Trail Crew Jobs in Montana
Work in Montana · Trail Crew & Public Lands
Trail Crew Jobs in Montana
USFS Region 1 trail crew, wilderness ranger, and backcountry positions across Montana's 10 national forests and Glacier National Park. Seasonal roles, pay ranges, and how to get hired.
0 open listings matching this role right now. Browse current openings on OGS or on USAJOBS directly.Updated Sep 11
Why Montana Is a Top State for Trail Crew Work
Montana has 10 national forests managed by USFS Region 1 and over 25,000 miles of trails across federal lands — one of the highest trail densities in the country. Glacier National Park alone has 700+ miles of maintained trail and hires trail crew and backcountry rangers each season. The Flathead, Lolo, Bitterroot, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Gallatin National Forests all hire trail crew and wilderness rangers annually. Montana's remote backcountry and wilderness areas create demand for experienced trail workers who can work independently in challenging terrain.
Types of Trail Crew Positions in Montana
Trail Crew Technicians (GS-3 to GS-5)
Trail crew technicians maintain and reconstruct trails, build drainage structures, clear blowdowns, and restore eroded tread. Entry-level positions (GS-3/4) require no prior experience. GS-5 positions typically require one season of trail work experience. Many positions include housing at remote ranger stations or work centers.
Wilderness Rangers (GS-5 to GS-7)
Wilderness rangers patrol designated wilderness areas, educate visitors on Leave No Trace principles, and monitor resource conditions. Montana's Bob Marshall, Selway-Bitterroot, and Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness areas hire wilderness rangers each season. These positions often require solo backcountry travel and stock handling (horses and mules).
NPS Trail Crew — Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park hires trail crew and backcountry rangers each season for May–October appointments. Positions include trail crew workers (GS-4/5), backcountry rangers (GS-5/7), and wilderness permit rangers. Glacier is one of the most sought-after NPS postings in the country — apply early.
Pay and Benefits
Federal trail crew pay in Montana uses the Rest of US locality adjustment (~16% above base GS rates). A GS-4 step 1 trail crew technician earns approximately $19.86/hr. GS-5 positions start at approximately $20.94/hr. Many positions include housing at ranger stations or backcountry cabins, which significantly reduces living costs. Wilderness ranger positions often include stock handling pay supplements.
Hiring Season and How to Apply
Most seasonal USFS and NPS trail crew positions in Montana are posted on USAJOBS between January and March for summer appointments starting in May or June. Glacier NP positions are among the most competitive in the country — apply in January. A complete USAJOBS profile with a federal-format resume is required. Chainsaw certification (S-212) is a significant advantage for trail crew positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trail crew jobs are open in Montana right now?
Montana typically has 20–45 active federal trail crew and wilderness ranger postings during peak hiring (January–April). This includes USFS Region 1 trail crew technicians, wilderness rangers, and NPS trail crew at Glacier National Park across 10 national forests.
What is the pay for trail crew work in Montana?
Federal trail crew pay in Montana starts at GS-4 ($19.86/hr) or GS-5 ($20.94/hr) with the Rest of US locality adjustment. Many positions include housing at ranger stations or backcountry cabins, which significantly reduces living costs. Wilderness ranger positions may include stock handling supplements.
Do I need chainsaw certification for trail crew jobs in Montana?
Chainsaw certification (S-212) is not required for entry-level GS-3/4 positions but is a significant competitive advantage. Many forests provide S-212 training on the job after hiring. Wilderness ranger positions typically do not require chainsaw certification but may require stock handling experience.
Which forests and parks in Montana hire the most trail crew?
The Flathead, Lolo, Bitterroot, and Gallatin National Forests are among the largest trail crew employers in Montana. Glacier National Park is the largest NPS employer of trail crew in the state. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex requires wilderness rangers each season.
Is trail crew work in Montana a good fit for van lifers and mobile workers?
Yes — seasonal appointments run May through October. Many positions include housing at remote ranger stations or backcountry cabins. Montana's position in the northern Rockies makes it easy to chain seasons with adjacent states. The work is physically demanding but the pay, housing, and lifestyle fit well with a mobile, outdoor-focused career.
Find Trail Crew Jobs in Montana on OGS
OGS aggregates federal postings from USAJOBS alongside employer-posted positions. Browse current listings or create a free Trekkie profile and mark yourself available on the OGS RadarMap.
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