Conservation Corps- 2025Kootenai National Forest Trail Teams
Position Summary
The Kootenai National Forest in Montana will host several backcountry SCA trail crews in 2025. The Kootenai National Forest encompasses over 2.2 million acres of National Forest System lands and located in the extreme northwest corner of Montana, including a small portion of northeast Idaho. The forest consists of 4 Ranger Districts located in Eureka, Troy, Libby and Trout Creek. 3-4 different crews comprised of 4 corps members and 1 leader each will be based at one of these locations in 2025. Applicants may indicate during interviews if they prefer a specific location assignment.
Location
Libby, MT
Schedule
June 22, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Members will perform backcountry trail maintenance and construction projects throughout the Kootenai NF. Crew members will develop skills that will make them good candidates for entry-level seasonal positions with land management agencies like the US Forest Service and the National Park Service. Work will involve physical exertion and be performed outdoors, in varying weather conditions. SCA is looking for members open to new experiences, willingness to perform hard physical labor and enthusiasm for sharing space with others. Experienced candidates will have a foundation in outdoor living (hiking, camping and backpacking) and experience working outside, but this is not a requirement. Eagerness to learn in challenging conditions, actively contributing to maintaining a community, and adaptability in dynamic work environments are equally important qualities we are seeking in candidates.
Conservation work is unpredictable. Crews will have to navigate inclement weather, from waking up in single digit temperatures, to all day sun exposure. It is possible to experience thunderstorms, extreme winds, and smoke all within the same workday. The most successful teams are those who can adapt as challenges arise and continue to work effectively with their team.
What Might the Season Look Like?
Service begins at training in North Fork, ID at SCA's Pacific Northwest Corps headquarters, where participants will develop leadership and conservation skills needed for a trails corps team. Training is field-based and will include a review of sustainable trail practices, tools for building a team and proper basecamp setup. Staff will also share administrative and risk management expectations. A Wilderness First Aid course and Saw certifications are offered during training. Crews will depart training to their project sites in early July where they will work directly with local Forest Service staff for the duration of the season.
Work Schedule
In general, crews should expect to work on their project for 80 hours within a two-week span. This is subject to change based upon programmatic and field-based needs. Different projects will require different schedules. Some crews work 8 10-hour workdays with 6 days off, others may work 4 10-hour days with 3 days off. Check-ins with members or managing incidents may happen at any time during the season.
Marginal Duties
Participants must be fully invested in taking care of themselves and supporting their crew.
Required Qualifications
. Must be 18 or older by the position start date;
. Must have the ability to legally work in the US;
. Ability to enroll in AmeriCorps Education Award Program;
. Ability to pass SCA background check;
. Must be able to attend Crew Member Training: 6/22/2025 – 7/12/2025;
. Full engagement in all work projects and community activities;
. Must uphold project, crew community, basecamp, vehicle, and general safety standards;
. Commitment to teamwork, learning, and problem-solving;
. Ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions that will include extreme heat, sun exposure, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation;
. Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, hike 5+ miles in a day and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more;
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience is helpful but not required.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Participants should be prepared to camp in frontcountry and/or backcountry conditions throughout the program, both on hitch and days off. This means more chances to connect with nature, and limited access to electricity, running water and showers. Locations will be available for these services through the Kootenai NF. Community chores such as preparing meals and washing dishes will be shared by members and leader. SCA will provide group gear such as tents, kitchen supplies (such as pots, pans, and stoves), and uniform items. Leaders and members will be expected to bring their personal items such as a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, and mess kit. To support the crew's efforts, crews are issued an SCA vehicle and trailer for transportation and storage, and a field budget to purchase groceries, supplies, and fuel.
Compensation
Free Training Certifications: $1,000 value Wilderness First Aid/CPR Chainsaw/Crosscut Saw Leave No Trace . $650 round-trip travel allowance (1/2 paid with first pay check, 1/2 paid with final pay check) . $350 weekly living allowance; . AmeriCorps eligibility (450-hour award, $1,956.35 education award) *All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. . Meals: Provided throughout the service term. . Gear: Group camping gear, like tents, stoves, and filters, are provided Additional Benefits . Wildlife Safety Training . Conservation Work Skills Training . Defensive Driver Training AmeriCorps Benefits o Segal AmeriCorps Education Award o Student Loan Forbearance for qualifying student loans o Member Assistance Program – mental health service
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Interpretive Skills
Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification
Wilderness First Aid Training
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.