About this role
Position Summary
The Wilderness Trail Crew on the Payette National Forest will spend the season maintaining and traveling across roughly 360 miles of remote backcountry trail within the Payette’s portion of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, one of the largest and most rugged wilderness areas in the country. Crew members will backpack for extended periods through steep terrain, dense forests, and river corridors to reach project sites.
Primary duties include supporting the Wilderness Ranger in brushing out overgrown trail corridors, re‑establishing and repairing trail tread, removing downed logs with traditional tools, cleaning and maintaining water bars and drainage features, installing or replacing trail signage, and conducting campsite cleanup and rehabilitation to protect wilderness character. This work ensures safe, sustainable access for visitors while preserving the ecological integrity and solitude of this iconic landscape.
Location
Backcountry, ID (McCall, ID)
Schedule
June 2, 2026 - August 20 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Trail Maintenance
Duties will include:
- Assisting Wilderness Ranger to brush out trails
- Re-establishing trail tread
- Clearing logs crossing the trails
- Cleaning out water bars
- Installing trail signs
- Providing campsite cleanup and rehab
Marginal Duties
- Successful completion of required training as needed
- Performing inventories
- Collecting data and producing trail reports
Required Qualifications
- Ability and willingness to live and work out of remote/primitive work stations with no electricity or internet service for 12 weeks with no planned trips to town.
- Past SCA individual placements say this is life-changing and an awesome opportunity to disconnect.
- This opportunity is for someone self-motivated and a hardworking.
- Selected candidates must have the ability to work alone and with a crew.
- Strong physical fitness required.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes:
- Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
- Being at least 18 years or older
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
The Frank Church River Of No Return Wilderness is located in central Idaho on the Boise, Nez Perce, Payette, and Salmon Challis National Forests. Two Wild and Scenic Rivers run through the Wilderness, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and the Salmon River. Elevations range from less than 2000 feet in the lower river canyons to over 10,000 ft. on the higher peaks. There are 2600 miles of Forest Service trails, 24 airstrips, 33 fire lookouts and over 100 trail bridges. Historic and prehistoric heritage of the area is a recognized component of this wilderness. Ability and willingness to live and work out of remote/primitive work stations with no electricity or internet service for 12 weeks with no planned trips to town
Compensation
$650 - one time RT travel allowance
$500 weekly living allowance
AmeriCorps Eligible (Value of award after 450 service hours is $1,956)
Housing is in backcountry Shared cabin or tent with cooking facilities. No electricity, internet or phone service available.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
First Aid/CPR
Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification
Backpacking skills; map reading
AmeriCorps: REQUIRED
Equal Opportunity Statement
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.
Other facts
About Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
What you'll do
- Crew members will maintain and travel across remote backcountry trails, supporting the Wilderness Ranger in various trail maintenance tasks. This includes brushing trails, clearing logs, and conducting campsite cleanup to ensure safe access for visitors.
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