Wilderness Internship

Job Overview

Wilderness Internship Position Summary

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (BMWF) offers two different types of Wilderness Internships each summer: Wilderness Steward (WS) Internships and Wilderness Conservation Crew (WCC) Internships. Both are field based training programs for college and high school age students planning to pursue careers in natural resources and related fields. Interns gain valuable skills that build career opportunities in the Forest Service and non-profit partner field.

About Wilderness Intern Positions

Wilderness Interns will be placed into one of two types of internships at the discretion of BMWF’s program staff with consideration taken for personal preference, availability, and relevant experience:

1. Wilderness Steward (WS) Interns
   Following three weeks of orientation and field-based training with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, WS interns are placed individually within Ranger District offices to work as part of a team with Forest Service Wilderness Rangers, trail crews, or other interns. Duties will vary depending on placement location, but generally includes  trail maintenance projects, noxious weed removal, and campsite impact monitoring. It is also expected that interns help with project preparation, meal planning, backcountry cooking and tool maintenance.
2. Wilderness Conservation Crew (WCC) Interns
   Following three weeks of orientation and field-based training with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, WCC Interns work as part of a four member team led by an experienced Wilderness Crew Leader. Project work includes five 10-day backcountry “hitches,” one on each of the five Ranger Districts that manage the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Interns will conduct trail maintenance projects, noxious weed removal, and campsite impact monitoring. It is also expected that interns help with project preparation, meal planning and shopping, backcountry cooking and tool maintenance. 

Requirements include: camping at primitive sites, extensive hiking over varied terrain and working in a variety of weather conditions. There may be opportunities to work with pack stock on some projects, but stock will not be provided for every project. Wilderness Interns may occasionally work with adult and youth volunteers. 

Wilderness Interns will have the opportunity to meet numerous professionals in the wilderness management field and make connections for future opportunities in wilderness and recreation management.

This internship is based out of Hungry Horse Montana.  Interns are required to be present in Hungry Horse for: Training, pre-trip planning, a midseason review, final review and exit interview.

Other requirements:

• Set learning objectives for the summer and complete an Individual Action Plan (IAP).
• Participate in an exit interview and final review.
• Prepare and present a final project (video, photo journalistic report, or other report detailing summer achievements and learning experiences) at the Intern Graduation ceremony. This is due at the end of  the summer field season and is a public presentation.

Write and provide photos for one blog entry for the BMWF website on a topic relevant to the Wilderness Internship experience.

Special Benefits

This position is a paid internship. Intern will receive a stipend of $5,500 per 14-week season. 

Other benefits include:

• Uniform and maps provided by BMWF and/or the US Forest Service.
• Valuable skill building and career building opportunities with the Forest Service and experience with non-profit Wilderness Stewardship. 

Academic Credit: BMWF will work with colleges or universities to facilitate course credit by providing all necessary coordination, documentation, and evaluation for the internship course. 

Minimum Requirements

• Ability to work as a member of a team
• The stamina to backpack carrying up to 35lbs in mountainous terrain for up to eight consecutive days for multiple hitches. History of physical activity is recommended.
• Backcountry living and travel experience
• Maintain a positive attitude throughout a rigorous field season
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability to function effectively both independently and under pressure. Project plans and logistics may change on a weekly basis; flexibility is a MUST!
• Oral and written communication skills including ability to resolve team conflict
• Ability to work with limited supervision in a field and office environment
• Ability to keep neat and accurate records and reports
• Motivation and willingness to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends

Basic computer proficiency including email communication, knowledge of Microsoft Word, digital photo downloading and sharing, ability and willingness to learn other software as needed.