Independent Placement Program – Wilderness Trail Crew – Payette National Forest

The Wilderness Trail Crew position at Payette National Forest involves trail maintenance tasks such as brushing trails, clearing logs, and campsite cleanup. Located in McCall, ID, the role requires living in remote areas without electricity or internet for 12 weeks. Candidates must be physically fit and able to work alone or in a team. Compensation includes a weekly living allowance and travel reimbursement, with eligibility for AmeriCorps benefits.
Position Summary

The Wilderness Trail Crew on the Payette National Forest will be performing trail maintenance and backpacking along 360 miles of trail on the Payette National Forest portion of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. 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, and providing campsite cleanup and rehab.

Location

Backcountry, ID (McCall, ID)

Schedule

June 2, 2025 – August 24, 2025

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, and providing campsite cleanup and rehab.

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

$400 weekly living allowance

Housing is in backcountry Shared cabin or tent with cooking facilities. No electricity, internet or phone service available.

AmeriCorps eligible- education award of approximately $1,956 upon successful completion of position and service of 450 hours or more

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: Eligible/REQUIRED

General Physical Requirements
• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing approximately 45% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions
• Able to lift a backpack weighing 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
• Able to grip a third point of contact for balance purposes when crossing rivers or streams, and ascending and/or descending slopes.
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.;Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.;Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous peoples.;Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.;Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.;Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.;Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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