger

LaCroix Ranger District Superior National Forest

320 North Highway 53 Cook Minnesota, 55723

(O) 218-666-0046 (C) 218-269-1610

New Rates for Compensation and Pension Benefits in 2014

WASHINGTON – Veterans, their families and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly payments beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

“We’re pleased there will be another cost-of-living increase for Veterans, their families and their survivors,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The increase expresses in a tangible way our Nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by our service-disabled and wartime Veterans.”

For the first time, payments will not be rounded down to the nearest dollar. Until this year, that was required by law. Veterans and survivors will see additional cents included in their monthly compensation benefit payment.

For Veterans without dependents, the new compensation rates will range from $130.94 monthly for a disability rated at 10 percent to $2,858.24 monthly for 100 percent. The full rates are available on the Internet at www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/rates-index.asp.

The COLA increase also applies to disability and death pension recipients, survivors receiving dependency and indemnity compensation, disabled Veterans receiving automobile and clothing allowances, and other benefits.

Under federal law, cost-of-living adjustments for VA’s compensation and pension must match those for Social Security benefits. The last adjustment was in January 2013 when the Social Security benefits rate increased 1.7 percent.

In fiscal year 2013, VA provided over $59 billion in compensation benefits to nearly 4 million Veterans and survivors, and over $5 billion in pension benefits to more than 515,000 Veterans and survivors.

For Veterans and separating Servicemembers who plan to file an electronic disability claim, VA urges them to use the joint DoD/VA online portal, eBenefits. Registered eBenefits users with a premium account can file a claim online, track the status, and access a variety of other benefits, including pension, education, health care, home loan eligibility, and vocational rehabilitation and employment programs.

For more information about VA benefits, visit www.benefits.va.gov, or call 1-800-827-1000.

OSU Community:

As we honor our Veterans this month, the Office of Human Resources is pleased to announce an addition to our Benefits page that provides detailed information for our employees who have served in the Armed Forces. The site provides links to various service related benefits including medical, home loans, and education benefits. The site also provides links to both State of Oregon and Federal resources. We hope this new site will allow you to easily find and access those benefits provided in recognition of our veterans’ service and sacrifice. Please take a moment to access the site by following this link: http://oregonstate.edu/admin/hr/lifebalanceosu/veterans

Dave

David M. Blake, PhD, SPHR

Assistant Vice President

Human Resources, Facilities, Risk Management, Public Safety/OSP

Oregon State University

122 Kerr Administration Building

Corvallis, OR, 97331

2014 Alternative Spring Break service trip applications are now available! Please help to spread the word to students about these opportunities. This year the Center for Civic Engagement is offering three spring break trips from March 22 to March 29, 2014. Trips for 2014 include:
• Hunger & Homelessness in San Francisco, California, Estimated Trip Cost: $435 (includes 4 dinners and breakfast)
• Community & Cultural Engagement in Yakima, Washington, Estimated Trip Cost: $145 (includes 4 dinners)
• Environmental Restoration & Conservation: Ashland, Oregon, Estimated Trip Cost: $ 205 (includes 4 dinners)

Students can learn more about the alternative break program, download the application packet, or apply online here: http://oregonstate.edu/cce/alternativebreaks. Applications are due Monday December 2, 2013 by 5pm. This is a unique opportunity for students to bond, learn, and serve. There many benefits to participating, many are listed below.

Benefits of participating in an Alternative Break:
• Engage in meaningful service to impact change related to an issue you care about
• Learn about and reflect upon the complexity and interconnectedness of social issues and problems
• Improve your leadership, critical thinking, and dialogue skills in dynamic real world scenarios
• Learn about options for continuing community engagement work upon your return to OSU
• Build meaningful relationships and a new community of civic-minded OSU students
• Travel to and learn about regional communities
• Learn about and explore new perspectives
• Develop skills in negotiating multiple perspectives, viewpoints, and stakeholders’ interests in decision making and actions
• Develop an increased capacity to work across differences to build communities
• Gain valuable experience for your resume
• Experience a program that will likely inform your future career path and lifestyle
• Learn about yourself, challenge yourself, and have fun

_________________________________
Emily E. Bowling
Civic Engagement & Service Coordinator
Student Leadership & Involvement
Oregon State University
154 Snell Hall; Corvallis, Oregon 97331
p: 541.737.7673 | f: 541.737.7504

