Ambassador-in-Residence – Cooke City / Clarks Fork Trailhead

Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation
Gardiner Ranger District | Custer Gallatin National Forest
Summer Residency - 2026 Pilot Program

Position Overview

The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation (ABWF) seeks a seasonal Ambassador-in-Residence (AIR) to support visitor education, stewardship, and public safety at the Clarks Fork Trailhead near Cooke City, Montana. This pilot program, conducted in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), responds to anticipated high visitation to The Beaten Path and surrounding routes.

This position is educational and service-focused. Trail Ambassadors serve as a visible, approachable resource for visitors and do not perform enforcement activities. Their role is to support visitor safety, stewardship, and positive experiences on the trail and in the Wilderness through accurate information and meaningful, respectful conversation.

This position operates in active grizzly bear habitat and requires exceptional attention to cleanliness, food storage compliance, and visitor education. Final placement is contingent on USFS concurrence.

Why This Place

As a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Cooke City occupies a rare position as the heartbeat of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where high alpine terrain, scenic headwaters and the most beautiful roads in America (The Beartooth Highway 212 and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway) intersect. The Clarks Fork Trailhead provides access to the southern portal to the infamous Beaten Path through hike.

This position directly supports visitor safety, wilderness education, and wildlife conservation. Serving as an Ambassador-in-Residence here means helping reduce human-bear conflict, protect fragile resources, and support safe recreation in one of the most intact ecosystems in the Lower 48.

Location & Living Experience

The position is based at the Cooke City Ranger Station Administrative Site, using a full hook-up RV pad provided by USFS. Hard-sided camping is required due to occupied grizzly bear habitat; applicants must have a trailer, van or RV.

Cooke City and nearby Silver Gate offer a small but active gateway community with groceries, fuel, dining, and a strong sense of shared responsibility for living in a mountain gateway community.

Off-duty time offers access to endless hiking, trout fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploration near the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park, as well as nearby high-country trail systems.

Schedule & Commitment

• Target service window: July 1 through Labor Day (September 5)
• Earlier start: As early as mid June if available
• Time commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week
• Typical days: Thursday through Monday
• Minimum commitment: One month (USFS requirement)
• Preference: Strong preference for candidates available for the entire season

This is an at-will volunteer placement and may be adjusted or concluded based on operational needs, safety considerations, or ongoing-program evaluation.

Duties & Responsibilities

Visitor Education & Outreach

• Provide education on:
• Wilderness ethics and Leave No Trace principles
• Bear safety and food storage requirements
• Campsite selection, regulations, and trail conditions
• Use ABWF- and USFS-approved outreach materials
• Observe and document visitor use and stewardship issues

Developed Recreation Support

• Routine cleaning and maintenance of trailhead restrooms (outhouses)
• Garbage service, including:
• Removing bagged trash from bear-resistant bins
• Transporting trash to the designated local dumpster as directed
• Maintain clean, orderly work and staging areas
• Report hazards, maintenance needs, and incidents

Reporting & Coordination

• Complete required observation and data sheets
• Participate in weekly check-ins
• Submit an end-of-season feedback and summary report

Training, Supervision & Support

• ABWF-led onboarding and training
• Additional USFS-required training and orientation
• Ongoing support from ABWF’s Education and Outreach Manager
• Two-way communication device provided by ABWF

The USFS will collaborate on and approve the Ambassador outreach script and data-collection framework.

Stipend & What Is Provided

• Weekly stipend: $125 (paid bi-weekly, in arrears)
• ABWF provides:
• Full hook-up RV pad at the Cooke City Administrative Site
• Communication device, if needed.
• Outreach and cleaning supplies

Specific equipment needs and responsibilities and any equipment deposit requirements will be finalized upon selection.

Required Qualifications

• RV Site provided, must bring your own RV, trailer or camper van
• Ambassadors are expected to display a pleasant, helpful and professional attitude during daily contact with visitors
• Passionate about Leave No Trace principles and Wilderness stewardship ethics
• Strong communication and public-facing skills
• Sanitation duties, including restroom cleaning and garbage removal
• High attention to cleanliness and bear safety compliance
• Ability to work independently and follow strict protocols
• Valid driver’s license
• A working knowledge of Wilderness areas and USFS public land management is strongly recommended

Conditions of Placement

• Final candidate approval by the U.S. Forest Service
• Background check required
• Volunteer Service Agreement required
• Education-focused, non-enforcement role
• At-will placement