Trail Crew Leader – Northwest Region

Primary Responsibilities

Leading volunteer work parties (70%)

• Ensure physical and emotional safety for a volunteer crew of diverse ages and backgrounds
• Support, motivate, and train volunteers to complete a variety of trail projects. Projects may include annual maintenance, tread construction, drainage structures, and constructions of steps, turnpike, puncheon and retaining walls
• 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

Preparing for work parties (15%)

• Arrive at each work party with tools, refreshments and work plan
• Coordinate work party projects and plans with WTA staff and land manager
• May communicate directly with volunteers via email and phone prior to work parties
• May assist other WTA staff and volunteers in identifying appropriate volunteer trail projects

Documenting work parties (10%)

• Ensure morning safety review is delivered to volunteers and documented
• Maintain and submit Sign-in and Liability Release for volunteers in a timely manner
• Prepare and submit summary report and thank you email to volunteers for each work party in a timely manner
• Report all incidents affecting the safety, health, and well-being of volunteers
• Using a WTA cell-phone, provide digital photo documentation of project progress and volunteer engagement

Outreach & other (5%)

• May assist efforts to engage hikers, volunteers and community groups in other WTA programming (e.g. representing WTA at events in the region)
• Perform other tasks in the front and back country to ensure program success
• Potential to engage youth through school programs and trail maintenance events

Experience, Skills, Knowledge, and Values

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

• Demonstrated commitment to WTA’s mission and values on diversity, equity and inclusion
• Demonstrated ability to create a crew community where every member feels included and valued
• Demonstrated skills in trail maintenance and building
• Ability to effectively manage emergency situations
• Ability to accept and integrate feedback graciously, and give effective feedback to team members
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment, including hiking and backpacking up to 6 miles daily in a variety of terrain, and follow minimum impact guidelines
• WFA and CPR certification minimum requirement valid through the duration of employment; WFR certification preferred
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a truck on highways and dirt roads
• Ability to work weekends and 10-hour days. Ability to work away from home for up to 5 days.
• Reliable internet and printer access (library and other public access is fine) for work party planning and documentation recommended
• Demonstrated experience leading a team in an outdoor setting

Schedule

This position is full-time and supports our work parties in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. The typical schedule includes crew leading 2-3 days per week (Fri/Sat/Sun), with 1-2 administrative days to complete paperwork and to prepare for work parties.  During the summer season this position may also lead multi-day work parties which are usually 3-5 days long. When leading multi-day work parties, this position works closely with their supervisor to ensure an appropriate amount of time off. In general a work week is 40 hours.

To apply:  

Click on or copy the following URL link to our application form to apply for this position: https://forms.gle/WsAY89EnFKLkPY138 and email your resume to seasonaljobs@wta.org. The position is open until filled, with priority given to applications received by January 5th. Interviews will take place mid January. 
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!