Assistant Trail Crew Leader – GAOA

Position Title:     Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Assistant Trail Crew Leader

Supervisor:         GAOA Trail Crew Leader 

Status:                 Seasonal, hourly, Non-exempt

Start Date:          April 20, 2026

End Date:            November 6, 2026

Office Location: NM CDTC office is in Santa Fe.  Daily operations hosted from Albuquerque.

The mission of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) is to complete, protect, and elevate the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and inspire a diverse community to steward the trail and its connected landscapes.

POSITION SUMMARY

The GAOA Assistant Trail Crew Leader supports the effective management of GAOA trail projects in close coordination with the U.S. Forest Service as well as other CDTC staff. The Assistant Crew Leader will collaborate with the Crew Leader to support the 4-person GAOA Trail Crew.  This position is a position of mentorship and training for members with less experience.  The selected candidate will report to the crew lead and serve as an experienced delegate in a variety of projects to support the mission of the CDTC. The Assistant Crew Leader is expected to work with CDTC staff, the U.S. Forest Service, and other partners to complete a 6-month season of deferred trail maintenance along the CDT.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) spans 3,100 miles through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, providing access to the Continental Divide landscape and Rocky Mountain communities. The Great American Outdoors Act authorizes a $4.7 million dollar investment to reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance projects along the Continental Divide Trail.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides daily guidance and direction to field crews completing trail maintenance/construction.
• Assist the lead staff in support of front country and backcountry GAOA projects primarily in backlogged trail maintenance, construction, and logout on the CDT throughout National Forests in New Mexico (Gila, Santa Fe, Cibola, Carson).
• Assist in recording trail accomplishments and trail assessment surveys.
• Coordinate material and supply needs with supervisor and land managers and manage on-site project logistics, correctly estimate crew needs, provide project orientation to crew, complete work in a timely and efficient manner, supervise and support on-site volunteers, and ensure safety at all times.
• Frequent travel, including weekends, may last from 1-3 weeks in duration. Variable work schedule depending on project location, duration, and drive time. The weekly work schedule will average 40 hours per week with the opportunity for paid overtime when necessary.
• Projects may last 1-6 days in length, not accounting for travel days to and from the worksite. Occasional evenings required. Work schedule varies between four 10-hour days and 8 days on, 6 days off schedule depending on project needs.
• Must maintain a respectful, engaging and motivating experience while accomplishing project goals. Excellent interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and a positive, professional attitude are a must.
• Help to create a culture of safety on projects, following CDTC and federal safety standards and check-in protocols and ensure that Risk Assessments are followed at all times.
• Maintain a clear and consistent line of communication with supervisor around project progress, accomplishments, and needs.
• Manage food, travel, and lodging budget and credit card purchases, providing receipts for purchases and coding them properly.
• Ensure that the crew collects accurate and thorough data for upward reporting in accordance to GAOA requirements.
• Coordinate with trail crew lead to maintain timely reporting for the GAOA tracking requirements
• Ensure the crew follows leave no trace principles and adheres to best practices in basecamp management.

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED AND PREFERRED SKILLS

Education & Experience:

At least (3) three seasons of working on a trail crew or other closely related conservation work or a

combination of education and experience.

The CDTC recognizes that college and continuing education, professional work experience, volunteer participation, and a diversity of other backgrounds can demonstrate proficiency in these core competencies. All individuals who feel they have experience that demonstrates expertise and/or familiarity with the core competencies are encouraged to apply.

Job Requirements

• Experience with Trail Design, layout, and field-based trail construction work.
• Knowledge of the National Trails System and/or the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
• Experience in trail tool and equipment maintenance (sharpening, sanding, oiling, re-handling).
• Experience with Trail Assessment Surveys or mapping programs such as Field Maps.
• Familiarity with federal land management agency structures.
• The incumbent must be able to live cooperatively in camp with other crew members, practice minimum impact camping (Leave No Trace) and proper food storage for food preservation and protection from wildlife (e.g., bears, etc.), and maintain good personal and camp hygiene.
• Must be a self-starter with good judgment and initiative to work without close supervision.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, while also being able to manage multiple projects with multiple deadlines, simultaneously.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to be insurable per CDTC requirements.
• Ability to receive direction and feedback, and able to give effective feedback.
• Must be a team player and interested in working collaboratively across disciplines and willing to find innovative and creative solutions to the challenges facing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail today and in the future.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with the culture of the Rocky Mountain West, particularly conservation issues, and the challenges facing rural communities.
• Experience working for or with public land managers (USFS, BLM, or NPS).
• Current chainsaw and crosscut saw certification.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Comfortable driving on 4WD roads in remote areas with limited cell service.
• Experience in meal planning, prep, and cooking in front-country and backcountry settings.
• Comfortable with pack stock and being around horses.
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles and camping in bear country.
• Environmental education experience or experience teaching or training staff on conservation topics.
• Strong conservation ethic and basic understanding of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the outdoors.
• Advanced study in these areas or training in specific areas through agency or professional training programs is welcomed.

SUPERVISION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The GAOA Assistant Crew Leader is supervised by the GAOA Trail Crew Leader.  This position is 100% Field based. Travel is required, and will include overnights and weekends, including backcountry locations in New Mexico. This position description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out those duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do physical labor in outdoor and backcountry environments. Work is performed outdoors in adverse weather and/or high elevations. Work may include travel in a rental or CDTC-owned vehicle. As such, the individual must have a valid driver’s license. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. CDTC is an equal opportunity employer. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The pay is $25.50/hour. CDTC provides a benefits package including $450 a month towards a company-sponsored health insurance, $50 a month cell phone reimbursement, paid federal holidays, 5 days of paid health/sick leave, as well as 40 hours of paid time off that will occur during the break between hitches (June 29 -July 7, 2026)

EEO STATEMENT

The CDTC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or other protected status. For information about the CDTC, please visit our website at cdtcoalition.org.