Organization
Job Posted
December 15, 2025
Job status
Job Category
Job Type
Remote
No
Website
Careers
Contact Name
Erynn Castellanos
Contact Email
erynn@bmwf.org
Contact Phone
Deadline to Apply
Location
United States
BMWF offers two different types of Wilderness Steward positions: Wilderness Steward Placements (WSP) and Wilderness Invasives and Restoration Crew (WIRC). Applicants will be placed into one of the two types of positions at the discretion of BMWF’s program staff with consideration taken for personal preference, availability, and relevant experience.
Summary
Wilderness Steward Placements (WSP)
Following orientation and field-based training with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, WSPs are placed individually within US Forest Service Ranger District offices to work as part of a professional team alongside USFS Wilderness Rangers, trail crews, or interns. Duties and hitch length will vary depending on placement location (see detailed position descriptions below), but generally includes trail maintenance, noxious weed removal, and campsite impact monitoring. It is also expected that WSPs participate in all aspects of trail crew duties such as project preparation, meal planning, backcountry cooking and tool maintenance.
Wilderness Invasives and Restoration Crew (WIRC)
Following orientation and field-based training with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, WIRC Stewards work together as part of a four member team led by an experienced Crew Leader. Duties include surveying 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 14 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 WIRC stewards participate in all aspects of crew duties such as project preparation, meal planning and shopping, backcountry cooking and equipment maintenance. 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.
Wilderness Steward Expectations and Requirements
Wilderness Stewards will have the opportunity to meet numerous professionals in the wilderness management field and make connections for future opportunities in wilderness and recreation management. Requirements include: Camping at primitive sites, extensive hiking over varied terrain carrying a 50+ lb pack, 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
Compensation Information
Compensation and Benefits
- Rate of $11/hour plus overtime
- Meals while on the job
- Wilderness First Aid Certification or WFR refresher certification
- 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
Housing, Meals and Gear
- WSP: Housing is provided for this position. You will receive bunkhouse or trailer placement at the district you are assigned to for the duration of your season.
- WIRC: Housing IS NOT provided for this position. It is recommended that stewards obtain seasonal housing in the Flathead Valley (Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse) or Missoula. BMWF staff can help assist in finding local housing.
- Meals are provided when working in the backcountry, either by per diem or shared food cache. Some group meals are provided while at BMWF training. Stewards are expected to cover their own food expenses while on personal time.
- Personal backpacking gear is required for this position: a good sleeping bag, backpack, rain gear, tent, and sturdy hiking boots. BMWF has a Gear Library to supplement any gear you may need. Stoves, water filters, and other group gear will be provided.