Wilderness Trail Crew Lead

Location: Gila National Forest & Aldo Leopold Wilderness

               Black Range Ranger District and occasionally Wilderness Ranger District

               Hermosa Field Station, Forest Service Road 157, Sierra County, New Mexico

Schedule: late May – early October 2025; typically 8 days on, 6 days off

Compensation: $19.50 – 22.50/per hour depending on experience

• up to $69.13 personal vehicle use reimbursement per hitch
• space to camp in a canvas wall tent the night before and after each hitch (includes access to group bathrooms and wifi)

Natural Curiosity, Inc. (view website) is seeking qualified candidates for Wilderness Trail Crew Leads (Leads) on the Black Range Ranger District, Gila National Forest. These trails lie within the 2022 Black Fire scar and are typified by long deferred maintenance and fire and flood damage. Work will focus on clearing/defining trail corridors, troubleshooting and repair of hazard areas, and tread improvement with long-term sustainability in mind. Leads are expected to be able to identify priority areas and problem solve for their crew without additional supervision.

The work is physically demanding and takes place in a remote Wilderness Area*. Labor includes work with loppers, picks, axes, crosscut saws, and other hand-tools to move dirt, gravel, stones, brush, and logs. Environmental conditions may include extremes of heat and cold, wind, rain, sleet, snow, and high altitude. Leads and crews camp for 8 days in the backcountry without cell signal during hitches.  This job is for those who embrace physical discomfort and enjoy physical and mental challenges in a Wilderness setting.

Leads will direct and manage their crew to maximize safety, morale, and efficiency while minimizing and mitigating conflict. Interpersonal skills and diplomacy are essential. Leads will be responsible for proper use and maintenance of Natural Curiosity’s trail tools and gear. Leads may have opportunities to work with volunteers, students, and partner organizations. Excellent communication and compliance with safety protocols and check-in schedules will be required throughout the term of service. Trail condition documentation and reporting will be ongoing and will include GPS data collection throughout the season. A formal report of crew hours worked, work accomplished, work yet to be done, and photo documentation with before and after photos of trail work completed will be due within 48 hours of the end of each hitch.

*Crosscut saws will be used for all felling and bucking operations, requiring Wilderness First Aid certification and USFS crosscut saw certification; Natural Curiosity will work to provide or coordinate crosscut saw training and certification prior to assigning tasks that require crosscut saws.

Qualifications (please apply if you meet ~70% of the following)

Soft Skills

• Leadership experience in a field position
• Understanding of Trails and Trail Maintenance concepts
• Positive attitude, patience, and an eagerness to learn as a part of an inclusive and dynamic team
• Situational awareness, adaptability, and sound risk management skills
• Enthusiasm for backcountry camping and work in uncomfortable outdoor conditions while modelling and encouraging Leave no Trace practices
• Ability and willingness to engage in regular, clear communication, including use of 2-way radios and InReach devices

Hard Skills

• Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain, 5-15 miles/day, with loads up to 60 lbs
• Competency with google photos, google docs, and google sheets
• Experience with handheld GPS units or phone-based mapping apps
• Wilderness First Responder certification
• USFS Crosscut Sawyer experience or certification (B or C level)
• Experience with equine pack stock
• Valid driver’s license
• Access to a reliable 4WD or AWD vehicle with current registration & insurance

Mandatory Qualifications

• Ability to pass a background check
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident