The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the most heavily visited wilderness area in the National Wilderness Preservation System. With more than 2,000 campsites and hundreds of miles of trails and portages, this Wilderness Area is very unique. These positions serve as a part of the portage and campsite maintenance crew in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) for the Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Districts on the Superior National Forest. These positions are responsible for implementation of routine campsite and portage maintenance and rehabilitation projects in the wilderness. In addition to maintenance duties, these intern positions would assist with monitoring biophysical and social resource conditions within the BWCAW.
This is an arduous position that involves lifting and portaging 50+ pound tool packs, overnight gear, and canoes. The interns selected for this position will take part in overnight trips that may be up to 8 days in length and can involve complex portage and campsite projects. The main mode of travel is by canoe, but motorboat use may be necessary as well. Major duties include backcountry maintenance using crosscut saws and axes, as part of the standard toolkit on designated wilderness campsites, and wilderness portage and hiking trails. The incumbents will also conduct monitoring and inventory work to support Forest Plan objectives.
BWCAW Intern duties will include:
- Overnight camping trips in the BWCA Wilderness for up to 8 days in length
- Assisting with visitor education and leave-no-trace
- Monitoring using established protocols
- Suing traditional tools (non-motorized) to perform campsite and portage maintenance projects
Training Opportunities:
- First Aid/CPR
- Crosscut Training
- Leave No Trace Training
Compensation details:
- $300/week* Living Allowance
- $1,100* To/From Travel Allowance, paid once with first paycheck
- Housing provided on site
- Eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,718.25, received upon successful completion of the position
- Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corp (PLC) hiring authority
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
It is SCA's policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position's start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position's start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
Position ID: PO-00733859
Expected Dates: May 15, 2023 - August 6, 2023
Location:
2020 W. Hwy 61
Grand Marais, MN 55604
US
Training Provided: First Aid CPR Crosscut saw
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: The Superior National Forest is located in the northeast tip of Minnesota and is sandwiched between Lake Superior and the Canadian border. One third of its three million acres contains the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
Participants will greatly enhance their experience if they have a personal vehicle. Grocery options and some dining options are available within walking distance of each location but participants who have their own vehicle can experience more recreation
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Bunkhouse accommodations each individual will have a single or double room in the bunkhouse. Shared restrooms and kitchen space. Restrooms are shared but designed for one person at a time and have locks. Single gender bunkhouses maybe available. The Grand Marais bunkhouse was constructed in 2007 and provides single or double occupancy rooms, with a shared kitchen, and multiple shared bathrooms.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes