Crew Member - Payette National Forest Wilderness Trail Team

The Student Conservation Association is hiring Crew Members for the Wilderness Trail Team in Payette National Forest, Idaho. Crew members will maintain 360 miles of backcountry trails, performing tasks such as brushing trails, clearing logs, and conducting campsite cleanup. This position requires living in remote areas without electricity or internet for 12 weeks, with a strong emphasis on physical fitness and teamwork.
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.