Opportunities

About Friends of the Superior National Forest

Friends of the Superior National Forest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports volunteer stewardship across the three-million-acre Superior National Forest, including the one-million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We engage volunteers and partner organizations in shared recreation and wilderness projects such as trail maintenance, campsite rehabilitation, invasive species removal, and tree planting.

 

Friends of the Superior National Forest serves as a critical partner to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) by helping to expand capacity to maintain trails, care for campsites, and sustain public access through community-based volunteer stewardship.

 

Position Description

This is a limited term seasonal position not to exceed 40 hours per week. Dates will be approximately from April 24 to August 24, 2026.

The Wilderness Project Coordinator will:

• Lead volunteers on stewardship projects within the Superior National Forest, generally focusing on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 

• Train volunteers on safety, including use of tools and personal protective equipment. Maintain safe working conditions for self and volunteers. 

• Document project outcomes including tracking volunteer hours, taking photos, and measuring deliverables. Complete a short project summary after each event. 

• Maintain current first aid certification (or higher) and CPR certification. Paid training will be provided April 25-26 if not already certified.

• Coordinate project logistics with the Executive Director and/or Forest Service staff.

• Coordinate tools, supplies, and volunteer support materials before and after the project, including tool maintenance as needed.

• The position may include outreach and education activities as schedule allows.

 

Position Logistics
During project planning and preparation, the Wilderness Project Coordinator will work remotely from a home office or other setup. A computer or technology stipend will be provided. Tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment are provided. During projects, the Wilderness Project Coordinator will camp at provided sites, often with volunteers. A limited gear library is provided free of charge.

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Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position involves outdoor field work in remote and backcountry settings within the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Work may include exposure to variable and occasionally extreme weather conditions, including rain, cold, heat, humidity, sun, and insects.

 

The position requires the ability to hike and stand for extended periods, traverse rough, uneven, wet, or slippery terrain, and carry tools or gear weighing up to 50 pounds for moderate distances. Work will involve canoe travel, camping for multiple days at a time, and limited access to immediate medical care. Exposure to ticks, mosquitoes, and other hazards typical of a wilderness environment is possible.

 

Friends of the Superior National Forest recognizes that no candidate will bring every skill listed below and encourages applicants with relevant experience to apply.

 

Required Skills

• Experience working or volunteering on natural resource stewardship projects such as trail maintenance or related field work

• Experience leading or co-leading volunteers or small groups in outdoor field settings

• Safety-conscious, with experience working in wilderness or remote outdoor environments

• Ability to carry up to 50 pounds for moderate distances over rough terrain

• Effective and clear communicator

• Flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing situations

• Able to work with limited supervision

• Organized to maintain records and submit reports

• Valid driver’s license

• Willingness to work nontraditional hours, including weekends and multi-day projects

• Commitment to completing the full season in this position

 

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

• Experience working with the United States Forest Service or other public land management agencies

• Experience with multi-day canoe-based backcountry experiences

• Experience adhering to Leave No Trace principles

 

Training Provided

• Wilderness First Aid certification

• CPR certification

• USFS Saw Certification or Re-Certification (as available during employment)

 

Benefits

• Pay rate of $26 per hour, not to exceed 40 hours per week

• Per diem reimbursement for project days

• $25/month cell phone reimbursement

• Computer provided for the length of position, or a $25/month technology stipend for use of personal computer

• Federal-rate mileage reimbursement (from the designated USFS base site) when driving a personal vehicle to and from projects or meetings

• One-time $200 clothing or gear stipend

• Optional bunkroom housing at USFS facilities

• Access to gear cache for projects

• All personal protective equipment

• Earned sick and safe time

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Friends of the Superior National Forest is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that the Superior National Forest and all public lands are stronger and better when everyone feels welcome and involved in stewardship. We strive to ensure, cultivate, and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff, board members, and volunteers.

 

Friends of the Superior National Forest does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We welcome all interested persons to apply.

 

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to our Google Form application by Wednesday, February 25 at 5PM. Interviews will be held the week of March 2-6.