Our Story
The Opal Creek watershed is 35,000 acres of protected rainforest, part of the last remaining low-elevation old-growth forest left in the Pacific Northwest. Soaring trees dripping with moss, crystal-clear streams, and a diversity of old-growth-dependent species make Opal Creek a unique gem in Oregon’s crown. At its center is the historic off-grid mining town of Jawbone Flats, our base of operations since the Opal Creek Wilderness was created in 1996.

At Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, all of our work is based around one simple idea: people will protect what they care about, and they will care about what they know. Through our outdoor school, summer camps, and workshop programs, we bring kids and adults face-to-face with the outdoor places that make Oregon great—pristine mountain streams, uncut vistas, and old-growth forests.

Summary of Position
The Summer Backpacking Intern will develop or build upon their background in forest ecology while living and working in our remote camp setting and on backcountry trips. This is a residential position, and Interns will live at Jawbone Flats in housing provided by the organization. Responsibilities of the position are listed below, focusing on two of our four program areas:

Backpacking Expeditions (70%)
• Co-lead backpacking expeditions ranging from 5 to 8 days, for students 10-18 years old in the Opal Creek, Bull of the Woods, and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Areas
• Prepare food and gear for a week-long expedition
• Organize and clean gear for the following expedition

Hospitality (30%)
• Host cabin renters, ensuring their stay is comfortable
• Drive gear shuttles; load and unload cabin rental gear
• Clean cabins to rental standards
• Staff the company store, selling merchandise to participants and the general public
• Engage with the general public as they pass through Jawbone Flats

We have a small staff and everyone is required to help in all aspects of running a remote residential facility with a diversity of programs. This position may be asked to assist the kitchen and facility departments at times.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program, having completed at least two semesters. Environmental or outdoor recreation focus preferred.
• 19 years of age or older
• Past teaching experience or experience working with children ages 8-18
• Enthusiasm for the outdoors
• Hiking and backpacking experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A curiosity and passion for continuous learning
• A desire and the ability to live and work in a remote residential environment with a small number of people
• Possesses the qualities of integrity, adaptability, enthusiasm, and good humor
• Able to lift heavy objects, up to 50 pounds when necessary
• Able to pass a background check
• Able to drive company vehicles
• Current driver’s license and able to qualify for coverage under our insurance
• Wilderness First Aid certification (required by time of employment)

Send a resume and cover letter to Megan Selvig, Program Director, at mselvig@opalcreek.org. Applications will be accepted until April 27th.

There are two rounds of interviews for this position. We will offer the position by mid-May with Interns starting mid-June.

Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.