Wilderness Trail Technician

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

  *specific trails to be determined

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

Compensation: $17.00 – 19.50/per hour

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

Description

Natural Curiosity, Inc. (view website) is seeking qualified candidates for Wilderness Trail Technicians (Techs) 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. 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.

Techs will self-motivate to maximize safety, morale, and efficiency while working to minimize and mitigate conflict within the crew environment. Interpersonal skills and diplomacy are essential.  Techs will be responsible for proper use and maintenance of Natural Curiosity’s trail tools. Techs may have opportunities to work alongside volunteers, students, and partner organizations. Excellent communication, a positive attitude, and compliance with all safety requirements for the duration of the work term is expected. 

*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 a majority of the following)

Soft Skills

• 3+ months of experience in a field position, ideally involving trail maintenance or backcountry work
• 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 under Leave no Trace principles
• Comfort spending 8 consecutive days living and working in uncomfortable outdoor conditions without indoor space, running water, internet, cell signal, etc.

Hard Skills *not expected, but please let us know if these apply

• Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain, 5-15 miles/day, with loads up to 60 lbs
• Wilderness First Aid or First Responder certification*
• USFS Crosscut Sawyer experience or certification*
• 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