Position description:
The Southwest District Trail Crew Leader is a full-time seasonal field-based position located on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Southwest Washington. This position is responsible for leading volunteer trail maintenance work parties in the assigned district and working with Forest Service trail crews principally on trails in the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument and the Mt. Adams Ranger District. In addition this position is responsible for supporting outreach, recruitment and volunteer training activities in the region. The position reports directly to the SW Washington Regional Coordinator.
Specific Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Prepare for and lead volunteer work parties
• Leads two to three work parties a week
• On work party days, arrive at the trailhead with tools, refreshments, and work plan
• Works with Forest Service trail crew to coordinate projects
• Safely motivate and lead a crew of volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds
• Ability to remain calm and manage emergency situations
Ensure technical aspects of work is to standards
• Coordinate project and plans with SW Washington Regional Coordinator and Land Manager
• Facilitate various trail projects to completion including drainage structures, annual maintenance, turnpike and puncheon
Documentation Work Party
• Prepare summary report of work party
• Maintain and submit Sign-in and Liability Release for volunteers
• Ensures safety talk is complete and documented
About WTA:
Washington Trails Association (WTA) is a non-profit organization helping to protect the hiking trails of Washington. Our primary focus is keeping trails open to hikers through maintenance and advocacy. With more than 700 work parties annually, WTA has one of the largest volunteer backcountry trail maintenance programs in the country. Throughout the year, volunteers maintain, repair and build hiking trails throughout Washington State.
Schedule:
The work schedule will be variable and will include some projects spanning an entire week, backcountry projects up to four days in length and some weekend projects. As a general rule leading volunteer work parties will occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Working with Forest Service crews and other support activities would then occur on either Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday.
Desired Qualifications:
• Experience working within an outdoor setting
• Have ability to work independently, but also contribute to a team effort
• Skills in trail maintenance and building
• Must be comfortable backpacking, camping, and living in an outdoor environment
• Must have interpersonal skills sufficient to insure a fun, safe, and quality volunteer experience
• Must be available from the end of May through the end of August
• WFA or WFR certification (First Aid/CPR required)
• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable vehicle (WTA provides mileage reimbursement)
Compensation starting at $13.15/hour.
To Apply:
Provide a resume, a brief cover letter describing your experience and qualifications, and at least two references.
Email the above materials to:
Ryan Ojerio
SW Washington Regional Coordinator
ryan@wta.org
(360) 722-2657