Position Summary 

The Arapaho National Forest, Sulphur Ranger district is seeking skilled, highly motivated Interns to help
protect and manage the OHV trails and surrounding areas. Maintenance and preservation of the district OHV trails and dispersed recreation.

Schedule 

May 27, 2025 - October 11, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

2 SCA placements will work in conjunction with district motorized trails (OHV) Staff to reconstruct, patrol, monitor,
assess, and maintain motorized trails on the Grand Lake Trail System in The East Troublesome Burn Area.
The Grand Lake Trail System (which lies in the epicenter of the fire) is commonly referred to as “The
snowmobile capital of Colorado” and is a world class destination snowmobile trail system in winter, as well as
a regionally significant OHV trail system in summer. The Sulphur Ranger District maintained a significant
long-term partnership (over 28 years) with Colorado Parks and Wildlife that funded extensive development and
maintenance of this regionally significant OHV trail system. SRD is now tasked with reconstructing/replacing
approximately 75 OHV Trail structures (Bridges, Boardwalks, Turnpikes, and Buck-n-Rail fences) that were
destroyed by the fire. Interns will be responsible for assisting in the reconstruction of these structures.
Many of these structures are located in remote locations that will require extensive use of ATV's, motorcycles,
and /or UTV's for access to the work locations. Ideally, interns would already have experience in the use of
one or more of these vehicles in order to be successful in these positions. Work will consist of daily operations
of OHV's that will be utilized for transporting personnel, gear, backpacks, tools, materials, supplies, lumber etc.
to the various work sites. Once on-site crews will work to reconstruct trails and trail structures that existed
pre-fire. Structures are strategically located throughout the trail system for protection of natural resources
(i.e. Bridges at stream crossings, boardwalks and /or turnpikes for crossing wetlands, fences for barriers at
sensitive areas etc.…)> Objectives are to restore the trail system to pre-fire conditions which will require
significant effort & energy. Use of hand tools and carpentry tools will also be required on a daily basis. We will
be leveraging USFS forces and SCA interns with labor from our partners at the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps
for the reconstruction of these structures periodically throughout the summer as well. Interns will be involved in
daily interactions with multiple staff, cooperators, and partners, we are looking for energetic, enthusiastic interns that thrive in a dynamic group work environment and get along well with others.

Marginal Duties 

Assisting other resource groups within the district.

Required Qualifications 

• Valid Driver's license
• Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks on forest roads, and drive trailers and UTVs to access sites. Training is
• A positive attitude, professionalism, and willingness to learn.
  Ability to work independently and as part of a crew.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work well with other SCA staff and Forest Service employees

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

• ATV/UTV certifications
• CPR/First Aid/AED Training
• Trail blazing & maintenance
• Tool skill, including hand saw/chainsaw: competent with Supervision

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Interns will share small government houses with other interns or government employees. Houses consist of 2 or 3 small bedrooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Interns will be assigned a house with other interns or government employees of the same gender and each person shall have their own bedroom.

Partner will provide suitable housing for the member

Compensation  

$600/week @ 20wks
Government housing available or $400 monthly living allowance
$1,100 round trip travel allowance
Paid Federal Holidays
Public Lands Corps PLC is Eligible if under 30 and 35 for veterans

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. 

 Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.