Individual Placement - Canyonlands Backcountry Members

Student Conservation Association•MOAB, UT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This visitor services and backcountry position is based in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park. The placement is designed to develop knowledge and practical skills in backcountry visitor use management. The SCA member will receive training in backcountry ranger skills—including 4WD operation, backcountry camping, Leave No Trace principles, basic interpretation, visitor services, and backcountry permit system operations—and apply those skills by providing permit and information services at the Hans Flat Ranger Station, conducting backcountry patrols, and leading interpretive hikes. The member will staff the Hans Flat Ranger Station information desk, conduct day and multi-day patrols, lead interpretive hikes in the Horseshoe Canyon Unit, and perform Preventative Search and Rescue patrols at the Horseshoe Canyon Trailhead. The position is scheduled for February 21, 2027 through November 13, 2027, at 40 hours per week. Shared furnished housing is provided at no charge, along with a $600 weekly living allowance and a one-time $1,100 roundtrip travel allowance. The position is optionally eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion and at least 1,200 service hours.

Requirements

Have a valid driver's license.
Be comfortable sleeping and working outdoors for up to several days at a time.
Be able to perform strenuous work, including carrying a backpack weighing more than 30 pounds over rough, sandy terrain in cold and hot weather, loading and unloading materials, and assisting with facility maintenance such as weeding, trail work, or minor road repairs.
Meet Public Land Corps eligibility requirements: be age 16–30 inclusive, or a veteran age 35 or younger; and be a U.S. citizen or national, or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent, agree to obtain one, or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Meet the partner organization's driving requirements; driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency or organization is required.

Nice To Haves

Be comfortable living in an extremely remote location without local services, with the nearest grocery store, gas station, and other services more than two hours away and limited internet access.
Be able to integrate into a small community of peers and coworkers and contribute positively and productively.
Be willing and prepared to train in 4WD operation and backcountry safety and living skills.
Be prepared, after appropriate training, to conduct solo backcountry patrols of 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.
Perform 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.

Benefits

Shared furnished housing provided at no charge, including electricity, water, and propane.
$600 weekly living allowance.
$1,100 one-time roundtrip travel allowance.
Optional AmeriCorps Education Award valued at $5,176.50, subject to 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.