Trail Crew Leader

Washington Trails Association is seeking a Trail Crew Leader who loves working with teens and shares our belief that everyone should feel included in the hiking community. The Trail Crew Leader works outdoors leading teen volunteers on 7-day Youth Volunteer Vacations, where crews will build and maintain trails on public lands while camping in various frontcountry and backcountry locations across Washington. One trip this summer will be a shared-identity trip specifically for teens who identify as girls and/or women, and is a trans-inclusive space. This is a temporary, full-time, field-based position and reports to the Youth Trail Program Coordinator.

Primary Responsibilities

Leading volunteer work parties (75%)

• Establish a safe, fun and inclusive environment for a crew of 14-18 year old volunteers of diverse backgrounds, including ensuring that every member of the crew follows all safety protocols for the duration of the trip
• Support, motivate, and train volunteers to complete a variety of trail projects. Projects may include annual maintenance, tread construction, drainage structures, and constructions of steps, turnpikes, puncheons and retaining walls
• Engage volunteers in all aspects of camp life including meal preparation, water collection, and recreational/social activities
• Effectively manage emergency situations following WTA’s emergency response protocols
• Positively represent WTA mission, programs and membership in all interactions with volunteers, trail users and others

Preparing for work parties (15%)

• Participate in pre-trip briefing and debrief meeting before/after each trip
• Arrive at each work party with tools, group gear and work plan
• Coordinate work party projects and plans with WTA staff and land manager(s)
• Communicate directly with volunteers and their guardian(s) via email and phone prior to work parties
• May assist other WTA staff and volunteers in identifying appropriate volunteer trail projects

Documenting work parties (10%)

• Ensure morning safety review is delivered to volunteers and documented
• Complete and submit all required work party paperwork in a timely manner, and send thank you email to volunteers for each work party 
• Report all incidents affecting the safety, health, and well-being of volunteers
• Provide digital photo documentation of project progress and volunteer engagement

Experience, Skills, Knowledge, and Values

Competitive candidates will highlight the following in their application, or express willingness to learn:

• Demonstrated commitment to WTA’s mission and values on diversity, equity and inclusion
• Demonstrated ability to create a crew community where every member feels included and valued
• Demonstrated experience working outdoors with youth and the ability to mentor teenagers
• Demonstrated skills in trail maintenance and building
• Ability to effectively manage emergency situations
• Ability to accept and integrate feedback graciously, and give effective feedback to team members
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment, including hiking and backpacking up to 6 miles daily in a variety of terrain, and follow minimum impact guidelines
• WFA and CPR certification minimum requirement valid through the duration of employment; WFR certification preferred
• If offered the position, applicant may be able to take advantage of a free WFA/CPR certification opportunity through WTA’s training series in spring 2024
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a truck on highways and dirt roads
• Ability to work weekends and 13.5-hour days on Youth Volunteer Vacations
• Reliable internet (library and other public access is fine) for work party planning and documentation
• Demonstrated experience leading a team in an outdoor setting

Schedule

The Trail Crew Leader is a temporary position starting June 5, 2024 and continuing through September 15, 2024. The expected schedule for leading each Youth Volunteer Vacation trip is Thursday to Wednesday (7 days), with occasional exceptions. During this time, the crew leader will camp with the crew. We strive to schedule 5 days off between trips, during which time the Crew Leader is expected to complete approximately 8 hours of trip preparation activities.  Mandatory paid training will be June 13-18, 2024 in Washington. There is a weeklong, unpaid summer break August 5-12, 2024.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is $23.00 - $24.00 per hour depending on experience. WTA provides a cell phone, hard hat, work gloves and safety glasses. WTA does not provide boots, clothing or other personal outdoor and backpacking gear required for fieldwork, but does provide a $200 reimbursement to offset wear and tear on personal gear. Position is eligible for paid holidays, sick leave, health stipend and an employer match retirement plan. For more information on benefits, please visit our website at www.wta.org/careers.

A WTA vehicle will be provided for transportation to work parties. Reimbursement for up to 250 miles per trip will be provided for staff members who use a personal vehicle to fulfill program needs, unless commuting to/from base of operations in North Bend, WA.