Trail Crew Technician

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 Gardens 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. 

Trail Crew Technicians are RMFI’s primary on-the-ground workforce, implementing project work under the guidance of a Trail Crew Leader and Program Managers. Technicians will work on single- and multi-day field projects, accomplishing project objectives in trail construction, maintenance, restoration, erosion mitigation, and other stewardship objectives with a crew of 4-8 members. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:                    

• Completes professional trail and restoration work while adhering to RMFI standards and policies.
• Supports workdays by instructing and managing volunteers, students, and other program participants in trail and restoration techniques, field safety, and project objectives.
• Works as a team member to complete project objectives for single and multi-day projects.
• Assists Trail Crew Leader with the management of workdays by providing project orientation to participants, supporting data collection, documentation of work completed, maintaining work logs, taking photographs, and completing work in a timely and efficient manner.
• Participates in pre- and post-project activities including briefings, evaluations, and training.
• Must be eager to learn new skills, take direction from peers and supervisors, and constructively share that knowledge with crewmates.
• Assists in training new field staff and interns.
• Provides clear, effective, professional, and timely communication with all RMFI staff.
• Follows and upholds all RMFI policies, procedures, and risk management and safety guidelines.
• 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:

• A valid driver’s license.
• Wilderness First Aid certification.
• Knowledge of trail construction.
• Desire and ability to live in the backcountry without common luxuries including running water, flushing toilets, electricity, and cell phones.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Knowledge of trail construction, design, and maintenance.
• Self-starter who demonstrates the ability to take initiative, set goals, and achieve them independently and cooperatively as a team member.

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

• This is a seasonal, full-time 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.