Seasonal Trail Builder

The Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) seeks a positive, resourceful, and experienced Seasonal Trail Builder for this limited duration position. The right candidate will learn the organization’s needs quickly, complete high quality work, and demonstrate great judgment. The Seasonal Trail Builder will embody COTA’s mission to develop, protect, and enhance the Central Oregon mountain bike experience. This position reports to COTA’s Trails Program Director.

This position is funded by two grants, 1.  from Recreational Trail Program (RTP) to build a trail at the Dutchman Sno-Park and 2. from Athletic Brewing – Two for the Trails. Both projects are west of Bend, Oregon on land that is part of the Deschutes National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

The job will mostly be on-trail with some off-trail work. Approximately 90% will be on-trail work including layout of trail, construction of trail, maintenance of trail, and leading groups of volunteers. The other 10% will be off trail work including planning for trail work events, coordinating and training volunteers, and documentation and general office work.

The total number of hours for this limited duration position is 1200 hours, which will generally be worked full time at 40 hours a week, from approximately May 4, 2026 through November 30, 2026. The start and end dates are negotiable. The ability to take time off during the work period will be limited. Evening and weekend work, as well as travel to and from the work site, will be required.

About You:

• Experienced and open-minded trail builder: You have extensive trail building and maintenance experience, but you remain open to learning and improving.
• Organized: You enjoy working “off trail” doing a variety of coordination, planning, training, and organizational tasks.
• Leader with interpersonal skills: You’re comfortable leading trail crews, training volunteers, participating in meetings, and more. You lead with confidence, keep it fun, and show empathy and respect for others.
• Initiative: You seek out projects, take ownership of your work, and achieve positive results.
• Mission-driven: You love trails and share our passion for mountain biking!

Responsibilities:

• Trail Construction
• Construct Pine Drops Extension trail (2.5 miles) near Phil’s Trailhead west of Bend, Oregon.
• Construct Swampy Dutchman trail (2.23 miles in 2026) near the Dutchman Sno-Park west of Bend, Oregon.
• Flag, clear trail, establish tread, and build relevant trail features, working with and receiving approval from the land manager as necessary and involving COTA’s staff and volunteers as appropriate.
• Trails will be constructed in accordance with the plan of work developed by the U.S. Forest Service and COTA’s Trails Program Director.

• Volunteer Management
• Lead trail crews doing a wide variety of trail building work.
• Recruit, train, assign, manage, equip, and support volunteers.
• Maintain high safety standards for yourself and others and be a leader in responding to any incidents that may occur.
• Build volunteer capacity to complete the trail work needs.
• Manage power equipment, hand tools, refreshments, sign-in sheets, waivers, and logistics for work events.

• Additional Duties as Assigned – Additional duties may be assigned by COTA’s Trails Program Director or Executive Director.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years or 1,000+ hours trail building and maintenance experience demonstrating increasing levels of knowledge and responsibility. Demonstrated experience with all aspects of trail building and maintenance (e.g., tread work, drainage, brushing, jumps, berms, rock work, etc.).
• Ability to do hard manual labor for extended periods, lift 50 pounds, hike and bike multiple miles, and spend entire days working in inclement weather.
• Experience operating machinery such as a mini excavator, skid steer, powered wheelbarrow, and chainsaw.
• Experience mapping and designing new trails. Demonstrated ability to communicate plans for new trails to stakeholders. Provide examples of trails you have designed and built, ideally with photographs.
• Proven experience managing volunteers in the field, accomplishing projects safely and effectively.
• Exemplary ability as a respectful communicator with the ability to build rapport, facilitate respectful conversations, mediate disputes, navigate interpersonal conflicts, and manage persons that are not demonstrating respectful and inclusive behavior.
• Experience with complete and accurate record keeping and documentation.
• Basic First/CPR certification, or ability to become certified prior to commencing work.
• Wilderness First Aid or higher level safety training is a plus.
• Proficient with general office software (e.g., word processing, email, spreadsheets, etc.). Mapping or GIS software experience is a plus.
• Must have great written and verbal communication skills, and be able to lead crews, meetings, and trainings.
• Able to balance competing objectives and possess excellent time management skills.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal vehicle. Ability to drive a truck with a trailer.
• A passion for mountain biking trails and COTA’s mission and vision is essential.

Hours, Compensation, and Location:

• Average of 40 hours per week, May  2026 through November  2026.
• Hourly rate of up to $26 depending on qualifications and experience.
• Location: You will primarily work in the field near Dutchman Sno-Park west of Bend, Oregon. When you are not in the field you will work from home. You must be based in Central Oregon for the duration of your employment.
• COTA is an equal opportunity employer.