Wilderness Trail Crew Member
Position Dates: 6/4/24-8/26/24 (12 weeks)
About us:
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country.
Program Description:
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.
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.
Member Benefits:
- $650 - one time RT travel allowance
- $350- weekly living allowance
- Housing in backcountry
- Shared cabin or tent with cooking facilities. No electricity, internet or phone service available.
- AmeriCorps eligible- education award of approximately $1,824.07 upon successful completion of position and service of 450 hours or more
- First aid/CPR training including certification
- Backpacking skills; map reading
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
Member 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.
- Self-motivated and a hard worker
- Ability to work alone and with a crew
- Strong physical fitness required
Additional:
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.
Training Opportunities include proper use of hand tools; Leave No Trace camping techniques; radio use; personal safety; campsite selection; environmental hazards; opportunity to be exposed to Forest Service Recreation and Wilderness Management, Land Ethic, mission and policy