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Wilderness Ranger Internship

About the position
The SBFC Wilderness Ranger Intern (WRI) program provides an immersive experience in wilderness stewardship for college students and military veterans. The goal of the program is to train, educate, mentor and provide employment development opportunities while providing skilled support to the US Forest Service to accomplish priority wilderness work. 

About SBFC
The Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation (SBFC) is a non-profit organization operating from offices in Missoula, MT and Boise, ID. The Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation assists the Forest Service in providing stewardship for the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wildernesses and surrounding wildlands through boots on the ground work, public education, and partnerships. 

To learn more, visit our website: www.selwaybitterroot.org/internship

Diversity & Inclusion
SBFC recognizes that fostering diversity and inclusiveness is an ongoing process that requires continuous awareness and diligence. SBFC provides access and opportunity to a diverse group of staff, interns, and participants, while continuing to identify and reduce barriers to being involved in our organization and programs. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. 

Internship Benefits
  • AmeriCorps education award: Approximately $1,500
  • Monthly living stipend of around $1,000. (before taxes)Forest Service bunk-housing will be provided 
  • Travel reimbursement of $200 at the close of service 
  • Mileage reimbursement of $0.50/mile when using your personal vehicle

Training
WRI’s will participate in approximately 4-weeks of training both alongside and facilitated by SBFC staff and Forest Service Wilderness Rangers and professionals. Topics include:
  • Wilderness First Responder certification (72 hours $650 value) 
  • USFS Crosscut Bucking certification
  • Leadership development & communication skills
  • Fundamentals of wilderness trail work
  • Wilderness Act of 1964- background, history
  • Wilderness campsite monitoring
  • SPUR: Solitude, Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Monitoring
  • Leave No Trace Ethics- including camping and working in bear country
  • Invasive species/noxious weeds monitoring
  • Backcountry nutrition
  • Intro to defensive horsemanship and stock packing

Hitch Schedule
After training, WRI’s will be paired with one to four other WRIs and an SBFC Lead Steward. Interns will be assigned to one of the three national forests SBFC partners with for the season. 

From June until August, WRI’s generally operate on a hitch schedule of 8-9 consecutive days living and working in the backcountry, followed by 4-6 days off. During the 4-6 days off, housing will be provided at a Forest Service bunkhouse. 

Please note: Most Forest Service bunkhouses are in remote locations and do not have WIFI or cell service.

Volunteer Projects
WRI’s will participate in at least one SBFC Lead steward led volunteer project. This is a special opportunity to practice leadership skills by providing one on one support with individuals from the surrounding communities. WRI’s will be expected to fully assist in cooking group meals, maintaining a clean camp, and managing risk in the backcountry.