Wilderness Backcountry Ranger

Wenatchee National Forest
Wilderness-Backcountry Ranger (2 Positions)
AmeriCorps term of service: June 15, 2009 - November 20, 2009

Position Overview: 

Spend the summer and fall in the rugged North Cascades backcountry. This position is perfect for a person who has a passion for being in the mountains. The position requires extended multiple day backpacking tours in a high mountain environment; contacting all types of trail users; providing area information, promoting user cooperation; educating the public on proper use practices; and keeping a daily log of use data and trail conditions. Areas covered include a variety of trail use opportunities including mountain biking, motorcycle riding, horse riding, and hiking.

The Rangers will serve on multiple use trail systems, non-motorized trail systems and areas of designated Wilderness. Rangers will ideally have a background which includes experience with the area's various types of trail uses, including some knowledge of the effects of recreation on high elevation environments, and be able to clearly communicate a tread lightly message while educating users on proper travel and leave-no-trace techniques.

Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

1. Spend extended amounts of time in a high elevation, sub-alpine, rugged, mountain environment (4-8 days at a time).
2. Be educated on tread lightly, leave-no-trace, and proper backcountry use ethics, and practices.
3. Be well spoken and able to clearly communicate with members of the public in a friendly and non confrontational manner.
4. Document trail user contacts; maintain daily log of trail users contacted, including: date, area contacted, type of trail use, trail users origin, and any violations.
5. Report and document trail conditions. Providing trail reports on access due to snow depths, maintenance condition (trees down, washouts, needed drainage, etc.).
6. Lead by example. Live in the backcountry and set the example for others by observing and adhering to all Wilderness regulations, guidelines, and ethics, regarding leave-no-trace use practices.
7. Become educated on current issues, and controversial use practices, (national and regional), effecting recreation on public land.
8. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.
9. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
10. Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Qualifications:

1. Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.
2. Be able to spend extended periods alone in the backcountry, and be self sufficient for 4-8 days at a time.
3. Be physically fit, able to walk long distances over extended periods of time, in a steep mountain environment.
4. Be able to carry heavy loads (backpack), for long distances and requiring steep elevation gains (as much as 2000-5000 vertical ft a day).
5. Be able to tolerate extreme heat and cold, season will start with snow on the ground and end with snow on the ground, in between it will be hot and dusty.
6. Comfortable contacting and communicating with members of the public in a remote setting.
7. Enthusiastic about all types of trail recreation.
8. 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
9. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
10. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
11. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
12. Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency.
13. Regular and reliable attendance.
14. Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program.

Compensation:

• Free housing.
• Living allowance of $1,005/month before taxes.
• Education Award of $2,362.50.
• Basic health insurance.
• Student loan forbearance.

To Apply:

Step 1: Complete your application in one of the following 2 ways:

Online at the AmeriCorps website AmeriCorps Application 
If you do not already have a username and password, you must Create A Profile 

• Once you have logged in, create an application by clicking "Applications" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu.
• To apply to this specific position, click "Search Listings" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu and search for program
  name Northwest Service Academy.
• Select the position listing and click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page.

OR

Download application materials from the How to Apply page of our website and submit them to Amanda Green:

• Application - Complete the NWSA AmeriCorps Application and submit it via email (preferable), mail, or fax.
• 2 Written References - Have your recommenders fill out the NWSA Reference Form and send it directly to NWSA. References may be submitted by email (preferable), mail, or fax.
• Certification Form - Print out, sign and date the Certification Form. This document must be mailed to our office.

Step 2: Send resume and cover letter to Amanda Green.
Questions? Contact Amanda Green.