Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation Internships

Hiring Organization: Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation
Employment type: Internship
Job Location: Varies
Application Due Date: February 1, 2024

Wilderness Internship Position Summary
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (BMWF) offers three different types of Wilderness Internships each summer: Wilderness Steward (WS) Internships, Wilderness Conservation Crew (WCC) Internships, and the Wilderness Invasives and Restoration Crew (WIRC). All three internships 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 three types of internships at the discretion of BMWF’s program staff with consideration taken for personal preference, availability, and relevant experience:

Wilderness Steward (WS) Interns
Following 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.
Wilderness Conservation Crew (WCC) Interns
Following 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.
Wilderness Invasives and Restoration Crew (WIRC) Interns
Following orientation and field-based training with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, WIRC Interns work as part of a four member team led by an experienced Wilderness Crew Leader Project work will include survey for invasive plants in frontcountry and backcountry locations, on and off-trail, and treating invasive plants with
herbicides and hand tools. Hitch length will vary from 3 to 8 days depending on work, but interns should expect the equivalent of 50 working days over the course of the season. It is also expected that interns help with project preparation, meal planning and shopping, backcountry cooking and equipment 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 a mid-season review, 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.

Training

On the job training with BMWF Staff, Crew Leaders, and the US Forest Service will take place during the first three weeks of the internship based out of Hungry Horse Montana. BMWF training includes:

Wilderness First Aid Certification
Wilderness Orientation
Leave No Trace Backcountry Living Skills
Bear Awareness/Safety
USFS Trail Maintenance Standards
Stock Use/Safety
Backcountry Safety
Crosscut Saw Certification
Natural History Education

Required Skills & Background

Ability to work as a member of a team
The stamina to backpack carrying up to 40lbs 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.

To Apply: All applicants must complete the online application by February 1st, 2024. Selected applicants will be contacted by BMWF to schedule an interview. To gain an understanding of the Foundation and its relationship to the Forest Service visit: www.bmwf.org. Please contact Field Coordinator Ian Bartling at ian@bmwf.org or 651-249-3556 with any questions.

Apply