JOB ANNOUNCEMENT  

October 9, 2026 

Seasonal Employment Opportunity – Crest Runners (Two positions available) 

Position Description:  

Protecting the PCT experience and natural resources along the trail is largely dependent upon having well-informed, safe, and responsible trail users, providing real-time conditions, and collecting high-quality visitor use information data. One of the most effective ways to do this is through in-person contacts on the trail.  

The Crest Runner serves as a key member of the PCT team, providing information and education to trail users while also collecting key visitor use data and information. The Crest Runner authentically engages with and supports trail users by providing information about the PCT and PCTA, local regulations, safe and responsible trail use and trail conditions.  They also compile, collect, and report on visitor use data.  

To accomplish this work, in Southern California the Crest Runners will spend most of their time hosting an information table at the Southern Terminus while also spending time hiking on the trail and interacting with trail users. In the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains, the Crest Runners will spend the majority of their time hiking and backpacking on the PCT between Kennedy Meadows and Mammoth Lakes, CA, sharing safe & responsible use information and collecting visitor use and permit data. The Crest Runner season is from mid-February through mid-August with a regional transition typically occurring in May. 

In this position, you will have the opportunity: 

• Welcome PCT users to the PCT’s Southern Terminus to provide trail information and encourage safe & responsible use of the trail through tactics such as campsite selection, human waste disposal and dry camping considerations 
• Provide information about the PCT including fire closures, snow levels, and local conditions 
• Collect and report on visitor use data using standard protocols  
• Conduct voluntary permit checks to collect information related to visitor use management and distribute PCT hang tags  
• Work closely with PCTA staff, agency partners, and volunteers to understand visitor use management issues and develop strategies to reduce visitor use impact  
• Effectively communicate visitor use management issues and strategies to local, national, and international users 
• Day-hike and backpack along beautiful stretches of the PCT, often for multiple days at a time, interacting with and providing education to trail users 

See full job description on our website at: https://www.pcta.org/about-us/jobs/  

What makes you a great fit for this position?  

• Minimum of one year of professional experience in a field that could include education, relationship building, interpretation, outdoor recreation, or other related fields 
• Experience with long distance backcountry travel that required complex resupply logistics 
• Experience and ability to camp self-reliantly in the backcountry 
• Experience providing education and interpretation while interacting with the public 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate and interact with a wide range of people  
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing conditions in the field. A few specific considerations that may affect the duties of this position include environmental conditions such as snow and wildfires, among others.   
• Ability to create a welcoming environment for all people 
• Strong organizational skills and experience with data collection 
• Ability to work as part of a small team 
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated 

Desirable: 

• Long-distance hiking experience greater than 500 miles 
• Desert backpacking experience 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to day-hike and backpack up to 15 miles per day on the PCT and side trails, while carrying backpacking equipment and food for multiple days at a time 
• Ability to lift and carry a 30-pound backpack while walking on trail 
• Comfortable working in front and backcountry settings, at high elevations, and in inclement weather  
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle for multiple hours at a time 
• Ability to work at a computer for several hours at a time 

Other Requirements: 

• Must have a reliable personal vehicle for travel to and from trailheads and other work locations, with potential for travel on rough roads. 
• Have or can acquire own personal camping and backpacking equipment like a shelter, sleeping bag and pad, cooking/eating kit and stove, backpack, other necessary overnight gear as necessitated by conditions. 

Typical Working Conditions, Duty Stations, and Travel: 

The Crest Runner works from a satellite location within the region under the direct supervision of PCTA’s Regional Manager with support from the local agency staff and PCTA staff. Regular backcountry travel with substantial time overnight in the field is to be expected as well as weekends, possible early mornings, and some evenings. The Crest Runner is expected to communicate regularly with their PCTA supervisor between scheduled field time and as needed. PCTA will reimburse for work travel expenses.  

Salary and Benefits: 

This is a full-time hourly seasonal staff position. Hourly pay is $22 and Crest Runners will work approximately 40 hours per week and are eligible for overtime pay. PCTA reimburses for mileage at the IRS rate. Housing is typically not provided; however, a car-camping tent will be offered for the season. Administrative campsites provided by the USFS will be available for the Crest Runners to use during work and off time. A gear stipend of up to $300 is provided. Benefits include paid holidays, vacation, and sick time, health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability. 

