Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Wilderness Ranger

Position Summary 

The Sulphur Ranger District is seeking a backcountry Wilderness Ranger position to support a variety of tasks in the Indian Peaks, Vasquez, Byers and Never Summer Wilderness areas. This is a dynamic and engaging position in a busy forest. The Indian Peaks is 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 

Granby, CO

Schedule 

May 26, 2026 - November 7, 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 and protect the wilderness resource through dispersal of information, light trail maintenance, naturalizing 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 .Applicants must have and can articulate extensive experience in back-country environments. Communication skills, individual work ethic and independence are desired qualities of the incumbent. The placement must be able to hike with a 45-pound pack and be prepared for several day overnight hitches. 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 

• Ability to conduct strenuous field work and carry heavy loads over rugged terrain

• Valid Driver’s License. Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks on forest roads.

• Work in burned areas and carry out duties in steep and rugged terrain and wilderness areas.

• Backcountry hiking/camping experience.

• Experience with making public contacts

• Must be able to work with other people on a crew and under the direction of USFS staff

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 first 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.

Interns will share small furnished government houses with other interns or government employees. Houses consist of 2 or 3 small bedrooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Interns will be assigned a house with other interns or government employees of the same gender, and each person shall have their own bedroom. Laundry is available on site. Most cellphone service carriers cover the area around the Work Center.

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.