Individual Placement-Mount Rainier National Park Wilderness Rangers

Position Summary 

The Mount Rainier wilderness rangers protect the backcountry areas of Mount Rainier National Park and facilitate wilderness experiences for a diverse range of visitors.

Wilderness Rangers safeguard the iconic subalpine meadows and backcountry campsites for the enjoyment of future generations, while ensuring that hikers, backpackers, and climbers enjoy access to popular trails, bucket-list accomplishments, and unforgettable experiences.

The SCA Wilderness Rangers work alongside ranger staff to implement the park’s wilderness permit program, patrol backcountry trails, and disseminate Leave no Trace principles. The Wilderness Rangers communicate with hikers, backpackers, and climbers to ensure permit compliance, address food storage issues to prevent food-conditioning of wildlife, and prevent resource damage to sensitive sub-alpine vegetation.

They are fully integrated with the paid staff allowing them to learn a variety of approaches to this work. These positions have been an excellent recruitment and development tool for future rangers.

Location 

Ashford, WA

Schedule 

May 18, 2026 - September 11, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Staff a Wilderness Information Center (WIC), using Recreation.gov to provide guidance on issued backcountry permits, assist visitors with planning backcountry trips, answer general visitor questions in person and by phone
• Share LNT principles with the public, both in the WIC and in the field
• Conduct day and overnight patrols in the backcountry, with a focus on visitor contacts to encourage compliance with park regulations
• Participate in wilderness stewardship projects in the backcountry to improve natural resource conditions and visitor experience

Marginal Duties 

• Participate in Preventative Search & Rescue (PSAR) messaging both in the WIC and in the field
• Assist with emergency response at the level appropriate to the candidate’s skill, training, or certification, and interest
• Assist with monitoring wildlife behavior and reporting issues
• Assist other workgroups such as Trail Crew and Natural and Cultural Resources with field work and special projects

Required Qualifications 

• Because the work area is remote (more than 30 miles to the nearest services, a vehicle is strongly recommended
• WIC shifts can be busy, with many visitor interactions, and occasionally visitors will be disagreeable. For this reason, excellent customer service and personal resilience are the keys to a successful season
• Because work is performed outdoors in mountainous terrain and in inclement weather, the candidate must be physically fit and able to hike on uneven terrain carrying 30lbs or more, and be willing and able to do overnight trips to backcountry campsites.
• Search & Rescue Pack Test-Moderate Duty

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 

• Backpacking experience is preferred. Willing candidates without experience will be given the opportunity to learn from experienced staff. Equipment will be provided
• A background in natural resources and/or recreation management can be helpful in communicating how park regulations contribute to resource stewardship goals
• An ability to carry a 35 lb pack while hiking on uneven terrain for 10 or more miles
• First aid and CPR

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

The candidate will live in a shared occupancy dorm-style housing in the National Park. The candidate typically has their own room, but may be placed in a two-person bedroom. Kitchen, dining, and bathroom areas are shared. Phone coverage varies by provider and location, and internet may not be available in housing. Public Wifi is available in many park offices and shared employee spaces.

Compensation  

• $650 RT Travel
• $500 Weekly Living Allowance
• PLC Eligible
• AmeriCorps Eligible (675 hour required at value of $2,817)
• On‑site housing provided

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits 

Bear Safety

First Aid/CPR

Aviation Safety Training (if applicable)

Basic Search and Rescue Training

Basic Incident Management Training

Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification

AmeriCorps: REQUIRED

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.