Payette National Forest - Wilderness Trails Individual Placement
Northwest Youth Corps
McCall, Idaho
| Job Type | Paid Internship |
| Salary | $7,680 per year |
Idaho Conservation Corps
Individual Placement – 480 Hour
U.S. Forest Service
Payette National Forest - Krassel Ranger District
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
Position Title: Wilderness Trails Individual Placement – 480 Hours
Position Summary:
Krassel Ranger District is recruiting two individual placements to work in the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness starting June 2, 2026 and end August 20, 2026. Individual placements will serve as a small crew that is led by led by an experienced Wilderness Ranger on a backcountry Trail Crew, using primitive hand tools to conduct trail maintenance and other wilderness work within the Wilderness Area.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Specific activities include:
- Mentorship by a Wilderness Ranger, Exposure to Wilderness Management – 10%
- Learning from a mentor and gaining exposure to wilderness management practices
- Backcountry Camping Crew – 30%
- Participating in crew life and field work
- Hone outdoor skills by backpacking and camping for up to 10 days at a time
- Hiking up to 15 miles per day with a pack weighing 45-65 lbs.
- The hands-on experience of being out on the trails and camping is a significant part of the experience, contributing to outdoor skill development.
- Trail Maintenance with Natural Materials and Primitive Tools – 50%
- Trail maintenance is a core responsibility in wilderness management
- Crosscut saw training/certification provided.
Required Qualifications:
- Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
- U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
- Must pass a background/driver check
- Outdoor and camping skills required.
- Backpacking experience is required.
- Comfortable living and working in the Wilderness for up to 10 days at a time.
Desired Qualifications:
- Positive mental attitude, flexible.
- Willingness to learn new things.
- Get along well with peers.
- Driver's License
- Personal transportation
Duty Location:
Individual placements are stationed at Big Creek Forest Service Station in central Idaho. Housing is provided. Duties are carried out in the Frank Church – River of No Return on the Krassel Ranger District.
Terms of Employment:
One individual placement will complete a term of service (480 hours), starting June 2, 2026 through August 20, 2026, for a total of 12 Weeks. The individual placement will average 40 hours of labor per week, minus holidays. Individual placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food. Housing will be provided.
Program Benefits:
Individual placements will earn $7,680 living allowance, dispersed on a monthly basis throughout the 12-weeks (480 hours). The living allowance is taxable.
Application Instructions
- Application Deadline: Until Filled
- Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.
- Type of position: Individual Placement
- Service Dates: June 2, 2026 - August 20, 2026
- Length of Term: 12 Weeks (480 hours)
Additional Information
If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Department at interns@nwyouthcorps.org or Forest Service Wilderness Specialist, Patrick J Brown at patrick.j.brown@usda.gov
All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).
| Category | General / Stewardship , Outdoor Recreation |
| Tags | Trail Maintenance |