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Wilderness Internships

Deadline:
Employer:
Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation
Job Field:
Forestry
Job Type:
Seasonal, Temporary, Internship
Location:
Montana
Location Detail:
Hungry Horse, Montana
Job Description:

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 the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (BMWF) has been serving the wilderness recreation community for twenty five years. The foundation works in coordination with the US Forest Service to organize over 40 trail projects annually with 300 to 400 volunteers, ages 12 to 80, that clear trails, restore damaged areas and remove noxious weeds. Since its incorporation in 1996, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation and its volunteers have cleared over 5,000 miles of trail and donated millions of dollars of labor to improve public lands.

BMWF is committed to providing a more inclusive Wilderness opportunity for all people. We are working to remove barriers for those that have not traditionally seen themselves as part of the American public lands story, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color and LGBTQ+ communities. Read more about our commitment to this work at www.bmwf.org/dei.

 

 

 

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:

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

Qualifications:

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.

 

 

Miscellaneous:

N/A

Salary:
$5,500.00/summer season
Benefits:

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.

 

 

How to Apply:

All applicants must complete the online application by February 1st, 2023. The online application can be found at www.bmwf.org/jobs

 

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 with any questions.

 

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