Wilderness and Trails Crew Member

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, is seeking three (3) Wilderness and Trails Crew Members to be a part of a highly motivated, effective, and safe team to maintain the district's roughly 300-mile, multi-use, single-track trail system within the Entiat Ranger and Chelan Ranger Districts.

An ideal candidate will have a professional interest in federal land management and thrive living and working in a remote, rugged, backcountry setting. The position requires strenuous physical exertion: manual labor with hand and power tools, walking long distances in steep or uneven terrain, lifting heavy objects, riding motorcycles and e-bikes on technical singletrack trails, and carrying backpacks of 50 pounds or more. The crew may encounter environmental conditions/hazards, including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The members are expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger themselves, fellow crew members, or resources. The trail crew works nine-hour shifts for nine consecutive days while living outside without access to modern amenities. This will include sleeping in a tent and cooking their morning and evening meals on a small stove. They will then have five consecutive days off. Ninety percent of the work will occur in the forest, away from their primary residence and the district offices. In addition to trail work, duties will encompass patrolling, repairing, and maintaining trailheads, campgrounds, roads, and other district facilities and infrastructure. Out in the Forest, the crew will encounter members of the public and represent the agency during their interactions. In a respectful demeanor, the crew members will discuss agency rules, regulations, Leave No Trace Principles, trail etiquette, and expectations, and answer any questions that members of the public might have. Overall, the trail crew works as a part of the district recreation program and helps ensure district trails and recreation facilities are maintained to Forest Service standards and are safe and enjoyable to visitors.

Start Date: May 2026

End Date: October 2026

Location: Entiat Ranger and Chelan Ranger Districts, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The Entiat Ranger District is approximately 20 miles North of Wenatchee, WA, a full-service community, on Hwy 97A. Entiat proper is home to one restaurant, one small grocery store, and one gas station. Government housing is an additional 10 miles from the ranger station. Cell service is limited at the housing location. Please be prepared to live and work in this remote, mountain setting.

The Chelan Ranger District is approximately 40 miles North of Wenatchee, WA, a full-service community, on Hwy 97A. Chelan is a busy summer resort town home to various restaurants, shops, and grocery stores. Government housing is available for rent at the Steliko Work Center on the Entiat Ranger District. Cell service is limited at the housing location. Please be prepared to live and work in this remote, mountain setting.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest encompasses nearly 3.8 million acres along the east slopes of the Cascade Range in central Washington. The Forest encompasses a diverse area of sparkling rivers and lakes, deep canyons, and rugged mountains up to 10,541 feet in elevation. The Okanogan-Wenatchee NF produces a wealth of water resources, timber, wildlife, fish, minerals, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The district is also home to Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Resort and the Lake Chelan Recreation areas.

Position Overview/Essential Functions

To include, but not limited to:

• The wilderness and trail crew primarily utilizes off-road motorcycles and electric mountain bikes to travel to worksites. The ability to operate these in a safe and efficient manner is important.
• Function as part of a team alongside Forest Service employees, other interns, and volunteers to maintain the district trail system.
• Performs routine recreation operations and maintenance, including but not limited to: picnic table and fire ring installation, signboard maintenance and installation, ensuring correct signage is posted, and picking up trash. Other tasks may include repairing minor damage to recreation facilities, i.e., toilets, buildings, etc. Cleaning bathrooms and restocking supplies will also be necessary.
• Participate in special projects such as bridge building, campground facilities repair, heavy trail maintenance projects, and hunter education or other tasks assigned to achieve district recreation program goals.
• Demonstrate and educate visitors on agency rules, regulations, Leave-No-Trace ethics, trail etiquette, and proper backcountry practices. Training will be provided.
• Clearly communicate with members of the public, volunteers, and Forest Service employees in a friendly and non-confrontational manner.
• Use tools (handsaws, axes, hoes, loppers, hammers, sledgehammers, shovels, picks, crosscut saws, chainsaws, wheelbarrows, powered carriers, hedge trimmers, power brushers, etc.) to safely clear and maintain wilderness and non-wilderness trails, campgrounds, and trailheads. Training is provided.
• Access worksites by truck, foot, and two-wheeled vehicles.
• Wear agency-provided safety gear and exercise thoughtful work practices to have an injury-free and fun season.
• Live safely in the backcountry and set the example for others by observing and adhering to Wilderness regulations, guidelines, and ethics.
• Keep a daily log of service activities, daily visitor contact data, trail survey data, and trail conditions.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies, procedures, and networks for support. Members will be trained via the USFS in a variety of maintenance skills and techniques, and may have the opportunity to complete more specialized training/certifications.

