Conservation Corps - Summer 2026 Kootenai National Forest Trail Team Member

Student Conservation Association • Libby, MT

33d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kootenai National Forest in Montana will host a backcountry trail crew based
in Troy, MT. The Kootenai National Forest encompasses over 2.2 million acres of
National Forest System lands and located in the extreme northwest corner of
Montana, including a small portion of northeast Idaho. The forest consists of 4
Ranger Districts located in Eureka, Troy, Libby and Trout Creek.

Members will perform backcountry trail maintenance and construction projects
throughout the Troy district of the Kootenai NF. Crew members will develop
skills that will make them good candidates for entry-level seasonal positions
with land management agencies like the US Forest Service and the National Park
Service. Work will involve physical exertion and be performed outdoors, in
varying weather conditions. SCA is looking for members open to new experiences,
willingness to perform hard physical labor and enthusiasm for sharing space with
others. Experienced candidates will have a foundation in outdoor living (hiking,
camping and backpacking) and experience working outside, but this is not a
requirement. Eagerness to learn in challenging conditions, actively contributing
to maintaining a community, and adaptability in dynamic work environments are
equally important qualities we are seeking in candidates. Conservation work is
unpredictable. Crews will have to navigate inclement weather, from waking up in
single digit temperatures, to all day sun exposure. It is possible to experience
thunderstorms, extreme winds, and smoke all within the same workday. The most
successful teams are those who can adapt as challenges arise and continue to
work effectively with their team. What Might the Season Look Like? Service
begins at training in North Fork, ID at SCA's Pacific Northwest Corps
headquarters, where participants will develop leadership and conservation skills
needed for a trails corps team. Training is field-based and will include a
review of sustainable trail practices, tools for building a team and proper
basecamp setup. Staff will also share administrative and risk management
expectations. A Wilderness First Aid course and Saw certifications are offered
during training. Crews will depart training to their project sites in early June
where they will work directly with local Forest Service staff for the duration
of the season. Work Schedule In general, crews should expect to work on their
project for 80 hours within a two-week span. This is subject to change based
upon programmatic and field-based needs. Different projects will require
different schedules. Some crews work 8 10-hour workdays with 6 days off, others
may work 4 10-hour days with 3 days off. Check-ins with members or managing
incidents may happen at any time during the season.

Requirements

• Must be 18 or older by the position start date
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US
• Ability to pass SCA background check
• Must be able to attend Crew Member Training: 5/17/2026 – 6/6/2026
• Full engagement in all work projects and community activities
• Must uphold project, crew community, basecamp, vehicle, and general safety standards
• Commitment to teamwork, learning, and problem-solving
• Ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions that will include extreme heat, sun exposure, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, hike 5+ miles in a day and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
• All participants must be between the ages of 18 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.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Members will perform backcountry trail maintenance and construction projects throughout the Troy district of the Kootenai NF.
• Assist in travel planning, data collection, and team logistics support
• Non-routine tool and gear maintenance
• If eligible, may drive the SCA vehicle for team support

Benefits

• Free Training Certifications: Wilderness First Aid/CPR Chainsaw/Crosscut Saw
• $650 round-trip travel allowance (1/2 paid with first pay check, 1/2 paid with final pay check)
• $350 weekly living allowance
• Meals: Provided throughout the service term.
• Gear: Group camping gear, like tents, stoves, and filters, are provided
• Wildlife Safety Training
• Conservation Work Skills Training
• Defensive Driver Training

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed