Trail Crew Leader

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Trail Crew Leader (TCL) provides leadership to 4-6 crew members while executing and overseeing trail work, environmental restoration, and occasional volunteer field events. Primary duties include implementing and managing single and multi-day field projects; instructing crew members, volunteers and youth conservation corps crews in trail and restoration techniques; overseeing tool,equipment and logistics; supporting the upkeep of SLV GO!’s shop and vehicles; maintaining project work and photo logs; and other duties as assigned.

Work will be performed in the San Luis Valley in both backcountry and front country settings on public lands that include the Rio Grande National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and City/County parks and open spaces. A TCL ensures the completion of 8-10 hours of project work a day for four to five consecutive days and may include camping in a variety of outdoor conditions including inclement weather. A TCL ensures professional work standards from all members of their crew, the highest degree of safety, and project goal completion. Projects include a variety of trail and restoration projects in riparian, alpine, montane, and desert ecosystems in the San Luis Valley. Work will include both hand work and mechanized work, involving the safe and proper use of tools such as loppers, McLeods, pulaskis, pick mattox, shovels, and chainsaws, and the operation of power equipment in the construction and maintenance of natural surface and crusher fine trails. Specific trail work includes but is not limited to water bar restoration, corridor maintenance and clearing, signage installation, bridge building, rock armoring, and berm and retaining wall construction. Restoration techniques may include erosion control, fuels mitigation, landscape stabilization, social trail decommissioning, gully stabilization, and revegetation including seeding, transplanting, and planting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working under the direction of the Program Manager, leads crew members, volunteers, and youth conservation corps crews in the completion of project goals.
• Instructs crew members and participants in proper trail and restoration techniques, including supporting project goals and providing a variety of technical expertise.
• Implements and completes projects on time while upholding professional relationships with partners, project managers, SLV GO! leadership staff, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Effectively manages and leads field workdays.
• Leads with integrity and upholds a high work ethic while maintaining productive and cohesive teamwork.
• Oversee logistics for single, multi-day, and overnight projects. This may include, but is not limited to the preparation and/or purchasing of tools, equipment, project materials, and first aid supplies.
• Ensures that trails and features are constructed per specifications and meet land manager expectations.
• Documents the progress of fieldwork days including, but not limited to, work stats, before and after photos, material use and needs, and volunteer data.
• Supports proper management of the SLV GO! shop and vehicles while ensuring SLV GO! tools and resources are appropriately cared for and maintained.
• Assists in training new staff and volunteers in trail/restoration techniques.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three seasons experience in trail construction.
• One year minimum supervising or managing staff.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Current S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw certification or equivalent certification.
• High level of physical fitness.
• Restoration knowledge including social trail closure and erosion mitigation.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain equipment used in the performance of assigned tasks including four-wheel drive vehicles, chainsaws, and hand and power tools.
• Strong conservation ethic and passion for public lands stewardship.
• A valid driver’s license.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Self-starter who demonstrates the ability to take initiative, set goals, and achieve them both independently and cooperatively as a team member.
• Enjoys being an example for others and is above reproach.
• Compulsively driven to make whatever you touch the best it can be.
• Ability to put the needs of the organization ahead of your own to meet objectives when appropriate.
• Ability to respectfully work with a variety of colleagues, partners, and volunteers of varying ages and abilities to effectively accomplish project goals. Excellent people skills and a positive attitude are a must!
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Competent in solving problems quickly and independently.
• Proficient at prioritizing and working on multiple projects simultaneously.