Internship - Wilderness Ranger Crew Member

Conservation Begins Here

Wilderness Ranger Crew Member

Position Summary

SCA Wilderness Ranger Interns serve as members of our wilderness ranger crew for the summer season conducting backpacking patrols and day hiking patrols in the wilderness and backcounty. Our primary goal is to provide visitors with information, make sure wilderness regulations are followed, collect visitor use data and conduct restoration projects in the wilderness. The project area includes the last 60 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail including the northern terminus at the Canadian Border, the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, North Cascades Scenic Highway Corridor, Pasayten Wilderness and Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness.

Schedule

May 18, 2025 - September 7, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Collect visitor use data and recreation site data; Provide public information and education; Patrol the backcountry and wilderness areas on overnight backpacking patrols; Provide visitor information at high use trails in the North Cascades Scenic Highway Corridor; Install signage and register boxes at trailheads; Learn how pack stock are used in support of wilderness and trail crews;

Marginal Duties

Opportunity to interact with other professionals in the Forest Service including wildlife, fire, fisheries, trails, and developed recreation crews to discover if a career at the Forest Service is a good fit for you!

Required Qualifications

• Personal vehicle
• Valid state driver's license
• Ability to backpack in remote locations with no cell phone service (radio and in-reach units are provided)
• Personal computer is needed

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

• Independent solo backpacking experience
• Experience interacting with the public and answering questions
• Experience collecting data

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Bunkhouse housing will be provided for free by the Forest Service. We have two bunkhouses, one is at Early Winters Guard Station about 15 minutes west of the District Office, and the other is located in Winthrop. Bunkhouses have laundry facilities, bathrooms/showers, full kitchens, and shared rooms. Personal vehicles are strongly encouraged for transportation around the Methow Valley as public transportation is limited.

Compensation

• $1,100 Round Trip, one time travel allowance
• $500/week living allowance
• Housing is provided for free by the Forest Service
• $1,956 AmeriCorps Education Award on fulfillment of internship and 450 service hours
• Eligible for Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority on completion of 640 hours of service

Please note that cost of groceries is high in the towns of Winthrop and Twisp.

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
• Interpretive Skills
• Wilderness First Aid Training
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

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.