Internship-Wilderness Trail Crew -South Zone Shoshone National Forest

Position Summary

Interns will work alongside experienced USFS Trail Crew members to maintain trails on the South Zone of the Shoshone National Forest. This zone includes the Popo Agie Wilderness (Wind River Range), Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Wind River Range), and the Washakie Wilderness (Southern Absarokas) each offering a unique wilderness experience. Interns will receive on the ground training and direct experience in trail maintenance, trail building, backcountry travel, horsemanship and conservation stewardship skills. The primary project will be to logout and maintain 500 miles of trail alongside FS staff. You get to work in one the largest and wildest ecosystems in the lower 48, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem-home to grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elk, deer, wolverine, pronghorn to name a few!

Schedule

June 2, 2025 - September 22, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Perform backcountry trail maintenance and construction tasks alongside agency staff; Work is accomplished via 8-day backcountry hitches, where you will be backpacking and camping for the entire hitch; Heavy focus on “logout” or trail clearing with crosscut saws in Wilderness areas

Marginal Duties

Construct structures such as trail bridges, boardwalks, and rock retaining walls; Assist with horse packing trips as needed; Work with other program areas to accomplish important field work; Communicate with and educate forest visitors you may encounter on the trail

Required Qualifications

Must be 18 or older by start date Ability to perform manual, physical labor for 8 days, 10 hours per day Hike 10+ miles in a day and lift/carry 50 lbs Physical fitness is required for hiking on and off-trail over rough (rocky, snowy, steep) mountainous terrain at high elevations (9,000-12,000 ft.) 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 camp in grizzly bear habitat.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous recreational or professional backcountry or backpacking experience Experience using hand tools and crosscut saws Experience working in a team environment Experience working or living outdoors in inclement weather

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is provided at the Middle Fork Guard Station in Sinks Canyon near Lander, WY while "off hitch"; Housing consists of 2 Double occupancy rooms, 1 single occupancy room, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen and washer/dryer in unit. Housing may be shared with employees from other program areas; You will have easy access to hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and fishing nearby

Compensation

$375/week living allowance (Paid bi-weekly)

One time travel allowance of $1,100

Housing on site provided

AmeriCorps Eligible (Award valued at $1,956) once 450 service hours are met

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Bear Safety

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.