Lost Trails Found Trail Crew Member

Season dates: May - October 2024, Open until filled

The ideal candidates will love working outdoors with others in all weather, have prior experience camping and doing trail work, and share our belief that everyone should feel safe and included in the outdoors community. The Crew Members will complete work specified by local land agencies and defined by the Lost Trails Found Crew Leader while in the field. Crew Members will positively contribute to a backcountry crew community and are an integral part of completing these trail projects.

Over the course of the season, the six person Lost Trails Found Crew, (two leaders, and 4 Crew Members) will complete backcountry trail maintenance projects in remote settings. The ideal candidates will be self motivated and have experience in multi-day backcountry projects in the field. The Crew Member is a temporary, field-based position that reports to the Lost Trails Found Crew Leader.

Primary Responsibilities

Supporting trail work projects

• Contribute to a positive and affirming work environment for other crew members while in backcountry settings
• Complete projects as defined by the LTF Crew Leader that may include annual maintenance, new trail construction, logout, installing drainage structures, and construction of steps, turnpike, puncheon and retaining walls 
• Help LTF Crew Leader and Assistant Leader effectively manage emergency situations following WTA’s emergency response protocols
• Positively represent WTA mission, programs, and membership in all interactions with volunteers, trail users, and others
• Follow safety protocols as defined by LTF Leaders during remote work hitches 
• Report all incidents affecting the safety, health, and well-being of crew to LTF Crew Leader

Supporting camp and crew members

• Help foster and support a culture of feedback and provide regular and effective feedback to peers
• Create and contribute to an inclusive and safe space for all crew members while on trail and at camp
• Practice Leave No Trace principles and WTA camp risk management procedures

Experience, Skills, Knowledge, and Values

Competitive candidates will highlight the following in their application, or express willingness to learn:

• Two or more seasons of experience with trail crews or conservation corps
• One or more seasons with experience building or maintaining hiking trails, building rock retaining walls, and other projects related to annual trail maintenance
• Demonstrated ability to create a group/community space where every member (people of diverse races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and economic backgrounds) feels included and valued
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions and follow minimum impact guidelines; some projects may include hiking up to 10 miles daily in a variety of terrain including river crossings and climbing over downed trees
• Demonstrated commitment to WTA’s mission and values on diversity, equity and inclusion
• Experience camping in backcountry settings and spending extended periods in the backcountry
• Demonstrated ability to accept and integrate feedback graciously, and give effective feedback to peers 
• Ability to learn WTA’s emergency response protocols and effectively manage emergency situations
• Ability to work 10-hour days in remote settings 
• Chainsaw or Crosscut saw experience (crosscut bucking preferred)
• Valid driver’s license required
• Availability through October 2024

Schedule

The Lost Trails Found Crew Member is a temporary position starting May 6, 2024. The expected schedule is four days on/three days off, at the beginning of the season, with a transition to seven days on and seven days off hitch schedule in mid June. Schedule will include predominantly remote backcountry locations with the crew hiking into their designated project site for the duration of the hitch. Projected schedule is 10-hour days throughout the duration of the season. A typical work week is 40 hours with a weeklong, unpaid summer break in early August.

To apply:

Click on or copy the following URL link to our application form to apply for this position: https://forms.gle/BkQtzHnf3R8TqtWTA and email your resume to seasonaljobs@wta.org. The position is open until filled.

If you have any questions, please contact seasonaljobs@wta.org. View other available jobs at www.wta.org/careers. We look forward to hearing from you!