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  • Wilderness Trail Crew Member, Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (Asheville, NC; due Feb. 14)

    Jan 24, 2025 1:30 pm by Beatriz HaverkosJobs

    WEBSITE AND APPLICATION INFORMATION

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    Duties are done under supervision of the Crew Leader and Assistant Crew Leader

    • Complete field crew member training

    • Work with crew leaders to effectively complete critical backcountry stewardship projects while maintaining high standards for project completion

    • Assist in developing and maintaining effective, positive relationships with US Forest Service personnel, partner organization staff, and partner organization volunteers

    • Create media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation

    • Backpack, camp, and work in physically demanding, remote environments for at least 8 (and sometimes 10) days at a time in adverse weather

    • Help to maintain a crew cache of tools and equipment

    • Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques

    • Follow SAWS organizational policies in the field

    • Contribute to an inclusive, safe, positive, and fun working environment

    • Use a variety of hand tools and understand complex rigging systems

    Training and Work

    Field Crew Members will complete threes weeks of orientation/training followed by a 22 week season.

    Pre-season training consists of:

    • Crosscut saw training

    • First Aid and CPR certification

    • Trail building and maintenance instruction

    • Backcountry camp and hygiene procedures

    • Organizational policies and procedures

    • Wilderness Skills Institute attendance 

    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

    • Rockwork

    • Drain maintenance

    Benefits

    • Food stipend is provided ($10/day) during hitches

    • May qualify for Public Land Service Corp (PLC) Hiring Authority certificate

    • Opportunities for professional network growth

    • Sick time accrual

    • Opportunities for pro-rated gear deals

    • Potential for Crosscut saw certification (level depends on proficiency)

    • Potential for First Aid and CPR certification

    • Holiday Pay

    Qualifications

    In addition to enthusiasm for the SAWS mission, applicants should have the following:

    • Commitment to SAWS’ Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion values and dismantling racist systems and barriers to access to public lands.

    • Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain for up to 10 miles per day while carrying 60lbs. or more

    • Ability and desire to create a safe and inclusive work culture

    • Knowledge about group dynamics and conflict resolution preferred

    • Ability to live and work in a remote and primitive setting with a diverse group of people without an ability to communicate with folks outside the crew

    • Desire to be a member of a hard-working team and transformative non-profit organization

    • Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds

    • Must be able to speak, understand, read, and write English

    • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

    • Ability to pass a background check

    • Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident

    • Trail work and/or backpacking experience preferred