Volunteer
To apply for this job please visit www.volunteer.gov.
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000JQB3J
ADDRESS: 920 Northeast Main Lewiston, Montana, 59457
DATES: 5/15/2026 – 10/15/2026
DEPT: Bureau of Land Management
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument:
The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument offers a chance to explore a remote and scenic part of Montana shaped by the Missouri River. Visitors can paddle along the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, hike to overlooks, observe wildlife, or visit historic sites that tell the story of the region. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the monument is open throughout the year and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, quiet exploration, and a deeper connection to the natural and cultural history of the Missouri River Breaks.
Position Overview:
Volunteer River Site Host (1 Spot – Solo or Couple): Based out of Judith Landing campground, the Volunteer River Site Host position will be tasked with patrolling the Upper Missouri River in 50-mile stretches by canoe on a weekly basis (3-4 days including overnight trips), maintaining recreation sites throughout the Wild & Scenic River corridor (cleaning river campgrounds, toilets, picking up trash), camping overnight, conducting wilderness monitoring and more! The river is mainly flatwater but contains areas up to Class 1 conditions. There will be occasional periods where work may be off-river conducting wilderness monitoring or assisting other staff throughout the monument.
Work Conditions:
-The work is conducted in all types of weather (rain, heat and high winds).
-The banks of the river are muddy, and it can be buggy (mosquitoes, gnats).
-The Missouri River can be muddy and slow moving, requiring days where you spend a lot of time paddling!
-If not at a site with a pit toilet, volunteer must utilize wag bags or a portable toilet.
-Those conducting patrols will camp along the river at designated sites with limited to no amenities. (Fire rings, pit toilets, etc.)
Duties:
Primary River Site Host duties include, but are not limited to:
-River campsite maintenance duties.*
-Monitoring facilities, campgrounds and trails for visitor security and potential safety hazards.
-Conducting Wilderness Study Area monitoring along river corridor
-Report to staff when repairs are needed or when incidents occur.
-Provide weekly updates to the Monument Interpretive Center on occupancy levels.
-Daily interactions with visitors, including answering questions regarding area recreational opportunities, and informing visitors of rules and regulations within the river corridor.
*Maintenance duties include: routine restroom cleaning, campsite cleanup (trash pick-up, fire ring cleaning) and other basic maintenance tasks.
Supplies & Equipment:
-All tools and safety equipment needed are provided by the BLM.
-All river equipment & supplies are provided by the BLM including camping supplies, cookware, life jacket, paddling equipment (canoe, paddles, life jacket).
Location Info:
This position is based out of Judith Landing. located 20 minutes from Big Sandy (gas, grocery), 40 minutes to Fort Benton (gas, grocery, laundry, hospital) and 80 minutes away from Great Falls (hospital, restaurants, airport). This is the primary boat or paddle launch location for visitors to experience the “White Cliffs” section of the Upper Missouri River.
Schedule:
-The volunteer position schedule is at minimum three months (June-August), but flexible if the volunteer is available the full six-month paddle season (May-October).
-The position requires the host to work on average a minimum of three days per week, but up to four days dependent on river patrol section.
-Scheduled volunteer days may change throughout season according to site needs.
Accommodations & Reimbursement:
-RV or trailer sites with hookups (electric / sewer) at Judith Landing.
-A non-itemized reimbursement for expenses, not to exceed the daily camp rate (currently $42/day), with reimbursements processed monthly (taking 2-3 weeks to process).
– Volunteers who complete a minimum of 250 service hours are eligible for a free Federal Interagency Annual Pass.
To apply for this job please visit www.volunteer.gov.