Wilderness Trail Crew Leader

Are you looking for an adventure of a lifetime while also making a positive impact on Wilderness trails and their users? Friends of Nevada Wilderness is hiring a full time, seasonal Wilderness Trail Crew Leader for the 2025 Summer season. The Friends of Nevada Wilderness professional trail crews have maintained over 700 miles of Wilderness trails on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and we are looking for an enthusiastic leader to facilitate another successful season in the backcountry. View the complete job description here and learn more about the Friends of Nevada Wilderness trail crew program here. 

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining and constructing Wilderness trails to US Forest Service Standards.
• Trail maintenance duties include brushing, repairing tread, enhancing drainage features, clearing downed trees, and any other restoration work needed
• Triaging trails and setting priorities in the field.
• Managing crew tools and equipment in the field and in the warehouse.
• Ensuring the safety of trail crew members, volunteers, and Forest visitors at all times while in the field.
• Creating a positive crew culture that involves formal and informal performance reviews and feedback.
• Transporting crew and equipment safely to worksites in FNW truck.
• Completing pre-trip logistics such as establishing Emergency Response Protocols, reviewing maps, meal planning/grocery shopping, and gear checks.
• Fulfilling post-trip record keeping including filling out daily reports, uploading photos, updating crew timesheets, and completing expense reports.
• Participating in all training and professional development opportunities provided, as well as contributing to the training of crew members.

Skills and Abilities:

• Possess the knowledge and skills to maintain Wilderness trails to US Forest Service standards or willingness to learn.
• Be able to identify trail maintenance needs, set priorities, and make difficult decisions in the field.
• Have a clear vision, integrity, and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Be able to follow directions, relay those directions as clear goals and deadlines for crew members, and follow protocols.
• Be able to empower, motivate, and inspire others.
• Aptitude to work with and manage crew members with different points of view and different backgrounds.
• Possess a working knowledge of traditional tools and safety equipment or willingness to learn.
• Must have the level of physical and mental fitness to perform the hard labor required of trail work in remote locations while carrying all equipment needed for the job including:
• Passing the Work Capacity Test (pack test)
• Carrying a 50+ pound backpack occasionally and a 25+ pound backpack routinely, plus hand tools
• Working 9-10+ hour days, 8 days in a row
• Hiking 10+ miles per day in difficult terrain (high elevation, steep trails, loose footing, ect)
• Working and camping in inclement weather (cold, heat, rain, hail, snow, smoke)
• Lifting 35+ pounds repeatedly
• Be able to plan trips, group meals, and have basic cooking skills.
• Must possess basic computer skills. Experience with Google Suite is helpful.
• Be able to read maps and operate satellite communication devices and radios with training.

Experience and Requirements:

• Preferable 3 seasons of trail work experience with 2 seasons of verifiable outdoor leadership experience.
• Wilderness First Responder certification is highly desirable.
• 21 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license.
• Personal hiking and backpacking equipment required (please inquire about specific equipment needs)

Compensation:

• Hourly wage: $21.50
• Overtime Rate: $32.25
• Benefits:  Extra pay for holidays worked, $245 per month Health Stipend, Wilderness First Aid certification, Trail Maintenance training, potential for more training/certifications, access to pro deals

Season:

• mid May to late September 2025