Wilderness Crew Leader

Crew Leaders are responsible for implementing backcountry Wilderness service projects with crews of volunteers that clear and maintain trails, mitigate user impacts, and remove invasive weeds. Work is primarily in the field with some limited office/computer tasks. Because the work is in designated Wilderness, it is accomplished using primitive hand-powered tools.

Crew Leaders coordinate, train and manage groups of up to 8 adults and/or youth volunteers on 8-10 backcountry field projects per season. Trip lengths are anywhere between two to ten days in length. In most cases, you will be the sole Crew Leader in the group. Occasionally, a partner group may provide additional leadership. Crew leaders organize project logistics ahead of each project, including Forest Service coordination, meal planning and food shopping.

An important aspect of the work includes training volunteers, many of whom have little to no wilderness experience. Volunteers are trained on the use of primitive tools, safety practices, backcountry living and camping, Leave No Trace and the natural, geographical, and cultural history of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

This position requires camping and working at primitive backcountry and front-country sites, extensive hiking over varied terrain and working in a variety of weather conditions. There may be opportunities to work with pack stock, but stock may not be provided for every project.

Office work includes working closely with the BMWF Program Director and Stewardship Coordinator, US Forest Service managers and volunteer groups to coordinate project logistics and paperwork prior to and after completion of each project trip.

Additional duties include maintaining hand tools, the tool cache, and safety gear. Extra time will be scheduled for training, project planning, menu planning and shopping, volunteer recognition and supplemental office work.

Trails and Weeds Crew Leaders have the opportunity to meet numerous professionals in the wilderness management field and make connections for future opportunities in wilderness and recreation management.

How to apply:

Email a resume and cover letter to Rebecca Powell, Program Director at rpowell@bmwf.org.

Please indicate which Crew Leader position you prefer (see attached chart). Please review the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation website for a better understanding of the organization: www.bmwf.org. Email applications are preferred. Qualified Crew Leader applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview with final candidate selections. Review and interview of applicants will begin February 1st and continue until all positions are filled.