Description:
The Wilderness Ranger helps protect and preserve designated wilderness areas through field presence, visitor education, and resource monitoring. This position supports the management of backcountry and wilderness settings by ensuring visitor compliance with "Leave No Trace" principles, collecting field data, maintaining trails, and monitoring natural and cultural resources post fire activity. The role provides immersive, hands-on experience in wilderness stewardship, visitor engagement, and backcountry operations within federal land management agencies.
Responsibilities:
- Patrol wilderness trails and areas by foot with packs weighing upwards of 55 lbs. over steep and rocky terrain.
- Maintain wilderness trails, campsites and signs using non-motorized tools such as; crosscut saw, axe, pulaski, pick mattock, shovels, sledgehammer and pruning shears.
- Assist district packer with weighing and packing loads, maintaining animal safety and feeding.
- Monitor resource conditions, trail use and visitor impact utilizing established data form.
- Camp overnight for multiple days in remote areas in group settings.
- Utilize radio and different forms of communication to relay location and crew check ins.
- Work safely and efficiently with crew to complete assigned projects.
- Demonstrate respect and professionalism with crew members, agency partners and public visitors.
- Adhere to Leave No Trace ethics and Wilderness Policy to promote land stewardship.
Qualifications:
- Must be age 18+
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Incoming, current, or recent SUU student preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to attend and complete all required training alongside fellow crew members.
- Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn new skills.
- Ability to work 10-hour days outdoors in various weather and terrain conditions.
- Basic knowledge of hand tools, outdoor safety, and trail work practices.
- Physical ability to lift at least 45 lbs. and hike long distances with gear.
- Willingness to camp for extended periods with limited or no cell service.
- Flexibility and commitment to teamwork, safety, and program goals.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in recreation, environmental studies, or natural resources preferred.
Schedule: 4-10 hour days with the ability to work up to 8-10 hour days straight in a backcountry hitch setting.
Housing: Housing Available
Dates: 04-27-2026 - 08-21-2026
Agency: United States Forest Service
Location: St. George, Utah