Conservation Corps - Summer 2026 Kootenai National Forest Trail Team Member

Position Summary

The Kootenai National Forest in Montana will host a backcountry trail crew based in Troy, MT. The Kootenai National Forest encompasses over 2.2 million acres of National Forest System lands and located in the extreme northwest corner of Montana, including a small portion of northeast Idaho. The forest consists of 4

Ranger Districts located in Eureka, Troy, Libby and Trout Creek.

Location

Troy, MT

• Schedule

May 17, 2026 - August 29, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Members will perform backcountry trail maintenance and construction projects throughout the Troy district of the Kootenai NF. Crew members will develop

skills that will make them good candidates for entry-level seasonal positions:

with land management agencies like the US Forest Service and the National Park Service. Work will involve physical exertion and be performed outdoors, in varying weather conditions. SCA is looking for members open to new experiences, willingness to perform hard physical labor and enthusiasm for sharing space with

others. Experienced candidates will have a foundation in outdoor living (hiking, camping and backpacking) and experience working outside, but this is not a requirement. Eagerness to learn in challenging conditions, actively contributing to maintaining a community, and adaptability in dynamic work environments are

equally important qualities we are seeking in candidates. Conservation work is unpredictable. Crews will have to navigate inclement weather, from waking up in single digit temperatures, to all day sun exposure. It is possible to experience thunderstorms, extreme winds, and smoke all within the same workday. The most

successful teams are those who can adapt as challenges arise and continue to work effectively with their team. What Might the Season Look Like? Service begins at training in North Fork, ID at SCA's Pacific Northwest Corps headquarters, where participants will develop leadership and conservation skills

needed for a trails corps team. Training is field-based and will include a

• review of sustainable trail practices, tools for building a team and proper

basecamp setup. Staff will also share administrative and risk management expectations. A Wilderness First Aid course and Saw certifications are offered during training. Crews will depart training to their project sites in early June where they will work directly with local Forest Service staff for the duration

of the season. Work Schedule In general, crews should expect to work on their project for 80 hours within a two-week span. This is subject to change based upon programmatic and field-based needs. Different projects will require different schedules. Some crews work 8 10-hour workdays with 6 days off, others

may work 4 10-hour days with 3 days off. Check-ins with members or managing incidents may happen at any time during the season.

Marginal Duties

• Assist in travel planning, data collection, and team logistics support;

Non-routine tool and gear maintenance; If eligible, may drive the SCA vehicle for team support;

Required Qualifications:

· Must be 18 or older by the position start date; · Must have the ability to legally work in the US; · Ability to pass SCA background check; · Must be able to attend Crew Member Training: 5/17/2026 – 6/6/2026; · Full engagement in all work projects and community activities; · Must uphold project, crew community,

basecamp, vehicle, and general safety standards; · Commitment to teamwork, learning, and problem-solving; · Ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions that will include extreme heat, sun exposure, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation; · Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to

10 hours per day, hike 5+ miles in a day and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more;

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 18 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:

Previous experience is helpful but not required.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Participants should be prepared to camp in frontcountry and/or backcountry conditions throughout the program, both on hitch and days off. This means more chances to connect with nature, and limited access to electricity, running water and showers. Locations will be available for these services through the Kootenai

NF. Community chores such as preparing meals and washing dishes will be shared by members and leader. SCA will provide group gear such as tents, kitchen supplies (such as pots, pans, and stoves), and uniform items. Leaders and members will be expected to bring their personal items such as a sleeping bag,

sleeping pad, clothing, and mess kit. To support the crew’s efforts, crews are issued an SCA vehicle and trailer for transportation and storage, and a field

• budget to purchase groceries, supplies, and fuel.

Compensation:

Free Training Certifications: Wilderness First Aid/CPR Chainsaw/Crosscut Saw · $650 round-trip travel allowance (1/2 paid with first pay check, 1/2 paid with final pay check) · $350 weekly living allowance; · Meals: Provided throughout the service term. · Gear: Group camping gear, like tents, stoves, and filters,

are provided Additional Benefits · Wildlife Safety Training · Conservation Work

Skills Training · Defensive Driver Training:

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

Bear Safety

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

Wilderness First Aid Training

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.