SBFC Seasonal Positions
wilderness operations coordinator
Start Date: 03/16/2026
End Date: 10/16/2026
Status: Full-time, non-exempt from overtime
Hourly Wage: $22.00-$23.00 DOE
Duty Station: Missoula, MT
Position Summary: The Wilderness Operations Coordinator ensures the smooth operation of SBFC’s wilderness projects by maintaining vehicles, tools, and gear; assisting with training and planning; and supporting project implementation. The role flexibly assists across multiple programs — 60% Wilderness, 20% Volunteer, and 20% Youth — helping projects run efficiently and ensuring staff, fellows, and volunteers are well supported.
This is primarily a support position, providing assistance before, during, and after projects, with opportunities for field leadership depending on program needs.
THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.
WILDERNESS & TRAILS CREW LEADER
Start Date: Mid April, 2026
End Date: Late September, 2026
Status: Full time, non-exempt from overtime
Hourly Wage: $20.00-$21.50 DOE
Minimum Experience: 2+full seasons of Wilderness trail maintenance experience, 1+ seasons of overnight backcountry leadership experience
Duty Station: Missoula, MT
Position Summary: SBFC’s Wilderness & Trails Crew Leaders (WTCLs) play a vital role in leading and mentoring crews that maintain trails and steward the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness areas. After completing intensive training from mid-April through mid-May to build technical, leadership, and backcountry skills, WTCLs help train Wilderness Ranger Fellows (WRFs) and participate in specialized instruction such as the Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute. From June through mid-August, WTCLs lead small crews of WRFs on rigorous 8-day backpacking hitches performing non-mechanized trail maintenance in remote wilderness terrain, followed by rest periods between hitches. After the WRF season ends, WTCLs continue the season with additional “super crew” trail projects and may also lead special assignments involving volunteers, youth, or partner agencies.
THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.
Wilderness & Trails Assistant Crew Leader
Start Date: Mid April, 2026
End Date: Late September, 2026
Status: Full time, non-exempt from overtime
Hourly Wage: $18.50-$19.50 DOE
Minimum Experience: 1 full season of Wilderness Trail Maintenance, 1 full season of backcountry leadership (2+ seasons of Wilderness Trail Maintenance without leadership also considered)
Duty Station: Missoula, MT
Position Summary: SBFC’s Wilderness & Trails Assistant Crew Leaders (ACLs) support the stewardship of the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness areas by serving as second-in-command on trail crews, helping lead Wilderness Ranger Fellows and volunteers on challenging 8-day backpacking hitches. From mid-April through late May, ACLs undergo comprehensive training to strengthen technical, leadership, and backcountry skills, including participation in the Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute. Beginning in June, ACLs join crews for a season of physically demanding trail maintenance using traditional, non-mechanized tools in remote wilderness conditions, alternating between 8-day hitches and rest periods. Throughout the season, ACLs may assist with a variety of projects involving volunteers, partners, or pack support, with the goal of leading or co-leading at least one trail project by the end of their season.
THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.
wilderness & trails technician
Start Date: Mid April, 2026
End Date: Late September, 2026
Status: Full time, non-exempt from overtime
Hourly Wage: $17.00-$18.00 DOE
Minimum Experience: 1+ full seasons of Wilderness Trail Maintenance experience
Duty Station: Missoula, MT. *2 WTT positions will have Red River USFS housing available to them from early June through mid-August, with their duty station being Missoula before and after that time period. The option to specify which WTT position(s) you would like to apply for is available on the application page.
Position Summary: SBFC’s Wilderness & Trails Technicians (WTTs) help maintain and restore trails in the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness areas through demanding 8-day backpacking hitches in remote terrain. From mid-April through late May, WTTs complete extensive training to build technical and backcountry skills, learn SBFC’s policies and culture, and attend the Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute for additional professional development. Beginning in June, they spend the season performing physically intensive, non-mechanized trail work—using tools such as crosscut saws and pulaskis—during long days in rugged wilderness conditions, followed by rest periods between hitches. Throughout the season, WTTs may also assist with special projects involving volunteers, partner organizations, or the U.S. Forest Service.
THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.
Please check back in late December 2025 for Wilderness Ranger Fellow positions.