Internship - Wilderness Trail Crew: Payette National Forest
Position Summary
The Wilderness Trail Crew on the Payette National Forest will be performing trail maintenance and backpacking along 360 miles of trail on the Payette National Forest portion of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. Duties will include: assisting Wilderness Ranger to brush out trails, re-establishing trail tread, clearing logs crossing the trails, cleaning out water bars, installing trail signs, and providing campsite cleanup and rehab.
Schedule
June 2, 2025 - August 24, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Trail Maintenance; Duties will include: assisting Wilderness Ranger to brush out trails, re-establishing trail tread, clearing logs crossing the trails, cleaning out water bars, installing trail signs, and providing campsite cleanup and rehab.
Required Qualifications
Ability and willingness to live and work out of remote/primitive work stations with no electricity or internet service for 12 weeks with no planned trips to town. Past SCA interns say this is life-changing and an awesome opportunity to disconnect. This opportunity is for someone self-motivated and a hardworking. Selected candidates must have the ability to work alone and with a crew. Strong physical fitness required.
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
Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes: Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; Being at least 18 years or older; Having a high school diploma or equivalent; Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
The Frank Church River Of No Return Wilderness is located in central Idaho on the Boise, Nez Perce, Payette, and Salmon Challis National Forests. Two Wild and Scenic Rivers run through the Wilderness, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and the Salmon River. Elevations range from less than 2000 feet in the lower river canyons to over 10,000 ft. on the higher peaks. There are 2600 miles of Forest Service trails, 24 airstrips, 33 fire lookouts and over 100 trail bridges. Historic and prehistoric heritage of the area is a recognized component of this wilderness. Ability and willingness to live and work out of remote/primitive work stations with no electricity or internet service for 12 weeks with no planned trips to town
Compensation
$650 - one time RT travel allowance
$400 weekly living allowance
Housing is in backcountry Shared cabin or tent with cooking facilities. No electricity, internet or phone service available.
AmeriCorps eligible- education award of approximately $1,956 upon successful completion of position and service of 450 hours or more
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
First Aid/CPR
Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification
Backpacking skills; map reading
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.