Schedule: The trail crew works nine-hour shifts for nine consecutive days. They will then have five consecutive days off.

General Position Requirements

• Member must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Must be between the ages of 21 and 30 years of age.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check as well as a federal background check.
• Must have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, be insurable, and have the ability to provide documentation when requested.
• Ability to pass a basic written test and road test to obtain a US Government Motor Vehicle Operator's Card.
• Personal reliable transportation is required, as the duty station is considered remote.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance. Must be able to consistently show up on time and fit for duty.
• First Aid/CPR certified or willing to get certifications during the program.
• Possess cut-resistant or leather work/hiking boots with 4-8" tops, which are a necessary requirement for chainsaw operations. Boots should be comfortable to hike in for long distances daily.
• Member must be physically fit, and able and willing to walk long distances (5-10 miles/day) while carrying heavy loads (+55 pounds) with steep elevation gains.
• Maintain physical health and a positive attitude while performing physical labor in extreme conditions (heat, cold, rain); the season will start and end with snow on the ground; in between, it will be hot and dusty.
• Must be comfortable working alone and being self-sufficient for extended periods (up to 8 days).
• Travel, work, and live safely in mountainous wilderness settings and/or remote community settings, including proper and safe use of backpacking/camping equipment during trips.
• Work respectfully, thoughtfully, and effectively alone and/or with many different people (land managers, agency trail crew members, conservation corps crew, interns, volunteers, etc.) in both an office and field setting.
• Willingness to engage in training sessions to learn a variety of new skills necessary for the position.
• Able to proficiently and safely use hand tools for long periods. Training will be provided.
• Must follow all health and safety policies and procedures, including any changes that are implemented throughout the course of the program. Accepting a position means accepting the current requirements and any updates to those requirements while enrolled in the program.
• Commitment to promoting responsible and safe recreation activities in National Forests.
• ACE is a drug-free workplace and reserves the right to drug test at any time.
• The member must be willing to represent ACE and the Forest Service in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.

Preferred qualifications:

• Off-road motorcycle and/or mountain bike experience.
• Experience with safe use of hand tools (this could include experience in farming, gardening, orchard work, landscaping, carpentry, construction, etc.).
• Experience in multi-day self-supported backpacking trips.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Knowledgeable about Leave-No-Trace and wilderness ethics.
• Knowledgeable/educated about high elevation and fragile ecosystems.
• A passion for and being involved with wilderness & non-wilderness stewardship.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, walking, hiking, and heavy lifting. Manual dexterity is required for the use of various tools. Ability to hike over and navigate steep, rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise, such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Travel: This position will require regular domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards, including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger themselves, fellow staff members, or resources.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 80 hours over two weeks and will receive a living allowance of $775.00/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the USFS and ACE and is not flexible.

Member Travel Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500.00 to be used for eligible travel to relocate to the project location. Further details regarding the distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Assistance: ACE members will have up to $200.00 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes camping equipment, work-related gear/apparel, etc. These purchases must be approved by ACE staff before being made.

Living Quarters

Housing is the responsibility of the member and is not provided by ACE or the USFS. There is a bunkhouse available for rent 10 miles from the Entiat Ranger Station. Interns will share housing with other Forest Service seasonal staff. The bunkhouse has bedrooms, a full kitchen, an eating area, a living room, and a bathroom. The interns may have to share a bedroom and will share a bathroom with other bunkhouse residents. Bed frames and mattresses are provided, but you will need your own sheets and pillows. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, pots, pans, plates, etc. There is a washer and dryer in the house, although you will need your own detergent. There is no television, and cell service is not available at the bunkhouse. There is Wi-Fi in the bunkhouse, and Wi-Fi calling is available.

Pets, firearms, alcohol, and drugs (including marijuana) are prohibited in the bunkhouse. Under federal law, marijuana & cannabis products are still classified as a controlled substance. Even though it may be legal in certain states, it is illegal on Federal lands, including campgrounds, buildings, and other facilities.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:

Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Allison Finch, BLM/USFS Project Manager at afinch at usaconservation dot org.

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.