November 7 and 8, 2013 Veteran and Family Student Association Tabling Event
The VFSA is asking for volunteers to help with the Tabling Event being held in the MU Quad on November 7th and 8th. There are various times to choose from and are scheduled in hour increments, but you can volunteer for whatever time is suitable to your schedule. We would like two people per time, but more is possible. We will have table, chairs, flags and handouts for people. This event is to create awareness to veterans on campus that there is a veteran organization and we are here to help. Thank you for helping!
http://www.doodle.com/qq2v54nwm3nhzdvp

November 8, 2013 Oregon State University Veterans Day Ceremony
Oregon State University Air Force ROTC Detachment 685 asks you to join them in honoring our nation’s veterans. The ceremony will include a mock funeral ceremony with a 21 gun salute, as well as a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Ceremony. Dress is casual. The event will be held at 10:00 a.m. and in the Oregon State University Memorial Union Quad
Contact: Armando Kraynick
Phone: (503-383-4165)
Email: kraynica@onid.orst.edu

November 11, 2013 OSU Womens Basketball Game against CSU Bakersfield dedicated to Veterans.
The Department of Veteran Resources is partnering with the Athletics Department and OSU ROTC Units to honor Veterans. OSU ROTC Joint Color Guard will be presenting the colors. OSU Student and Coos County Veteran Service Officer Eric Gleason will be honored on the court for his military service and continued service as a Veteran Advocate. Game starts at 6:00 p.m. Ticket Information can be obtained at the following website; http://beavertickets.com/.

November 11, 2013 Albany Veterans’ Day Parade
Student Veterans from around the state will be joining Oregon State University Student Veterans to walk in the 2013 Albany Veterans Parade. Those interested need to show up by 9:30 a.m at the Fred Meyer which is on 2500 Santiam Hwy SE in Albany, Oregon. Students will then travel from there to their line up spot in the parade by 10:00 a.m. Parade starts at 11:00 a.m.

November 14, 2013 VA Outreach Day at Oregon State University
Veterans and Family Student Association (VFSA), Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) Veterans Taskforce Director, and the Office of Veterans Resources are happy to once again host representatives from the Federal and County VA Programs. Present will be representatives from the Portland and Roseburg VA Medical Center, Salem and Eugene Vet Centers, and Benton County Veterans Service Office. The event will be held from 9:00 to 3:00 on Thursday, November 14, 2013 in the Memorial Union Veterans Lounge. Stop in to talk with these individuals about your VA benefits beyond GI Bill. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.

November 15, 2013 Open House Event in Veterans Lounge
Veterans and Family Student Association (VFSA) and the Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) Veterans Taskforce Director are hosting an Open House Event in the Veterans Lounge on November 15, 2013 11:00 to 2:00. Come and meet your new leaders. Keynote speaker and guest will be Mr. Victor Kuhns, Director for Vets Helping Vets HQ. Refreshments and food will be provided.

Memorial Union
Position Title: Student Building Manager
Hiring Immediately for Academic Year 2013-2014
Position Description:
Work with MU Building Operations Manager and Building Management Team in overseeing and coordinating evening
and weekend operations throughout the Memorial Union organization.
Responsibilities:
 Promote a safe, secure and orderly environment for employees, volunteers and visitors in the MU.
 Troubleshoot and solve problems involving guests, employees and building systems.
 Ensure meeting rooms, event spaces and common spaces are clean, arranged properly and ready for guests.
 Provide leadership and appropriate response during emergency situations.
 Open or Secure doors, windows and other access points in all MU facilities.
 Provide emergency coverage and relief in MU Basement, Guest Services, Info Desk and Building Services.
 Monitor all Memorial Union facilities, rooms and locations on reoccurring walking rounds.
 Enforce building policies and procedures and handle disruptive incidents as appropriate.
 Lead fellow student staff in providing exceptional customer service to all parties encountered.
 Perform other duties as assigned.
General Qualifications:
Academics –
Must be an upper-class undergraduate student or graduate student with at least one full academic year left before
graduation. Must have at least a 2.5 GPA and must be continually enrolled for at least 6 credit hours each quarter.
Communication Skills –
Must be proficient in both verbal and written communication. Must be capable of communicating across multiple workshifts
utilizing e-mail, voicemail, written logs, telephone and hand-held radio. Must communicate in a positive manner
and strive to deal with problems in a mature and responsible manner resulting in mutually favorable resolutions.
Judgment and Integrity –
Must be able to exercise sound judgment and act in a responsible manner and lead other MU staff members with
integrity and in accordance with established policies.
Customer Service Skills –
Must possess and demonstrate exceptional customer service and positive attitude at all times.
Attitude –
Must display a healthy work-ethic which includes, but is not limited to the ability to be self-directed towards reliable
attendance and excellent punctuality. Must demonstrate the ability to focus attention to details on the job, and avoid
distractions that take away from effective building supervision.
Hours: Approx 16-20 hours each week, with shifts 4pm-11pm on Weeknights and 7am-4pm & 4pm-12am Weekends
Pay Rate: $ 10.00+ /hr and merit-based increases upon annual anniversary.
* Successful applicants will be subject to, and must successfully pass an Oregon State Police Background Check.
Applications are available until Nov 13 at the Memorial Union Website
http://mu.oregonstate.edu/mu-job-application
Interviews will follow.
Contact Mike Mayers for more information.
(541) 737-4105 or michael.mayers@oregonstate.edu

