Trout Unlimited and the Huron Manistee National Forest are recruiting River Rangers for the 2025 summer season to work on Wild and Scenic Rivers (AuSable, Manistee, and Pine Rivers) in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The River Rangers will spend time on a Wild and Scenic River and talk to recreational users about responsible river behavior. The River Rangers will go to river landings in the morning to check watercraft permit compliance and educate river users on rules and regulations and responsible river ethics as they prepare to get on the river. In the afternoon, interns will pick busy segments of the river to float in kayaks alongside other interns where they will make contacts with recreational users to ensure compliance as well as provide education on Leave No Trace principles, safety precautions, and stewardship of Michigan’s Wild and Scenic Rivers.

This position typically works during summer business hours throughout the week as well as Saturdays and Sundays in June, July, and August (32- 40 hours per week). Days off will likely be Tuesday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Thursday. Interns will report to the Districts daily and work in teams. The duty locations for these positions are at the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District Office located in Baldwin, MI, Lake County; the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District Office located in Wellston, MI, Manistee County; the Mio Ranger District Office located in Mio, MI in Oscoda County; and the Huron Shores Ranger District Office located in Oscoda, MI. The surrounding forest area provides vast opportunities for outdoor recreation pursuits including world-class fishing, floating, hiking, biking, and camping. Housing may be available at the District facilities, depending on availability. This position is not eligible for benefits.  

All training required for this position will be provided by the Forest Service. This training includes: First Aid/CPR, Boater’s Training, and Defensive Driving. Additional Forest Service training that the interns may be interested in is available if it is being offered locally.