American Trails

Upcoming Webinars

January 28: Brownfields to Trails: Steps to Success
February 04: From Industrial Site to Trail Destination
February 11: The Catalytic Impact of Trails
February 18: Collective Impact and Sustainable Trails
February 25: Journeys North: A Thru-Hike of the Pacific Crest Trail
April 22: Effective Programs to Improve Access to and Use of Trails for Youth from Under-Resourced Communities
April 29: Assessing Trails: LiDAR Assisted Trail Topography Evaluation (LATTE)

Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards

Field Crew Leader/ Assistant Field Crew Leader

Posted: January 05, 2021
Location: Asheville, NC and Roanoke, VA
Time Commitment: April 1 to mid-August or October 2021

Asheville Location:

Normally, the Field Crew Leader and Assistant Leader would lead a crew of six, comprised of the Field Crew Leader, an Assistant Field Crew Leader, and four Field Crew Members. The field crew leadership team will go through 8 weeks of pre-season training (described below) followed by 10-18 weeks working on multiday backcountry field projects for up to ten days at a time.

For the 2020 and 2021 field seasons, we’ve shifted our crew model to keep our employees and the communities we serve safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Crews will be comprised of three individuals: a Field Crew Leader, an Assistant Field Crew Leader, and a Field Crew Member.

Roanoke Location:

The Field Crew Leader and Assistant Leader will run a crew comprised of 4-5 volunteer midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy, the premier college for aspiring officers in the US Navy. The field crew leadership team will go through 8 weeks pre-season training (described below) and then 10 weeks working on multiday backcountry field projects for up to ten days at a time.

For the 2021 field season, we will shift our Naval Academy crew model to keep our employees, the midshipmen and the communities we serve safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Job Responsibilites

The pre-season training for the leadership team consists of:

Orientation
Crosscut saw certification
Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification
Trail building and maintenance instruction
Leadership skill development
Backcountry camp and hygiene procedures
Organizational policies and procedures
Justice, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity training and ongoing discussions
Project Scouting
Wilderness Skills Institute attendance and instruction experience

Once the season starts, all Field Crews may address projects including, but not limited to:

Trail relocations
Erosion control (installation of water bars, grade dips, log or stone steps, etc.)
Reestablishing trail surface
Brushing trail corridors and removing downed trees
Non-native and invasive species removal
Public education (Leave No Trace, bear safety and awareness, Wilderness education, etc.)
Boundary marking
Campsite impact mitigation

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Complete field crew leader training
Adjust plans and decisions as the season, work week or day unfolds
Lead, supervise and inspire crew members to effectively complete critical backcountry stewardship projects
Communicate directions, project specifications and constructive criticism throughout the season
Teach leadership skills and facilitate leadership opportunities for crew members
Maintain tools and equipment
Assist SAWS staff in developing and maintaining strong, positive relationships with US Forest Service personnel, partner organization staff and volunteers
Track project progress daily and accurately report completed work at the end of each project
Craft and curate media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation
Follow and implement SAWS organizational policies in the field
Maintain high standards for project completion
Maintain an inclusive, safe, positive, and fun working environment

Required Qualifications

In addition to enthusiasm for the SAWS mission, you will have the following:

Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain for up to 10 miles per day while carrying 60 lbs or more
Ability to live and work in a remote and primitive setting with diverse groups of people
Desire to be a member of a hard-working team and transformative non-profit organization
Six to nine months of backcountry trail work experience
Crew Leader applicants need at least three months of leadership experience in a backcountry, field-based position.

Salary and Benefits

Crew leaders and assistant crew leaders will receive the following additional benefits: Crosscut saw certification | Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification | Food stipend is provided ($9/day) | May qualify for Public Land Service Corp (PLC) hiring authority | Opportunities for professional network growth | Sick time accrual | Opportunities for pro-rated gear deals

Application Process

Please fill out the application and submit a cover letter and resume below. Questions regarding the application may be submitted via email to Eric Giebelstein, Regional Director at [email protected]

Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

SAWS is an equal opportunity employer and provides a drug-free workplace. SAWS values an inclusive work environment, free from discrimination of any kind.