Assistant Trail Crew Leader

The Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization and the premier public land stewardship group in Southern Colorado. Headquartered near Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in beautiful Colorado Springs, RMFI conserves and protects public lands through volunteer-based trail and restoration projects, environmental education, and restoration research. 

Assistant Trail Crew Leaders implement and administer project work with the guidance of a Trail Crew Leader and Program Manager. They support the day-to-day activities of a field crew and volunteer programs, and fill in for Trail Crew Leaders during absences. Primary duties include assisting in the implementation and management of single- and multi-day field projects, as well as instructing crew members, interns, volunteers, and youth conservation corps members in trail construction, maintenance, and restoration techniques. Assistant Trail Crew Leaders have a passion for stewardship and community, proven technical trail-building skills, and the ability to manage field resources in variable environments and locations. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assists in leading crew members, interns, volunteers, and youth conservation corps crews in achieving project goals, under the direction of a Program Manager.
• Provides instruction to crew members and participants in proper trail and restoration techniques.
• Collects basic project data to support crew and project performance assessments.
• Supports logistics for single, multi-day, and overnight projects as directed by the Crew Leader.
• Ensures project work aligns with partner expectations.
• Helps to complete projects on time while upholding professional relationships with project managers, RMFI leadership staff, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Assists with completing detailed project reports documenting the progress of fieldwork days, including work stats, before and after photos, material use, and other applicable reporting.
• Identifies and communicates project issues and challenges to higher-level staff for resolution.
• Contributes to a positive and productive crew environment by supporting the Crew Leader in providing leadership, coaching, and mentoring.
• Supports the Crew Leader in ensuring crews perform 10 hours of project work a day while camping outdoors in all weather.
• Participates in and supports the facilitation of annual staff training.
• Assists in maintaining the RMFI warehouse and vehicles, ensuring resources are appropriately stored and maintained.
• Helps with annual inventory, cleaning, repair, and maintenance of RMFI resources, including tools, gear, trucks, and other items.
• Assists in training new staff and interns in trail/restoration techniques.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Participate in vigorous physical activity at altitudes up to 14,000 feet.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification.
• Current S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw certification or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Conditional offerees must complete the U.S. Forest Service Workplace Capacity Test upon arrival for RMFI training.
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Desire and ability to live in the backcountry without common luxuries including running water, flushing toilets, electricity, and cell phones

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: 

• At least one year of experience in trail construction, design, and maintenance, including restoration knowledge, social trail closure, erosion mitigation, post-wildland fire restoration, and invasive species control.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

COMPETENCIES: 

• Oral and written communication skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Excellent people skills, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude are a must!
• Comfortable living and working outside in all elements (rain, snow, mud, heat, etc.).

WORK SCHEDULE: 

Season Start: April 2026 Season End: Early to Mid October 2026

This is a full-time, seasonal position based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The position requires extensive overnight camping and travel, fieldwork, and evening and weekend work. Work schedules often include eight days in the field and six days off. This position is mostly field-based during the season, though some office time is required. The position requires full commitment to the season and project schedule. Time off during projects is limited.