General Description

The Wilderness Conservation Corps (WCC) internship provides participants a powerful entry to career tracks in the outdoors and beyond. Corps members learn lifelong outdoor job skills, gain recognized credentials, and build a portfolio of competitive work experience. After an initial training, interns work 10-day work hitches in the Pacific Northwest’s most remote and remarkable reaches. Crews complete challenging projects while maintaining educational and enrichment benchmarks throughout the program.

This internship is for students from any discipline who are in pursuit of a physical and personal challenge. The most successful applicants will be eager for a powerful life and work experience. Interns gain access to a small program with acclaimed standards and national recognition.

Location

Siskiyou Mountain Club facilitates field operations, field training, and projects out of Rogue Valley, OR.

Compensation and Housing

• Interns receive a $3,000/field season stipend. Stipend is distributed in four installments of $750 throughout July and August.
• Corps members are eligible for up to an additional $1,000 bonus upon completion of the program
• Rustic group housing is provided to WCC corps members between hitches at our facility in Gold Hill, OR.

Required Dates and Duration

Remote enrichment and orientation (can be completed anywhere in the world): May 1 – June 18 (6 weeks).
Field Season: June 18 – August 26 (10 weeks).

  • 1 x 8-day field training: June
  • 4 x 10-day field projects July – August
  • Mid-season breakout.. Explore the Pacific Northwest with us, network with land managers, and gain career exposure.
  • Are you up for it? Apply now!
  • Questions? Email info@siskiyoumountainclub.org or call (541) 708-2056.

Education and Curricular Requirements

Participation in all educational exercises, activities and assignments is required.
May – June

  • Develop personal goals and learning objectives for the summer.
  • Become acquainted with the Wilderness Act of 1964
  • Earn Wilderness Competency Certificate from Arthur Carhart Wilderness Institute
  • Engage in a wilderness area near you.
  • Earn a Certificate of Awareness for Leave No Trace skills and ethics.
    ***Commitment to required activities and assignments varies, but typically totals 2 hours/week.

During field season…

  • Compose thoughtfully crafted daily journal entries during backcountry hitches.
  • Produce a video, photojournalistic, or other approved archival product that encapsulates summer accomplishments and learning experiences. Final products may be shared with the public.

Academic Credit

Upon successful completion of all dates, activities, and other duties SMC will support interns by providing the documentation, and evaluation for the internship course facilitated by their college or university.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

  • Must be 18 or older by start of program
  • Attendance and participation in all trainings and projects.
  • Participation in all educational exercises, activities and assignments.
  • Physical and mental stamina to live and work in the backcountry for 10 consecutive days on multiple hitches
  • Corps members must be able to complete strenuous physical tasks day in, day out, including traveling by foot over rough terrain for up to 10 miles per day carrying 50 pounds or more.
  • We do not require prior backpacking experience or trail skills. We do require passion, a positive attitude, and a degree of toughness.
  • Be independent. Corps members backpack in their own food and supplies, and are completely self-sufficient under the guidance of experienced staff.
  • Basic lightweight backpacking gear including sturdy boots, durable apparel, and a lightweight sleeping bag, tent, stove, utensils and backpack.
  • The ability to live in remote, primitive settings with no access to communication technology for 10 consecutive days.
  • Ability to work as a member of a team.
  • Must possess flexibility, and adaptability through adverse conditions.
  • The ability to communicate issues and to resolve team conflict.
  • Motivation to work long hours in remote settings. Under variable, adverse, and potentially hazardous conditions.
  • A willingness to go above and beyond duties.
  • Ability to work in and manage poison oak.
    ***The use of tobacco, vape, or marijuana products, smokeless or otherwise, is prohibited on the trail.
    ***Electronic devices including (but not limited to) cell phones, tablets, ipods, mp3 players, are prohibited on the trail.
  • Apply now!: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6kP4hZ8GURoeIbW7QdLhHEhbZXa3jCWgIh4LjudcrZEGY0Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
  • Questions? Email info@siskyoumountainclub.org or call 541-708-2056

Gear, Meals, and Housing

  • Group housing is provided to WCC crew members between hitches.
  • Meals are provided for the field-based training June 18 – June 25.
  • Personal backpacking gear is required for this position. Basic lightweight backpacking gear including sturdy boots, durable apparel, and a lightweight sleeping bag, tent, stove, utensils and backpack. Exhaustive gear lists are provided to crew members and we provide assistance in securing gear to eligible interns.
  • Interns are expected to cover their own food expenses on hitches and personal days. Assistance may be available before first stipend check is provided.
  • Secure storage of personal vehicles, and other belongings, is provided while crews are in the field.

Training

On-the-job training with the WCC Program Director and WCC crew leaders includes

Siskiyou Mountain Club is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.