Trout Unlimited and the Huron Manistee National Forest are recruiting River Rangers for the 2024 summer season to work on Wild and Scenic Rivers (AuSable, Manistee, and Pine Rivers) in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The River Rangers will spend time on a Wild and Scenic River and talk to recreational users about responsible river behavior. The River Rangers will go to river landings in the morning to check watercraft permit compliance and educate river users on rules and regulations and responsible river ethics as they prepare to get on the river. In the afternoon, interns will pick busy segments of the river to float in kayaks alongside other interns where they will make contacts with recreational users to ensure compliance as well as provide education on Leave No Trace principals, safety precautions, and stewardship of Michigan’s Wild and Scenic Rivers.

This position typically works during summer business hours throughout the week as well as Saturdays and Sundays in June, July, and August (32-40hrs/week). Days off will likely be Tuesday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Thursday. Interns will report to the Districts daily and work in teams. The duty locations for these positions are at the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District Office located in Baldwin, MI, Lake County; the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District Office located in Wellston, MI, Manistee County; the Mio Ranger District Office located in Mio, MI in Oscoda County; and the Huron Shores Ranger District Office located in Oscoda, MI. The surrounding forest area provides vast opportunities for outdoor recreation pursuits including world-class fishing, floating, hiking, biking, and camping. 

Housing may be available at the District facilities, depending on availability. This position is not eligible for benefits.  All training required for this position will be provided by the Forest Service. This training includes: First Aid/CPR, Boater’s Training, and Defensive Driving. Additional Forest Service training that the interns may be interested in is available if it is being offered locally.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Inform and educate visitors on responsible river behavior 
• Check for watercraft permit compliance and remind users of the 9AM to 6PM watercraft hours
• Increase public awareness of the distinction between private property and National Forest land
• Discuss potential safety issues or hazards the public may encounter due to high water, potential bad weather, etc.
• Ensure river users are not bringing any glass or styrofoam on the river and remind of the potential need for bug spray or sunscreen depending on conditions
• Be available to answer any questions that the public has about the river or the Manistee National Forest in general
• Additional duties include checking for fee compliance in day-use parking lots at river access sites as well as maintaining restroom and garbage facilities depending on the day.

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. 

•  Proficiency or interest in river kayaking A working knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries and aquatic resource management
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as both a team player and independently 
• Passion for protecting and restoring coldwater rivers and their watersheds.