Individual Placement - Canyonlands Backcountry Members

Position Summary 

This is a visitor services and backcountry Individual Placement position based at the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park. The goal of the Individual Placement will be to develop knowledge and practical skills in backcountry visitor use management. The SCA member will be trained in backcountry ranger skills (4WD operation, backcountry camping, leave-no-trace principles, basic interpretation, and visitor services) and backcountry permit system operations. This training will result in the SCA member engaging in backcountry permit and information services at the Hans Flat Ranger Station, backcountry patrols, and leading interpretive hikes.

Hosting Organization

Canyonlands National Park

Location 

Moab, UT

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a backcountry setting where emergency services are limited and may be delayed by several hours to days. Access to public transportation at work site is not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule 

February 21, 2027 - November 13, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Staff the Hans Flat Ranger Station information desk: provide information to visitors, issue backcountry permits, answer phone inquiries, and monitor radio traffic.

Perform day patrols and lead interpretive hikes in the Horseshoe Canyon Unit of Canyonlands NP.

Perform Preventative Search and Rescue patrols at the Horseshoe Canyon Trailhead.

Perform multi-day backcountry patrols in the Maze District of Canyonlands NP.

Marginal Duties 

Support the Horseshoe Canyon Volunteer program by ferrying supplies to the Horseshoe Canyon Unit of Canyonlands NP.

Assist with maintenance, vehicle, and facility upkeep at the Hans Flat Ranger Station.

Assist with other collateral duties and projects in support of the Maze Ranger Operation.

Required Qualifications 

The Individual Placement must have a valid driver’s license and must be comfortable sleeping and working outside for up to several days at a time. Duties can be strenuous: carrying a 30+ pound backpack over rough and sandy terrain in both cold and hot weather, loading and unloading materials during supply runs to town, and assisting with facility maintenance tasks such as weeding, trail work, or minor road repairs. A high-clearance vehicle is required to reach the ranger station and housing area from the nearest highway.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All Individual Placements must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Individual Placements 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. Individual Placements must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

Preferred Qualifications 

The Individual Placement should be comfortable living in an extremely remote location with no local services (nearest grocery store, gas station, and services are 2+ hours away) and limited internet access. The ability to integrate into a small community of peers and coworkers and be a productive and positive member of that community is essential. The Individual Placement will also need to be willing and prepared to train on 4WD operation and backcountry safety/living skills and perform solo, backcountry patrols up to seven days in length (following proper training) with minimal support.

Working Conditions

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
• Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
• Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.
• Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
• Work may take place in cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.
• Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
• Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter. 

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is a shared, potentially co-ed two-bedroom, two-bathroom, furnished apartment with private bedroom (full-sized bed) and bathroom for each participant. Basic kitchen dishware/cookware and utensils are provided. You should bring your own bedding, towels, toiletries, and other needed personal items. Washer/dryer and workout facilities are available on site.

Compensation  

Living allowance - $600/week

Roundtrip Travel Allowance: $1100 (paid once)

Housing, electricity, water, and propane provided at no charge.

AmeriCorps Education Award Eligible/Optional (upon successful completion of position and 1200 minimum service hours) Education Award Valued at $5,176.50

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Driving

Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.  

Additional Benefits 

Interpretive Skills

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

Advanced 4WD vehicle training

Land navigation training

Backcountry overnight patrol operations training

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.