Assistant Trail Crew Leader–18 month term

We are Hiring:  Assistant Trail Crew Leader—18-month term

Reports To: TPC Chief Operating Officer

Location: Pisgah Ranger District, Pisgah Forest, NC

Start Date: October 7, 2024—Some flexibility based on availability of the right candidate

Summary

The incumbent will be an employee of The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC), working in the Pisgah Ranger District near Brevard, N.C.  The incumbent will assist in leading a small crew performing trail maintenance, new trail construction, bridge repair and construction, and a variety of technical trail projects for the District.  Work will focus on repairing light to moderate trail damage resulting from Tropical Storm Fred across the Pisgah Ranger District and will be planned and performed in collaboration with TPC and U.S. Forest Service employees, as well as other District partners.  Employee will report daily to the Pisgah Ranger Station and work out of the Pisgah District Work Center.

Founded in 2015, The Pisgah Conservancy (“TPC”) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving the natural resources and scenic beauty of the Pisgah National Forest and enhancing the recreational experience of its users.  We support the maintenance and construction of trails and other infrastructure, work to keep waterways clean, remove non-native invasive species, remove waste, litter, and graffiti, improve wildlife habitat, and conduct educational activities to enhance public awareness of environmental concerns in Pisgah.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary for Assistant Trail Crew Leaders in both non-profit and government sectors ($39,500-$45,000 per year depending on candidate experience and qualifications).
• Eligible for compensation increases based on performance at annual employee evaluation process.
• Eligible for full time benefits, including Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, health care, vision, dental, basic life, and SIMPLE IRA.
• Eligible for participation in the Public Land Corps (PLC) service program if the candidate meets the requirements of the program. Participation in the PLC program allows for potential career opportunities in the Forest Service and other federal land management organizations.  Successful completion provides participants with hiring eligibility status in the federal sector.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Requirements

The incumbent must:

• have knowledge of, and experience and skill in sustainable trail construction/maintenance and design techniques, including the use of trail tools, trail building equipment, and GPS/GIS equipment;
• have experience leading and training trail crew members and/or volunteers in a variety of trail maintenance and construction tasks while maintaining a safe work environment for fellow workers and forest users;
• have experience in highly technical trail construction including trail bridge construction, rock work, rough carpentry (locust log structures), turnpike and causeway construction, and use of rigging, griphoists, and block and tackle;
• have skill in assessing and identifying trail problems and developing and implementing the best possible trail solutions on the ground;
• have expert experience in the regular maintenance and basic repair of all hand tools, power tools, and gas-powered tools (i.e. chainsaws).
• Have some experience operating light trail machinery such as canycom track haulers, Bobcat walk-behind trail machine, mini-excavator, etc.;
• have experience in setting up and maintaining a clean, safe, and effective backcountry camp for trail crew operations in remote areas;
• have the ability to maintain a positive work environment and effectively manage potential conflict among crew members.  This includes fostering good working relationships with US Forest Service employees, user groups, and volunteers;
• have knowledge of, and experience and skill in light construction work and facility maintenance;
• have initiative, drive, and energy;
• have excellent communication skills to both verbally explain complex methods and processes and to regularly document and communicate specific accomplishments;
• have ability to work independently and retain flexibility in a dynamic work environment;
• have ability to maintain focus on safety and risk management, both on a personal and group level;
• have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a pickup truck to be used for hauling trail equipment, trailers of tools, and other materials for conducting trail work;
• be able to help determine work requirements, resources and materials needed to implement project objectives, plans, and requirements effectively;
• have a commitment to exceptional work product (quality and quantity), completed on time;
• have experience working successfully with a large federal land management agency, i.e., the U.S. Forest Service; and
• be able to pass a background check in order to have open access to a federal facility.

Preferred Additional Knowledge & Skills

• Chainsaw Certification — Class B Sawyer*
• First Aid/CPR Certification*
• In-depth experience operating and maintaining light trail machinery such as canycom track haulers, Bobcat walk-behind trail machine, mini-excavator, etc.
• Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder

*These certifications will be required after 4-5 months in the position

EDUCATION

• B.S. in Natural Resources (preferred)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS     

The incumbent routinely lifts, pushes, pulls and carries items weighing 50 to 100 pounds, and occasionally up to 500 pounds, using mechanical leveraging tools.  Work will routinely require walking 4-20 miles at 3 miles per hour over rough and uneven terrain and mountain biking to reach remote locations.  This position is physically demanding and requires enthusiasm and motivation to handle those demands.

WORK ENVIRONMENT                                                                 

The employee will report to the US Forest Service Ranger Station, but most of the work will be performed in a mountainous, forested environment where the terrain may be steep, uneven, rocky, wet, and covered with thick and tangled vegetation. Work will often occur in inclement weather (rain, snow, freezing temperatures or temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit).  Local rainfall exceeds 80 inches per year and is a regular companion in working on the Pisgah. The employee may be exposed to irritant chemicals associated with operating and maintaining motorized equipment. Work requires the use of safety equipment (PPE) such as boots, gloves, goggles, chaps, and hardhats.  The employee will comply with all Forest Service protocols in performing the requirements of this position.

WORK HOURS

The position will work 40 hours per week reporting to the Pisgah District Ranger Station.  Some projects may require camping out for up to a week in remote areas of the District, although the majority of work will not.