Individual Placement - Canyonlands Backcountry Members

Student Conservation Association•Moab, UT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This visitor services and backcountry Individual Placement is based in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park. The role develops knowledge and practical skills in backcountry visitor use management. The member receives training in backcountry ranger skills, including 4WD operation, backcountry camping, Leave No Trace principles, basic interpretation, visitor services, and backcountry permit system operations. After training, the member provides backcountry permit and information services at the Hans Flat Ranger Station, conducts backcountry patrols, and leads interpretive hikes. The position is scheduled from February 21, 2027, through November 13, 2027, for 40 hours per week. Housing is provided in a furnished shared apartment with a private bedroom and bathroom for each participant. Utilities, a roundtrip travel allowance, and a weekly living allowance are also provided. The position is eligible for an optional AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion and completion of at least 1,200 service hours. Work takes place in remote front-country and backcountry settings with limited or unavailable cell service and public transportation. Emergency services may be delayed from one to two hours in front-country areas and several hours to days in backcountry areas. The work may involve strenuous activity, solo or multi-day patrols, and exposure to severe weather and natural hazards. Driving a motor vehicle for the partner organization is required.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license.
Comfortable sleeping and working outside for up to several days at a time.
Able to carry a backpack weighing more than 30 pounds over rough, sandy terrain in both cold and hot weather.
Able to load and unload materials during supply runs and assist with facility maintenance, including weeding, trail work, or minor road repairs.
A high-clearance vehicle is required to reach the ranger station and housing area from the nearest highway.
Must be 16–30 years old inclusive, or a veteran age 35 or younger.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, agree to obtain one, or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Must be able to meet or fulfill the partner organization’s driving requirements.

Nice To Haves

Comfort living in an extremely remote location with no local services nearby and limited internet access.
Ability to integrate into a small community of peers and coworkers and contribute positively and productively.
Willingness and preparedness to train in 4WD operation and backcountry safety and living skills.
Willingness and ability, after proper training, to conduct solo backcountry patrols lasting up to seven days with minimal support.

Responsibilities

Staff the Hans Flat Ranger Station information desk, provide visitor information, issue backcountry permits, answer phone inquiries, and monitor radio traffic.
Conduct day patrols and lead interpretive hikes in the Horseshoe Canyon Unit of Canyonlands National Park.
Conduct Preventative Search and Rescue patrols at the Horseshoe Canyon Trailhead.
Conduct multi-day backcountry patrols in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park.
Ferry supplies to the Horseshoe Canyon Unit in support of its volunteer program.
Assist with maintenance, vehicle, and facility upkeep at the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
Assist with other collateral duties and projects supporting the Maze Ranger Operation.
Drive a motor vehicle for the partner agency or organization.

Benefits

$600 per week living allowance.
$1,100 roundtrip travel allowance, paid once.
Housing, electricity, water, and propane provided at no charge.
Optional AmeriCorps Education Award valued at $5,176.50 upon successful completion of the position and at least 1,200 service hours.
Interpretive skills training.
Off-road vehicle safety training.
Advanced 4WD vehicle training.
Land navigation training.
Backcountry overnight patrol operations training.
On-site washer/dryer and workout facilities.