Backcountry Trail Crew Leader

Position Overview:  

The NorthWoods Adult Backcountry Trail Crews are designed for people who are looking to build their skills and experience. This year’s Adult Backcountry Trail Crews will be performing trail construction and maintenance in the White Mountain National Forest, Green Mountain National Forest, and other remote locations and trails in Northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Traditionally, these crews work on the most challenging and technical trail-building projects in the region, all while living in a “spike camp” during the week close to their project location. Projects generally are a range of high priority natural resource and recreation management tasks. 

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is seeking an Adult Backcountry Trail Crew Leader to lead a crew of 3 adults on a variety of trail projects throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Along the way, leaders gain technical trail and conservation skills while building their professional network. A successful Crew Leader is able to work in challenging conditions, complete high-quality work, provide support for their crew, and work well both independently and as a part of a small team. If you are excited to spend the summer outdoors and develop your technical skills, work alongside other conservation professionals, and have a positive impact in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, then this position is for you. Crew leaders will have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills, engage in crew dynamics, gain hands-on trail work experience, and meet the rest of the NorthWoods leadership team. In addition, they will receive specific, on-site training throughout the season. At the end of the season, leaders will walk away as greater stewards of the natural environment.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Supervise and manage a crew of 3 adult crew members
• Delegate tasks to crew members to effectively complete projects
• Coordinate project logistics with NorthWoods Staff
• Compile project work logs, timesheets, and crew member evaluations
• Serve as an exemplary leader and role model for crew members
• Work as part of a team to implement a variety of recreation trail projects: including sustainable recreation & accessibility improvement projects on state, federal, Wilderness and private lands.
• Specific project types may include: level 1 trail maintenance; new trail construction; construction of trail structures such as staircases, stone walls, bridges, drainages, etc.; habitat restoration; and trail decommissioning
• Engage with training opportunities provided and apply knowledge and skills to the completion of set project tasks
• Specific trainings may include: Game of Logging Levels 1 & 2, Wilderness First Aid & CPR, Leave No Trace, Rigging basics, tree planting and restoration techniques, trail building & maintenance, hand tool use and maintenance, Ax and Cross cut training, sustainable trails best practices, and Wilderness knowledge and skills.
• Maintain good communication and professional working relationships with crewmates, NorthWoods staff, program participants, partners, and the general public
• Maintain NorthWoods tools and equipment in good working condition; keep work sites organized and safe; ensure that offices, woodshop, storage areas, lodge, etc. are clean, usable and appealing to visitors
• Work independently and as part of a team to produce high-quality and on-schedule project outcomes
• Adhere to all NorthWoods procedures and policies related to staff conduct, safety, and project implementation
• Attend meetings, workshops, and special events as necessary to represent NorthWoods and support programmatic goals
• Be committed to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
• Adapt to changing conditions and plans based on real-time information

Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all the qualifications or currently possess the preferred skills and knowledge. 

The review committee values a wide range of experience and education related to this position, and NorthWoods is committed to professional development to train the best candidate.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in trail building preferred (if you don’t have experience still apply)
• Strong interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education.
• Ability to stay focused and on track during repetitive tasks such as arranging stones or building structures and performing trail maintenance.
• The ability to work responsibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
• Commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor such as carrying more than 50 pounds and/or heavy tools and materials over rough, uneven terrain under varied weather conditions.
• Strong sense of curiosity and interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education
• Experience in best practices for field safety, situational awareness, and a general understanding of Leave No Trace principles
• Candidates must be 18 or older by the first day of employment
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people

Preferred Skills/Knowledge: 

• Backcountry camping experience
• WFA/CPR certification (Training opportunities will be provided if not already acquired)
• Power tool experience (drill/driver, circular saw, rock drills, sawzall, brush saw, etc)
• Hand tool experience (shovel, rake, tamper, sledgehammer, axe, hand saw, etc)
• Chainsaw or Cross Cut training and/or experience (Game of Logging, US Forest Service or equivalent). For those without training, opportunities for training, refresher courses, and certifications may be offered.
• Rigging/Grip Hoist experience (Training opportunities and refreshers will be offered)
• Driver’s license
• Trailer towing experience (training can be provided)
• Prior, positive NorthWoods experience

Possible Training Opportunities: Wilderness First Aid & CPR; Sustainable Trail Building and Maintenance skills; proper tool use and tool maintenance, leadership development; OSHA job safety; Leave No Trace; Ax use, Game of Logging chainsaw trainings 1 & 2; ground and/or aerial Rigging; Wilderness Knowledge, Ethics and Skills

Employment Period: Spring to Fall Period: May 12th – October 17th 2025. One week OFF mid-season. (Opportunities for an extended employment period may be available)

Workweek: The work schedule is 40 hours per week (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break and two 15 minute paid breaks each day).  Schedules can vary depending on projects and locations. 

Compensation: Hourly wage of $18-$20.50/hr, based on experience. Paid bi-weekly. This position is eligible for a gear stipend of $100, half paid in the first week and half paid in the final week of employment. When required to stay overnight, employees will receive a $25 per night stipend.  Employment at NorthWoods includes personal use of outdoor equipment, the wood shop, and access to a gear lending library. This position also qualifies for 32-hours of total PTO.

Housing: This crew will be required to camp 4-5 days a week (back-country and front-country) Campsite and logistics will be handled by the Conservation Corps Director (any campsite cost will be covered). A $25/night stipend per individual will be provided to cover food costs when overnight camping is required. Cook and camp gear will be provided. Options may be available for on-campus housing/camping on the weekends 

Reports to:  Dusty May and Blase Saucedo, Conservation Corps Co-Directors

How to Apply: How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and references to corps@northwoodscenter.org  

Hiring Timeline:  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply early. If selected, applicants will be notified of an invitation to interview. Deadline for applications is April 30th 2025.  

If assistance is needed during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact NorthWoods for support. Please reach out to: Dusty May/Conservation Corps Director at dusty@northwoodscenter.org or Blase Saucedo/ Conservation Corps Director at blase@northwoodscenter.org or (802) 723-6551 x304

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods:

People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities.  NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont.  We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England.  Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas:  Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more at www.northwoodscenter.org.