The VFSA is asking for volunteers to help with the Tabling Event being held in the MU Quad on November 7th and 8th. There are various times to choose from and are scheduled in hour increments, but you can volunteer for whatever time is suitable to your schedule. We would like two people per time, but more is possible. We will have table, chairs, flags and handouts for people. This event is to create awareness to veterans on campus that there is a veterans organization and we are here to help. Thank you for helping! If you have any questions please email or call.

http://www.doodle.com/qq2v54nwm3nhzdvp

OSU Veterans Association Leaders

The position will require the Work-Study Student to assist the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) representatives in providing direct and indirect support services to qualified veterans. These duties include; welcoming the veterans to the center, assisting the veterans to complete occupational history and job skills identification, maintain veterans e-mail distribution list for providing information updates, assist veterans in establishing eBenefits accounts and applying for benefits through that site, and assisting DVOP Reps in providing veterans benefits information and provide referral to other veterans service organizations for additional services.

Wille Elfering
Veterans Representative
Oregon Employment Department
Dallas / Salem / Woodburn
Salem Office #: 503-378-8574

Web Site: http://www.workinginoregon.org
Labor Market Info: http://www.qualityInfo.org

Do you have a 10 credit internship to complete? Are you interested in developing executive skills in hiring and staff development? KidSpirit is looking for three dedicated interns for this winter term who will be helping to evaluate the future staff of KidSpirit and making a valuable contribution to the continuation of the program. Many students wait to complete their intensive internship until spring term, but with the influx of other students looking for internships, stress of making summer plans and graduation, winter term is the perfect time earn your credits while cultivating your higher level management skills. Intern will be expected to work weekdays in the term and some weekends. If you are interested in this unique and exciting opportunity please schedule a meeting with KidSpirit director Karen Swanger or another leadership staff to discuss the internship. KidSpirit is located in 125 Langton Hall 541.737.5437

KidSpirit Leadership Staff
KidSpirit/Girls on the Run Office
KidSpirit@OregonState.edu
541-737-5437

Check out the Fall Career Fair Seminars & Events beginning on Friday, October 18th through Tuesday, October 22nd sponsored by OSU Career Services. These are great opportunities for you and your students to find out what employers are looking for in resumes, learn tips and strategies to make interviews a success, and discover how to negotiate the best job offer! Learn how to be successful at the Career Fair and how to strengthen your professional portfolio. Join us for one of our favorite events: Speed Mock Interviews, which will be held on October 22nd, 2:00pm in Kidder Hall room 202. This event allows students to practice with national recruiters to be fully prepared for interviews. For more information please follow this link: http://oregonstate.edu/career/seminars-and-events.
Please help us get the word out to students of these upcoming events.

Veterans Resources Blog

Office of the Dean of Student Life

GS-460-9/11 TMA vacancy annoucement on the Superior National Forest opens today!

VA Announces 1.5% COLA Increase

New Website for OSU Employees Who Served in the Armed Forces

2014 Alternative Spring Break service trip applications are now available!

2013 Veterans Day Events

Memorial Union Student Building Manager

Veteran and Family Student Association Tabling Event

Work Study Position in Salem, Oregon

Kidspirit Internship

Fall Career Fair Seminars & Events

Contact Info