Individual Placement-Wilderness Ranger

Position Summary 

The Boulder Ranger District is seeking a backcountry Wilderness Ranger position to support a variety of tasks in the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness.

This is a dynamic and engaging position in a busy urban forest unit. The Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas are among the highest visited Wilderness Areas within the National Forest System. The position will have the opportunity to learn a variety of skillsets related to management of recreational resources.

Location 

Boulder, CO

Schedule 

May 4, 2026 - October 16, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Position may work independently or part of a team.

Duties may include a variety of tasks that include but are not limited to: patrolling and monitoring dispersed recreation sites and trails, initiating public contacts in the field to enhance the user's wilderness experience

Protect the wilderness resource through dispersal of information, light trail maintenance, Naturalize sites where necessary in order to control use and prevent resource damage

Installing and maintaining information boards, travel signs, regulatory signs and other signs associated with recreation sites.

Travel management, gathering GPS data, and safety and assisting with volunteer projects.

Position is expected to camp in backcountry settings as part of the duties.

Marginal Duties 

Development of ArcGIS online maps for field use; Management of online data; assisting other programs such as Developed Recreation, Off-Highway Vehicle, Trails, and/or Special Uses programs as needed.

Required Qualifications 

Valid Drivers License; Backcountry hiking/camping experience and/or certifications such as Leave No Trace Master Educator; Experience with making public contacts; Ability to conduct strenuous field work and carry heavy loads over rugged terrain.

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 

Crosscut saw certification or experience; Wilderness 1st Aid or higher.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Government housing may be available. Rates vary across Districts and a $400 monthly housing allowance is provided to offset a portion of this cost.

Housing is available at the Nederland Work Center in Nederland, approximately 30 minutes away from the District Office.

Placements will share either a small government house or a large bunkhouse with other interns or government employees.

Housing consists of 3 or 5 small bedrooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities and is minimally furnished.

Placements will be assigned a room with one other intern or government employee of the same gender.

Laundry is available on site and public WIFI is available in Nederland. Most cellphone service carriers cover the area around the Work Center and the town of Nederland.

Compensation  

· Living Allowance – $750/week

· One-time Travel Allowance – $1,500

· Housing Allowance - $400/month

· Federal Holiday Off (if required to work, an alternative day will be scheduled off)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

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.