One of the cornerstones of the SBF is our Wilderness Ranger Internship Program.
The primary purpose of this program is to provide on-the-ground mentoring for university-level students who are studying wilderness/recreation management. Through the internship, students supplement their academic coursework with real-world wilderness stewardship experience in a large and complex wilderness area. At the same time, the interns accomplish priority work within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and learn the technical skills required to do so in a wilderness setting.
Upon completion of the internship, students:
- May receive academic credit through their university, if eligible.
- Will gain the field experience necessary to earn paid entry-level (or higher) positions in the field of wilderness stewardship.
- Will have a foot-in-the-door with both the Forest Service and the non-profit sector.
- Will have been exposed to complex wilderness management dilemmas and the decision-making tools necessary to be able to make management decisions that protect wilderness character and uphold the Wilderness Act.
In short, our goal is to mentor and champion the future leaders in wilderness stewardship for our nation. To date, we are working in partnership with the Forest Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, Wilderness Society, DeVlieg Foundation and a variety of private donors to implement this program.
Recent News:
During the 2009 season, five interns spent the summer working and training in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness under the leadership of the SBF and the Forest Service. You can read about the interns' experiences in our Fall 2009 newsletter!
The Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center, which is responsible for wilderness training of US Forest Service, National Park Service, BLM and US Fish & Wildlife Service employees, endorsed our Wilderness Ranger Internship Program in January 2010. Click here to see the letter of endorsement from director Connie Myers.
If you are interested in applying for the 2010 Wilderness Ranger Internship Program, please download the announcement below:
2010 Wilderness Ranger Internship Announcement (PDF)
We are grateful to our partners who are helping make the Wilderness Ranger Internship Program a success:
