Dream Job: Applicant Sought to Live in Quiet Cabins in the Woods

If you love nature and solitude, and want to share it with the public, the U.S. Forest Service wants to hear from you.

Wake up on nearly 600,000 acres of pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness—and get paid for it.

That’s the big perk of the U.S. Forest Service’s job posting, seeking someone to manage the Aspen and Glade Guard Stations in the San Juan National Forest.

For a term of no less than two years—and up to seven—the chosen applicant will maintain and rent out both properties for public use.

Duties include removing hazardous trees, keeping campsites clean and free of garbage, mowing and weeding, and renting out the cabins to visitors for “the lowest price possible.”

San Juan Guard Stations

The properties both cater to outdoor recreationists year-round. Campers, hikers, skiers, dog-sledders, and others rent out stays at the rustic cabins.

The Depression-era log Aspen Station has a solar-powered, potable water well. It features a kitchen, three bedrooms, and sits 10 miles northeast of Mancos, Colo. It also serves as home for the San Juan National Forest Artist in Residence Program.

The Glade Station is 30 miles north of Cortez, Colo., and has more modern amenities than Aspen, including propane heat. It also features a corral and barn.

The U.S. Forest Service will accept applications to work at these offices in the woods through October 27th. Applicants can schedule “show-me” field trips to view the properties and walk through responsibilities with the Dolores Ranger District.

Check out the comprehensive job posting here.