The South Zone of the Shoshone National Forest is seeking interns for a 16-week summer position as a Wilderness Trail Crew Member to work in the extraordinary Washakie, Fitzpatrick, and Popo Agie Wilderness areas.
WILDERNESS TRAIL CREW DUTIES:
- Serve alongside experienced US Forest Service Trail Crew Leads.
- Perform maintenance on the South Zone system of trails using crosscut saws and hand tools.
- Assist with trail improvement projects using hand & power tools.
- Installation of trail signage.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Physical fitness is required for hiking on- and off-trail over rough (rocky, snowy, steep) mountainous terrain at high elevations (commonly 9,000-12,000 ft.) in various adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to hike 10 to 20 miles a day carrying 50+ lbs. while also conducting work duties along the route
- Previous hiking, backpacking, and wilderness camping experience is necessary.
- Ability to work and live in the backcountry for up to 8 days at a time
- Professionalism when contacting visitors, including in high-use areas
- Willingness to accept and manage risks associated with extreme weather events, stream crossings, driving mountainous roads, wildlife, exposure to biting/stinging insects, and other conditions
- Willingness to work and live in grizzly bear habitat.
- Reliable personal transportation.
INTERN SCHEDULE:
START DATE: Monday, May 29th, 2023
END DATE: Sunday, September 17th, 2023
End of May to Mid-June: Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30. Trainings and Day Shots to clear trails.
Mid-June to Mid-August: 4 -8 Day Hitches with 3-6 days off depending on the work schedule.
Daily hours and schedule will vary with scope of work.
BENEFITS:
- Professional development and experience in a Federal Land Management Agency
- Mentorship and guidance in career path choices
- Opportunity to serve as a wilderness steward in the stunningly scenic and wild Washakie, Fitzpatrick, and Popo Agie Wilderness areas of America’s first National Forest
- Develop appreciation for cultural and natural history of the area
- Summer backcountry interns and employees enjoy the 8 days on/6 days off hitch schedule
- The position is stationed in Lander, Wyoming in the foothills of the Wind River Mountain range as well as within driving distance of the attractive destinations of the Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Jackson and Absaroka mountain range.
- The Forest Service provides some backpacking gear to minimize wear and tear on personal gear (optional)
Compensation amounts:
- $1,100 – one time RT travel allowance
- Housing on site provided
- $250 – weekly living allowance
- AmeriCorps eligible ($1,718 education award)
- PLC eligible with 640 service hours (can be combined with another internship)
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
Position ID: PO-00734997
Expected Dates: May 22, 2023 - September 17, 2023
Location:
333 E Main Street
Lander, WY 82520
US
Training Provided: Crosscut Saw, Horsemanship, Bear Awareness, Chainsaw
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Western Wyoming is an outdoor recreationist’s paradise, with the Tetons, Wind Rivers, and Absaroka Mountains offering abundant opportunities for backpacking, fishing, mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, wildlife photography and more.
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
The Middle Fork Guard Station is a dormitory style bunkhouse in Sinks Canyon. It has 4 – double occupancy rooms, a laundry room, bathroom with private showers/toilets, shared kitchen, and shared common space.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes