Successful candidates will serve as a member of the Methow Valley Ranger District trail crew, helping to maintain trails to standard in a wide variety of backcountry settings, including the iconic Pasayten Wilderness and national scenic trails such as the Pacific Crest and Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trails, as well as multi-use trails for bikes or motorcycles. Work will include using traditional maintenance tools such as a crosscut saw to perform trail logout, or a variety of hand tools for tread and drainage work. Crews may also use chain saws or power tools, depending on the project location and the member's training / experience. Most work will be with hand tools. Crews typically work eight 10 hour days in the backcountry in a row, followed by six days off. Crews may backpack their own gear and tools to the site, or may work alongside the district's packer and string of mules to provide support to the trail crews. May assist with packing loads and animal care, and 8 Mile Ranch pack facility operations and maintenance. Members will serve with experienced FS trail crew leads, and receive direct mentoring and support for on-the-job training, and may also work alongside and support USFS partner and volunteer crews. Opportunities to cross-train with wilderness crews are also an option.
Strong backpacking skills and aptitude are a must, along with the ability to safely carry heavy backpacking loads (up to 50 pounds). Good communication, flexibility and teamwork skills are important. Interest in working with pack animals (mules, horses) is a bonus, but is not required.
Compensation amounts:
– $1,100 – one time RT travel allowance
– $300 – weekly living allowance
– Housing on site included (see description)
– AmeriCorps eligible ($2,474 education award)
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
SCA #1957
Position ID: PO-00734348
Expected Dates: June 18, 2023 - October 28, 2023
Location:
24 W Chewuch
Winthrop, WA 98862
US
Training Provided: Members will receive the same crew training as all seasonal employees on the district, including driver safety, training in cross-cut saw and other traditional tools, and training with the district stock program.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: The Methow Valley provides outstanding opportunities for year round outdoor recreation, including hiking, climbing, biking, horse-back riding, skiing, and more. There is normally a strong local art and vibrant community scene.
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
A personal vehicle is recommended because the site is a remote rural site with no public transport. A government rig is available for all work related tasks, but not personal use.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Housing will be provided. Housing options are either a shared room in a bunkhouse, with shared kitchen/dining/bathroom/laundry facilities, or in a wall tent with indoor shared shower and bathroom facilities (or porta potty), and outdoor covered cooking area (with access to fridge and power). The wall tent option also has access to additional restrooms/shower access 8 miles away in Winthrop. Wifi is available.
All housing is located at USFS historic Early Winters Compound, located 8 miles from the main ranger office in Winthrop. There is trail access to Mazama and other areas from the compound. It is also located on the banks of Early Winters Creek.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes