Internship - Backcountry Wilderness Ranger with Shoshone National Forest

Position Summary

The South Zone of the Shoshone National Forest is seeking one intern for a 10-week summer position as a Wilderness Ranger to work in the extraordinary Washakie, Fitzpatrick, and Popo Agie Wilderness areas of Wyoming. The Wilderness Ranger intern will assist the Shoshone National Forest in accomplishing an array of wilderness ranger objectives, including conducting valuable conservation work in wilderness campsite inventory, monitoring, cleanup, and naturalization; visitor use and encounters monitoring; public education; outfitter and guide inspections; and trail logout. Wilderness Ranger intern work is accomplished during multiple 8-day self-supported (backpack) wilderness hitches with one to a few other people.

Schedule

June 15, 2025 - August 23, 2025 (Start & end dates are flexible but requires 10 full weeks of service)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

WILDERNESS RANGER DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Campsite inventory, condition monitoring, and data collection on the Survey123 field program
• Campsite cleanup, naturalization, revegetation, and restoration
• Carrying out trash from wilderness
• Visitor use/encounters monitoring and data collection using the Survey123 field program
• Professionally conducting visitor contacts, checking for compliance, and providing information/education on Forest regulations
• Assist in conducting Outfitter/Guide inspections
• Wilderness sign and trailhead kiosk maintenance
• Trail logout and minor trail maintenance.

Marginal Duties

May assist with Special Uses front-country Lands inspections, warehouse organization, and equipment/vehicle maintenance.

Required Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older by position start date; Must have ability to legally work in the US
• Ability to enroll in AmeriCorps education award program
• Ability to pass SCA background check
• Full engagement in all work projects
• 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 miles a day, and sometimes up to 20 miles in 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, wildfire smoke, and other conditions
• Willingness to work and live in grizzly bear habitat
• Due to the remote, isolated location of Dubois, WY, it is important that an intern provides their own mode of transportation.

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

• Extensive wilderness backpacking experience
• Previous experience backpacking, camping, or working in grizzly bear habitat
• Previous experience with trail maintenance, crosscut saw use, and tool use.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Co-ed bunkhouse-style housing will be provided in the small community of Dubois, Wyoming. This Forest Service bunkhouse has 5 double-occupancy bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms plus a shared laundry room, living room, and double kitchen. Occupants of the bunkhouse may include seasonal FS employees from various programs, and/or other interns. The bunkhouse was built on the east side of Dubois in the early 2000's on the Forest Service Work Center compound next door to two Forest Service warehouses, and a horse corral.

Compensation

Weekly Living Allowance - $375

Round Trip Travel Allowance - $1,100

AmeriCorps Award - $1,565 (300 service hours)

Housing provided on site

SCA Uniform Package

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

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.