Backcountry Specialist - EarthCorps
ABOUT EarthCorps
EarthCorps’ mission is to build global community through local environmental service. EarthCorps restores parks and open spaces while providing leadership and community service experiences for young people from the United States and around the world.
• Strong Communities: EarthCorps leads 10,000 volunteers annually and partners with 100+ organizations worldwide.
• Healthy Habitats: EarthCorps' environmental restoration work includes salmon stream restoration, native tree plantings, invasive plant removal, wetland and shoreline restoration and trail construction.
• Young Leaders: In addition to the corps program, EarthCorps delivers programs for young people to learn about the environment, engage in community service and develop leadership skills through hands-on service.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Backcountry Specialist is a temporary, non-exempt position in EarthCorps. The position involves field leadership for multi-day, backcountry campsite maintenance projects including supervision of crew leaders and crews, and responsibility for maintaining safety standards and organizational goals of EarthCorps. The position is the onsite lead working with the US Forest Service. The Backcountry Specialist is supervised by a Project Manager and coordinates with all Project Managers as needed.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Implementation:
• Coordinates and implements backcountry campsite maintenance projects including but not limited to the closing/ hardening of campsites and social paths, as well as installing sanitation facilities and signage in accordance with US Forest Service standards.
• Conducts pre-project site visits to develop an implementation plan and acquire the information and materials needed to ensure a successful project.
• Serves as on-site project manager and ensures that EarthCorps crews complete projects as agreed upon with Agency Coordinator.
• Collaborates with Field/ Logistics Specialist to develop menus, equipment and other logistics necessary for each project.
Work Supervision:
• Sets and maintains production, quality and safety goals/standards for crews under their supervision.
• Operates or supervises the use of specialized tools and equipment in the field as needed.
• Maintains discipline and positive crew morale, fosters team-work among crew members.
• Enforces the standards of behavior as well as policies and procedures of EarthCorps and ensures adherence to program goals and mission.
• Leads by example, working alongside corps members and crew leaders.
Training and Instruction:
• Ensures that EarthCorps crews have the skills needed to complete projects. Demonstrates field skills, train staff, crew leaders, and corps members.
• Prepares and educates crews for a backcountry experience through pre-trip orientations.
• Plans and implements training and presentations in such areas as: project orientation, proper use of tools, first aid, low-impact wilderness travel and camping, trail maintenance, natural resource management.
Communication:
• Prepares oral and written reports, that may include work project summaries, equipment use and maintenance logs, performance evaluations, first-aid and incident reports.
• Photo-documents projects.
• Maintains project files, including documentation of work, receipts, and contract compliance.
• Counsels, motivates or disciplines individual corps members and crew leaders as appropriate.
• Prepares a final report upon completion of the projects.
Program Support:
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelors degree (received or in progress) in conservation related field, e.g. ecology, forestry, wildlife management
• Proven leadership and decision making experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, maintain self-motivation, and persist in the face of obstacles
• Field experience in environmental restoration and trail maintenance
• Proven backcountry hiking and camping skills, absolutely comfortable living and working in a wilderness setting for multiple days and weeks.
• Experience working with or teaching young adults in an environmental education setting
• Demonstrated leadership in a team setting working with staff, volunteers, agency personnel, resource user groups, and others to accomplish conservation/restoration objectives.
• Experience with the use and maintenance of hand tools
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work variable hours, including overnight camping and weekends
• Ability to work under physically demanding conditions, including cold and wet weather
• Must be able to lift 70 lbs. and operate hand tools and other mechanical equipment
• Availability and willingness to work overtime and consecutive weeks in a row with very few days off throughout time of employment.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFR certification preferred)
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record with an ability to operate full-size vehicles safely.
• Positive attitude and sense of humor
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest native plants
