Wilderness Ranger Inyo National Forest

Summary

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with Inyo National Forest is seeking SIX Wilderness Rangers to work alongside Forest Service Staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Start Date: May 18 2026

Estimated End Date: October 16 2026

*a 22-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Mt. Whitney Ranger District Lone Pine CA; White Mountain Ranger District Bishop CA; Mammoth Ranger District Mammoth Lakes CA

The Inyo National Forest is a large complex forest encompassing about two million acres in California and Nevada. It contains several natural features of national and international interest. There are nine wilderness areas and six research natural areas as well as the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and Mt. Whitney - the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. Diverse geologic features combined with the elevational extremes and attendant wide range of climatic conditions results in tremendous floristic diversity on the Forest with vegetation communities ranging from desert scrub sagebrush scrub and pinyon woodland to Jeffrey pine lodgepole pine and alpine habitats.

Lone Pine Lee Vining Mammoth Lakes and Bishop are all premier locations for outdoor recreation in California. These opportunities include backpacking fishing hunting hang gliding cross-country skiing downhill skiing cycling mountain biking photography rock climbing trail running off-highway vehicle exploration and horseback riding.

If you want to spend the summer in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in America if you enjoy outdoor activities in your free time and if you are interested in learning about recreation careers in the Forest Service then this is the job for you!

For more information about the Inyo National Forest please visit the USDA Forest Service website.

Position Overview:

• Make helpful and informative contacts with wilderness visitors checking wilderness permits explaining regulations and providing Leave No Trace educational messages.
• Naturalize campsites dismantle fire rings and other developments remove trash.
• Perform routine trail tread maintenance like cleaning waterbars with a shovel to ensure proper drainage.
• Assist with trail clearing using crosscut saws and other tools.
• Record data on work needed and completed. Technology such as GPS and data gathering apps will be utilized to collect data.
• Travel and camp in remote backcountry settings. Strenuous hiking of 10 miles in a day is not uncommon. Work in all kinds of weather conditions (unless hazardous).
• Field work may be performed alone or as part of a small team. Backpacking competency and self-reliance are essential.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: The schedule will likely be 9 days on and 5 days off but flexibility of scheduling may be necessary according to project needs.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 80 hours/biweekly and will receive a living allowance of $800/week plus per diem to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses dispersed bi-weekly.

Gear Allowance: ACE members will be reimbursed up to $300 for purchase of hiking boots.

Housing: ACE members will have access to up to $150/week to be used for eligible housing expenses. Space in government barracks may be available.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures clear guidance on prohibited activities and networks for support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional positive and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone and be a positive contributing member of a group.
• A valid drivers license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21 to drive due to ACEs insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets beginning of term feedback forms end of term evaluations and for longer terms a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Wilderness First Aid Wilderness First Responder Leave No Trace trainer or equivalent training
• Experience with multi-day backpacking trips in mountainous terrain

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting standing walking hiking carrying using hands to handle or feel reaching with hands and arms talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop kneel climb stairs and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close distance peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs. ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold rocky terrain swamp or wetland conditions biting insects and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties one will be provided by the USFS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the USFS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) typically provided by the USFS will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to USFS and ACE equipment training certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACEs online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact USFS Senior Member Manager Caris Hill.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability qualifications attitude and job-related factors. Every qualified employee member or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment hire training transfer promotion compensation demotion termination benefits employee activities and general treatment without regard to race color religion age sex creed national origin pregnancy ancestry citizenship status genetic information veteran or military status physical or mental disability sexual orientation medical condition marital or parental status political affiliation ethnicity hair texture or style arrest record caste hereditary status endogamy or any other classification protected by applicable local state or federal law.