Backcountry Ranger Intern

Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW) and the Kootenai National Forest (KNF) in Montana are recruiting for a Backcountry Ranger Intern for the 2025 summer season. Situated along the Idaho-Montana border, the Scotchman Peaks are an 88,000-acre roadless area managed by the U.S. Forest Service. FSPW is a 501c3 Non-Profit that is committed to connecting people with their wild backyard – the Scotchman Peaks.

WHEN: 10-12 week program from June through August

WHO: Applicants should have experience and interest in the duties described. This physically arduous job is often exposed to mountain weather. The ideal applicant is passionate about stewardship of wild lands, interested in a career in natural resource management, comfortable in public situations, including presentations, and interacting with a diverse group of land users and stakeholders.

WHAT: The Backcountry Ranger’s primary duty is to patrol the Scotchman Peaks Recommended Wilderness Area to assist in trail clearing, educate visitors, and protect the area’s wild character. They will receive training and education in natural resource management from an interdisciplinary, field-based perspective.This is a shared position between the Cabinet Ranger District of the KNF and FSPW. Work will also occur in the Three Rivers Ranger District of the KNF and in parts of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

Position Duties May Include:

• Backpacking patrols of 8 to10 miles, some on weekends and holidays
• Educating visitors on backcountry ethics & regulations
• Trail maintenance projects of 1 to 4 days, using primitive and motorized tools
• Carrying a 50-75 lb. pack, plus tools
• Leading volunteers and community partners on service, training, and education events
• Wildlife education Natural resource monitoring Restoration of impacted sites
• Sign/TH installation and maintenance Invasive species monitoring and treatment
• Community outreach for backcountry awareness and FSPW mission at public events
• Various other duties in support of the FSPW or USFS programs including developed recreation