Individual Placement – Shoshone Backcountry Wilderness Ranger

Position Summary

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 selected Wilderness Ranger will assist the Forest in accomplishing a range of objectives, including wilderness campsite inventory, monitoring, cleanup, naturalization; visitor use and encounter monitoring;

public education; outfit and guide inspections; and trail logout. Work is performed during multiple 8‑day, self‑supported (backpack) wilderness hitches with one to a few other people.

Date ranges:
May 24 – September 12, 2026 or May 31 – September 19, 2026. Start and end dates are flexible but require 16 full weeks of service.

• Campsite inventory, condition monitoring, and data collection on the Survey
  123 field program
• Campsite cleanup, naturalization, revegetation, and restoration
• Removal of trash from wilderness areas
• Visitor use/encounter monitoring and data collection using Survey
  123
• Professional visitor contacts, compliance checks, and public education on Forest regulations
• Assistance with 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.

• Must be 18 or older by position start date and be legally eligible to work in the United States
• Ability to pass an SCA background check
• Full engagement in all work projects
• Physical fitness for hiking on‑ and off‑trail over rough, mountainous terrain at elevations commonly 9,000–12,000 ft in variable weather
• Ability to hike ~10 miles a day, and sometimes up to 20 miles, carrying 50+ lbs while performing duties
• Previous experience hiking, backpacking, and wilderness camping is required
• Ability to work and live in the backcountry for up to 8 days at a time
• Professionalism with visitors, including in high‑use areas
• Willingness to accept and manage risks associated with extreme weather, stream crossings, mountain roads, wildlife, insects, smoke, and other conditions
• Willingness to work and live in grizzly bear habitat
• Experience handling personal isolation, remoteness, and maintaining mental health
• Must provide own mode of transportation due to remote location in Dubois, WY

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 lawful permanent resident of the United States.

• Extensive wilderness backpacking experience
• Experience in grizzly bear habitat
• Trail maintenance experience, including crosscut saw and general tool use
• Experience maintaining mental health in isolation and remoteness
• Field experience in wilderness, recreation management, conservation, or trails
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification

40 hours per week

Co‑ed bunkhouse‑style housing will be provided in Dubois, Wyoming. The Forest Service bunkhouse has five double‑occupancy bedrooms, four bathrooms, a shared laundry room, living room, and double kitchen. Occupants may include seasonal Forest Service employees from various programs.

Weekly Living Allowance – $450

Round‑Trip Travel Allowance – $1,100

Housing provided on site

SCA uniform package

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Required

Bear Safety and Awareness Training

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

Ameri Corps: NOT Eligible

The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where people may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.