SJMA Job Opportunities

With an understanding of bookkeeping and human resource management, a knack for working with a diverse team in a dynamic environment, a background in retail management, and a desire to be a part of caring for the incomparable San Juan Mountains, the Operations Manager is dedicated to making a difference by keeping internal operations running seamlessly at SJMA. The Operations Manager, under the immediate supervision of the Executive Director, is responsible for managing payroll and personnel records of all SJMA employees.

HOURS: Full time, 40 hours/week, generally between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday-Friday; there is an option to flex this position

LOCATION: SJMA’s offices are within the San Juan National Forest Headquarters in Durango, Colorado, but this position can potentially be located anywhere in southwest Colorado.

To apply please submit one PDF document containing your resume and letter of interest which briefly describes your goals, qualifications, and interest in the position. Send file to jobs@sjma.org.

SJMA is hiring two public lands ambassadors to work in partnership with the BLM educating Alpine Loop visitors by promoting Stay on the Trail Principals, utilize “Leave No Trace” practices, track user numbers, and monitor tundra conditions while also assisting BLM personnel with other duties as needed. These individuals will also spend time working side by side with BLM officials as a Visitor Information Specialist (VIS) in the Silverton Field office providing visitor information services.

SEASON: Early May through early-mid September

HOURS: Full time, 36 hours/week; typical schedule: 4 days on, 3 days off, 9-hour days (8:00 am – 5:00 pm), Friday- Monday.

LOCATION: 2 days/week in the Silverton BLM office; 2 days/week in the field on BLM managed land and the Alpine Loop

To apply please submit one PDF document containing your resume and letter of interest which briefly describes your goals, qualifications, and interest in the position. Send file to jobs@sjma.org by March 31st 2026.

Do you love backpacking and excel in managing a team on projects in the backcountry? The SJMA Wilderness Stewardship Crew, in partnership with the SJNF, operates as a team in rugged, remote, and beautiful backcountry Wilderness areas in Southwest Colorado. This position entails leading and managing a three-person crew to complete a variety of projects in remote backcountry locations. The position requires backpacking long distances with tools and equipment to high elevation Wilderness areas. Projects include a mix of intensive trail clearing (log-out) with cross cut saws, public education and engagement, and protocol-based monitoring of wilderness characteristics. The Crew Leader, under the direct supervision of the Stewardship Director, is responsible for communicating and coordinating with SJMA and SJNF staff to plan and implement projects, as well as ensuring the safety and productivity of the team.

SEASON: Mid-May through early September

HOURS: Full-time, hourly (40 hours/week)

LOCATION: This is a field position and work will be remote and taking place on the San Juan National Forest. The office location is the SJMA’s headquarters, at the SJNF Supervisors Office, in Durango Colorado.

To apply please submit one PDF document containing your resume and letter of interest which briefly describes your goals, qualifications, and interest in the position. Send file to jobs@sjma.org by March 17, 2026.

Do you love Wilderness, backpacking, and working in remote areas? The San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) Wilderness Stewardship Crew operates under the supervision of a Crew Leader as a four-person team in rugged, remote, and beautiful backcountry Wilderness areas in Southwest Colorado. This position entails significant backpacking with tools and equipment to many high-elevation Wilderness areas in a variety of weather conditions. The crew performs Wilderness monitoring, makes public contacts, conducts trail maintenance, and prioritizes clearing trails of downed trees with cross cut saws. The Wilderness Stewardship Crew will conduct a variety of backcountry Wilderness projects under the supervision/guidance of a SJMA crew leader and in partnership with San Juan National Forest (SJNF) staff. Crew Members will receive a broad spectrum of relevant training and will end the season with a range of hands-on Wilderness stewardship experience.

SEASON: Mid-May through early September

HOURS: Full-time, hourly (40 hours/week)

LOCATION: This is a field position and work will be remote and taking place on the San Juan National Forest. The office location is the SJMA’s headquarters , at the SJNF Supervisors Office, in Durango Colorado.

To apply please submit one PDF document containing your resume and letter of interest which briefly describes your goals, qualifications, and interest in the position. Send file to jobs@sjma.org by March 17, 2026.

SJMA is seeking a full-time seasonal OHV trail crew member to work directly with the Columbine Ranger District trail crew. The OHV trail crew will help maintain nearly 150+ miles of trails in the Columbine Ranger District. Projects will take place on OHV trails, routes and infrastructure across the landscape, generally in mountain and foothill areas ranging from 6,500 ft to 13,000 ft in elevation. This position will be embedded with the USFS, Columbine District Recreation Program.

SEASAON: Early May through mid to late October

HOURS: Full-time, hourly (40 hours/week)

LOCATION: This position will be primarily based out of the Columbine Ranger District Office in Bayfield, CO. This is a field position and work will be remote locations within the San Juan National Forest.

To apply please submit one PDF document containing your resume and letter of interest which briefly describes your goals, qualifications, and interest in the position. Send file to jobs@sjma.org by March 17, 2026.

Join SJMA’s Education team to design and deliver high quality, standards based outdoor environmental education to Southwest Colorado. We work closely with our interns to create an experience which aligns with their post-internship goals, be that curriculum design, in the field teaching, program management, etc. This is a unique opportunity for applicants to help educate and inspire the next generation. The intern will conduct a variety of projects under the supervision of the Education Director and Curriculum Coordinator. To learn more about the education programs visit, sjma.org/learn.

This is a life-changing opportunity for the right applicant who will make an immediate impact on the youth in our community and build lifelong memories in some of Colorado’s most spectacular landscapes. 

To apply please send a resume and letter of interest to astimax@sjma.org. Internships occur in fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applications are due November 1st for spring internships and March 1st for summer and fall internships.