Individual Placement-Mount Rainier National Park Wilderness Rangers

Student Conservation Association•Seattle, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mount Rainier wilderness rangers protect the backcountry areas of Mount Rainier National Park and facilitate wilderness experiences for a diverse range of visitors. Wilderness Rangers safeguard the iconic subalpine meadows and backcountry campsites for the enjoyment of future generations, while ensuring that hikers, backpackers, and climbers enjoy access to popular trails, bucket-list accomplishments, and unforgettable experiences. The SCA Wilderness Rangers work alongside ranger staff to implement the park’s wilderness permit program, patrol backcountry trails, and disseminate Leave no Trace principles. The Wilderness Rangers communicate with hikers, backpackers, and climbers to ensure permit compliance, address food storage issues to prevent food-conditioning of wildlife, and prevent resource damage to sensitive sub-alpine vegetation. They are fully integrated with the paid staff allowing them to learn a variety of approaches to this work. These positions have been an excellent recruitment and development tool for future rangers.

Requirements

Because the work area is remote (more than 30 miles to the nearest services, a vehicle is strongly recommended
WIC shifts can be busy, with many visitor interactions, and occasionally visitors will be disagreeable. For this reason, excellent customer service and personal resilience are the keys to a successful season
Because work is performed outdoors in mountainous terrain and in inclement weather, the candidate must be physically fit and able to hike on uneven terrain carrying 30lbs or more, and be willing and able to do overnight trips to backcountry campsites.
Search & Rescue Pack Test-Moderate Duty
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

Backpacking experience is preferred. Willing candidates without experience will be given the opportunity to learn from experienced staff. Equipment will be provided
A background in natural resources and/or recreation management can be helpful in communicating how park regulations contribute to resource stewardship goals
An ability to carry a 35 lb pack while hiking on uneven terrain for 10 or more miles
First aid and CPR

Responsibilities

Staff a Wilderness Information Center (WIC), using Recreation.gov to provide guidance on issued backcountry permits, assist visitors with planning backcountry trips, answer general visitor questions in person and by phone
Share LNT principles with the public, both in the WIC and in the field
Conduct day and overnight patrols in the backcountry, with a focus on visitor contacts to encourage compliance with park regulations
Participate in wilderness stewardship projects in the backcountry to improve natural resource conditions and visitor experience
Participate in Preventative Search & Rescue (PSAR) messaging both in the WIC and in the field
Assist with emergency response at the level appropriate to the candidate’s skill, training, or certification, and interest
Assist with monitoring wildlife behavior and reporting issues
Assist other workgroups such as Trail Crew and Natural and Cultural Resources with field work and special projects