Individual Placement - Shoshone Backcountry Wilderness Ranger

Student Conservation Association•Dubois, WY

67d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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