Interagency Front Trail Ranger

Overview

Join Our Team as an Interagency Front Country Trail Ranger – Make a Difference in Missoula’s Front Country Recreation Areas!

Do you love recreating on Missoula's trails and have a passion for sharing that with others? The City of Missoula in partnership with the Lolo National Forest is looking for a dedicated Interagency Front County Trail Ranger to assist in caring for our local recreation areas through user education and outreach, supporting basic maintenance needs, and supporting planned volunteer stewardship projects.

This hands-on role offers the opportunity to work with both City and Forest Service agency staff to engage directly with the community, support planned volunteer projects and programs, and help maintain the quality and sustainability of Missoula’s trails and recreation areas.

If you enjoy working outside, collaborating with others, and making a lasting impact, we’d love to have you on our team!

Applicant Screening will begin on Friday, February 20, 2026. It is in your best interest to apply before this date to ensure your materials are reviewed. Resumes and other attachments will not be shared with the hiring manager. Please submit all information on the application.

• Length of season:
  April 20th - late-October
• Normal work schedule: 35-40 hours per week, Wednesday-Saturday 7:00am – 5:30 pm
• Flexible work hours/days of week may be required to meet agency project/staffing needs. Advance notice of schedule changes will be provided

• Approximate weekly work breakdown:
• 40% of time – Public outreach and engagement through on-trail patrols on City and USFS lands (speaking with recreational users, addressing known issues, documenting new issues, etc)
• 20% of time – Maintenance of front-country recreation facilities (cleaning vault toilets, removing trash, posting signs, basic infrastructure maintenance, etc) focused at USFS Trailheads
• 20% of time – Maintenance of recreation trails working with City or USFS Trails staff or project partners
• 15% of time – Supporting planned volunteer stewardship activities (Trail Ambassador Program, trail maintenance, weed pulls, restoration site maintenance, etc) on City and USFS lands
• 5% of time – Administrative duties as needed (shift reports, email coordination, etc)
• Perform public outreach and engagement under limited direction, focused on recreation areas and known issues, interacting with members of the public.
• Perform basic maintenance of recreational Trailheads and trails under specific direction, including cleaning restroom facilities and trash cans, trail and sign maintenance.
• Assist in supporting planned volunteer stewardship projects, during field season.
• Collect field data of maintenance issues and work activities, report data in weekly shift reports.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of simple construction and maintenance projects, including the use of equipment, materials, and techniques.
• Knowledge of turf, trees planting, plant propagation, and general landscaping maintenance.
• Knowledge of and ability to promote safety considerations, City safety policies, OSHA standards and guidelines, including risk management techniques to reduce exposure to injury, damage and liability.
• Skill in following oral and written instructions, while working independently with minimum supervision.
• Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365 and social media, with the ability to learn job specific applications and equipment.
• Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
• Skill in creating educational materials, publications, and written reports.
• Ability to lead tours and volunteer events.
• Ability to operate small power equipment, hand tools, and light equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to learn City and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
• Ability to learn Missoula’s open space, parks, and urban forestry systems;
  Montana’s native plants, invasive weeds, and animals; athletic field and court regulations and competitive play standards.

• Positions require the ability to lift 50 lbs. or less.
• Duties are frequently performed under conditions where noise, heat, dampness or cold are unavoidable.
• Work environment may involve occasional exposure to uneven and steep terrain, occupational hazards, biohazards, and physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

• Any combination of training and experience in construction, landscaping, facility maintenance or another relevant field.
• Must be of legal age to perform the duties of the position.
• Must have a valid Montana driver’s license with a verified acceptable driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.