Wilderness Trail Crew Member - Shoshone National Forest

Position Summary 

Individual placements 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. The individual placements 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

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing approximately 45% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions
• Able to lift a backpack weighing 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
• Able to grip a third point of contact for balance purposes when crossing rivers or streams, and ascending and/or descending slopes.
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.;Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous peoples.;Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.;Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.;Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The 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 where people may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.