WILDLands Technical Crew

Discover the Range of your Potential!

ESCC is a developmental leadership program committed to building a more inclusive outdoor community. We provide opportunities for young adults from marginalized communities to experience and better understand the environment through immersive and transformational employment. ESCC partners with entities like the National Park Service, US Forest Service, and CA State Parks to deliver programming like trail crew maintenance, leadership development, and backpacking trips. 

This application is for our WILDlands Technical Crews. The WILDlands (Wilderness Immersion Leadership Development) Technical Crews are composed of conservation corps alumni who have completed a season of conservation corps work. Previous trail work experience is required. 

Crew locations this season may include the Klamath National Forest (NF), Inyo NF, El Dorado NF, Devils Postpile National Monument, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, CA State Parks and more. ESCC may have multiple WILDlands Crews in 2024 potentially including affinity-space crews.  

***Program Dates are May 13, 2024 – September 20, 2024***
We ask for a commitment to the entire duration of the program.  

Job Description:
WILDLands crew members work on expressly technical trail projects focusing on trail construction and maintenance. Ideal candidates have a minimum of 12 weeks of previous conservation corps experience including trail building/maintenance work. Applicants should also have an explicit goal of youth development leadership in their future career track. Corps alumni who are interested in leadership positions within the land management and outdoor industry are encouraged to apply as this program is designed with the hands-on leadership and developmental training needed to promote within this field. (If you do not have any experience in trails, please apply for our ESCC Range Crew Program.)

Crew members camp for the duration of the season, sometimes in remote wilderness locations. ‘Housing’ will consist of a personal backpacking tent. Members perform physically demanding manual labor in a variety of intense conditions. During this fully immersive program, members will spend the entire season with their crews, even during ‘off’ time. No vacation time is provided during this program except for family emergencies.

Corps members will participate in regular camp chores, position-related training, physical training, daily curriculum and education, environmental awareness, cooperative living skills, and exploration of surrounding wilderness areas through planned weekend backpacking trips. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in backcountry living and camping
• Experience with dry stone masonry
• Certifications: chainsaw, crosscut operation, etc.
• Desire to teach or lead in the outdoors
• High level of work ethic and initiative
• High level of maturity and professionalism
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently and with others
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible and varying schedule.
• First Aid/CPR or higher certifications such as those with a Wilderness focus.  
• Must be able to pass a criminal history background check
• Must be between the ages of 21 and 30 years old and a US citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States

Compensation and Benefits:
Corps members receive a taxable weekly stipend of approximately $760.00. The living stipend is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary and direct deposits will be made every two weeks. $105 per week will be deducted for food that is provided for the duration of the season including weekends.  

Members are also compensated by building fieldwork experience, professional development, and practical training/certifications. Members are provided with most of the necessary backpacking gear required for the season including a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, hiking boots, and rain gear. You may use your own personal equipment as well.  

Please visit www.easternsierracc.org to apply. 

If you have any other questions, please email us at [email protected].  We are happy to discuss our opportunities with you.