Crew Member - Payette National Forest Wilderness Trail Team

Student Conservation Association • Mccall, ID

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wilderness Trail Crew on the Payette National Forest will spend the season
maintaining and traveling across roughly 360 miles of remote backcountry trail
within the Payette’s portion of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness,
one of the largest and most rugged wilderness areas in the country. Crew members
will backpack for extended periods through steep terrain, dense forests, and
river corridors to reach project sites.

Primary duties include supporting the Wilderness Ranger in brushing out
overgrown trail corridors, re‑establishing and repairing trail tread, removing
downed logs with traditional tools, cleaning and maintaining water bars and
drainage features, installing or replacing trail signage, and conducting
campsite cleanup and rehabilitation to protect wilderness character. This work
ensures safe, sustainable access for visitors while preserving the ecological
integrity and solitude of this iconic landscape.

Location

Backcountry, ID (McCall, ID)

Schedule

June 2, 2026 - August 20 2026

Requirements

• 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 individual placements 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assisting Wilderness Ranger to brush out trails
• Re-establishing trail tread
• Clearing logs crossing the trails
• Cleaning out water bars
• Installing trail signs
• Providing campsite cleanup and rehab
• Successful completion of required training as needed
• Performing inventories
• Collecting data and producing trail reports

Benefits

• $650 - one time RT travel allowance
• $500 weekly living allowance
• AmeriCorps Eligible (Value of award after 450 service hours is $1,956)
• Housing is in backcountry Shared cabin or tent with cooking facilities. No electricity, internet or phone service available.
• Bear Safety
• First Aid/CPR
• Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification
• Backpacking skills; map reading
• AmeriCorps: REQUIRED

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED