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Malaysianwildlife

Individual Placement – Shoshone Backcountry Wilderness Ranger

Malaysianwildlife, Wyoming, Ohio, United States

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Position Summary The South Zone of the Shoshone National Forest is seeking one individual placement for a 16-week summer position as a Wilderness Ranger to work in the extraordinary Washakie, Fitzpatrick, and Popo Agie Wilderness areas of Wyoming. The Wilderness Ranger selected placement will assist the Shoshone National Forest in accomplishing an array of wilderness ranger objectives, including conducting valuable conservation work in wilderness campsite inventory, monitoring, cleanup, and naturalization; visitor use and encounters monitoring; public education; outfitter and guide inspections; and trail logout. Wilderness Ranger work is accomplished during multiple 8-day self-supported (backpack) wilderness hitches with one to a few other people.

Schedule Date Ranges: May 24th – September 12th, or May 31st – September 19th, 2026

(Start & end dates are flexible but requires 16 full weeks of service)

Key Duties and Responsibilities WILDERNESS RANGER DUTIES INCLUDE:

Campsite inventory, condition monitoring, and data collection on the Survey123 field program

Campsite cleanup, naturalization, revegetation, and restoration

Carrying out trash from wilderness

Visitor use/encounters monitoring and data collection using the Survey123 field program

Professionally conducting visitor contacts, checking for compliance, and providing information/education on Forest regulations

Assist in conducting Outfitter/Guide inspections

Wilderness sign and trailhead kiosk maintenance

Trail logout and minor trail maintenance.

Marginal Duties May assist with Special Uses front-country Lands inspections, warehouse organization, and equipment/vehicle maintenance.

Required Qualifications

Must be 18 or older by position start date; Must have ability to legally work in the US

Ability to pass SCA background check

Full engagement in all work projects

Physical fitness is required for hiking on- and off-trail over rough (rocky, snowy, steep) mountainous terrain at high elevations (commonly 9,000-12,000 ft.) in various adverse weather conditions

Ability to hike ~10 miles a day, and sometimes up to 20 miles in a day, carrying 50+ lbs. while also conducting work duties along the route

Previous hiking, backpacking, and wilderness camping experience is necessary

Ability to work and live in the backcountry for up to 8 days at a time

Professionalism when contacting visitors, including in high-use areas

Willingness to accept and manage risks associated with extreme weather events, stream crossings, driving mountainous roads, wildlife, exposure to biting/stinging insects, wildfire smoke, and other conditions

Willingness to work and live in grizzly bear habitat

Experience handling personal isolation, remoteness, and in maintaining mental health

Due to the remote, isolated location of Dubois, WY, it is important that the selected placement provides their own mode of transportation.

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

Extensive wilderness backpacking experience

Previous experience backpacking, camping, or working in grizzly bear habitat

Previous experience with trail maintenance, crosscut saw use, and tool use.

Previous Experience maintaining mental health in challenging situations such as isolation and remoteness

Internet in Wilderness, Recreation Management, Conservation, or Trails

Previous Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification

Hours 40 per week

Living Accommodations Co-ed bunkhouse-style housing will be provided in the small community of Dubois, Wyoming. This Forest Service bunkhouse has 5 double-occupancy bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms plus a shared laundry room, living room, and double kitchen. Occupants of the bunkhouse may include seasonal FS employees from various programs, and/or other individual placements. The bunkhouse was built on the east side of Dubois in the early 2000’s on the Forest Service Work Center compound next door to two Forest Service warehouses, and a horse corral.

Compensation Weekly Living Allowance – $450

Round Trip Travel Allowance – $1,100

Housing provided on site

SCA Uniform Package

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information Required

Additional Benefits Bear Safety and Awareness Training

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps: NOT Eligible

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.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.

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