Crew Member

Position Summary 

The Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District is recruiting Student Conservation Association members to work alongside the district's recreation staff on the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Located in the northwest portion of the lower peninsula, the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District operates a busy recreation program which includes campgrounds, trailheads, boat ramps, motorized and non-motorized trails, beaches, Wild and Scenic Rivers and a Wilderness Area. This is a public-facing, field-oriented position and may at times require members to hike 5 miles per day or more through varied terrain including sand dunes and elevation changes. Applicants should be willing to learn to operate power tools and be able to safely operate a full-size pickup. Members will work alongside Forest Service employees and eventually as part of a 2- or 4-person team to support visitor use management, resource protection and recreation site maintenance. This work can, at times, be physically arduous. Members will likely encounter visitors who are unclear about, or violating, forest regulations and should be prepared to educate these visitors on applicable laws and Leave No Trace principles. Members will have the opportunity to gain skills in communicating and interacting with the public, conservation and management of a Forest Service District, Leave No Trace ethics and working within a district recreation program. Day-to-day direction will be provided by a lead Recreation Technician. The work week is Thursday – Monday including holidays. Work hours may vary slightly but will generally be from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM with two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch.

Location 

Wellston, MI

Schedule 

May 11, August 2, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

· Site maintenance including trash removal and vault toilet cleaning · Patrolling district recreation areas · Hiking trails · Trail clearing · Interacting and educating visitors · Survey data gathering using Survey123

Marginal Duties 

· Complete project work as needed alongside district staff members · Trail maintenance · Potentially conduct project work alongside the Silviculture, Wildlife, Botany, Timber, Fire or Heritage program areas as work allows. · Work with Public Affairs staff conducting outreach or educating the public on Forest Service responsibilities · Represent the Forest Service in parades, summer camps, open houses or other opportunities as they arise

Required Qualifications 

Candidates will need to be motivated team-players, able to work with and educate forest visitors in a variety of settings, and capable of identifying and implementing environmental stewardship projects in ways that are consistent with the management of designated Wilderness Areas. This work will, at times, be physically arduous. Wilderness patrols will involve public interaction, data gathering on a tablet utilizing Survey123, trash removal, and trail clearing. Wilderness Rangers are expected to hike up to 5 miles per day and be comfortable in a public facing role representing SCA and the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

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 

Previous experience with power tools and driving pickup trucks.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing can be provided at no charge in an on-site 7-bedroom bunkhouse with kitchen and bathroom facilities in an adjacent building. Kitchen includes a stove, refrigerators, and basic cookware/dishware and utensils. You should bring your own bedding, towels, toiletries and other needed personal items. Washer/Dryer and workout facilities are available on site. Due to the rural location of the district office, a personal vehicle is required.

Compensation  

$500/week Living Allowance; $1,100 Travel Allowance, paid once with first paycheck; Housing on-site

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

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.