To Apply: 

The deadline to apply is November 2, 2026. Apply online at PCTA.ORG. Upload a Resume and Letter of Interest. Please include your name on every document you submit. For example, label them as “Your Name Resume” or “Your Name Letter of Interest.” For questions, contact Anitra Kass at akass@pcta.org. 

About the Pacific Crest Trail and the PCTA: 

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. One of America’s National Scenic Trails, the PCT reveals the beauty of the desert, the glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, and the deep forests and commanding vistas of the Cascade Range.  

The mission of the PCTA is to advocate for the Pacific Crest Trail as an inspirational outdoor experience, to connect people to the PCT, and to conserve the trail. PCTA’s many stakeholders include hikers, equestrians, volunteers, members, donors, trail communities, public land managers, and many other partners.   

Date: October 2026  

Job Title: Crest Runner  

Supervisor: Regional Manager 

F.L.S.A.: Non-exempt  

Summary:  

The Crest Runner serves as a key member of the PCT team providing information and education to trail users while collecting and reporting on key visitor use data and information. The Crest Runner engages with and supports trail users by providing information about the PCT and PCTA, local regulations, Leave No Trace principles, and trail conditions. 

Essential job functions and tasks are: 

• Welcome PCT users to the PCT’s Termini to provide trail information and encourage safe & responsible use of the trail through tactics such as 
• campsite selection, human waste disposal, and dry camping considerations 
• Provide information about the PCT including fire closures, snow levels, and local conditions 
• Collect and report on visitor use data using standard protocols  
• Conduct voluntary permit checks to collect information related to visitor use management and distribute PCT hang tags  
• Work closely with PCTA staff, agency partners, and volunteers to understand visitor use management issues and develop strategies to reduce visitor use impact  
• Effectively communicate visitor use management issues and strategies to local, national, and international users       
• Day-hike and backpack along beautiful stretches of the PCT, often for multiple days at a time, interacting with and providing education to trail users 

Experience and Qualifications: 

• Minimum of one year of professional experience in a field that could include education, relationship building, interpretation, outdoor recreation, or other related fields 
• Experience with long distance backcountry travel that required complex resupply logistics 
• Experience and ability to camp self-reliantly in the backcountry 
• Experience providing education and interacting with the public 
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to effectively communicate and interact with a wide range of people  
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing conditions in the field. A few specific considerations that may affect the duties of this position include environmental conditions such as snow and wildfires, among others.   
• Ability to create a welcoming environment for all people 
• Strong organizational skills and experience with data collection 
• Ability to work as part of a small team 
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated  

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to day-hike and backpack up to 15 miles per day on the PCT and side trails, while carrying backpacking equipment and food for multiple days at a time 
• Ability to lift and carry a 30-pound backpack while walking on trail 
• Comfortable working in front and backcountry settings, at high elevations, and in inclement weather  
• Ability to work at a computer for several hours at a time 
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle for multiple hours at a time 

Other Requirements: 

• Must have a reliable personal vehicle for travel to and from trailheads and other work locations, with potential for travel on rough roads.   
• Have or can acquire personal camping and backpacking equipment like a shelter, sleeping bag and pad, cooking/eating kit and stove, backpack, and other necessary overnight gear as necessitated by conditions. 

Typical Working Conditions, Duty Stations, and Travel: 

The Crest Runner works from a satellite location within the region under the direct supervision of PCTA’s Regional Manager with support from the local agency staff and PCTA staff. Regular backcountry travel with substantial time overnight in the field is to be expected as well as weekends, possible early mornings, and some evenings. The Crest Runner is expected to communicate regularly with their PCTA supervisor between scheduled field time and as needed. PCTA will reimburse for work travel expenses. 

Equipment Used: 

The Crest Runner will work in a primarily field-based setting using their own backpacking equipment and PCTA-provided field communication devices such as an InReach or agency radio.  To collect and record information, they will use tools like paper copy forms, clipboards and cell phone data collection apps.  The Crest Runner will occasionally work with a computer, electronic trail counter devices, necessary computer peripherals, and other standard office equipment.   

Disclaimer: 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.