About Washington Trails Association
Washington Trails Association (WTA) is the nation’s largest state-based trail nonprofit. For 60 years, we've been mobilizing public lands advocates, trail stewards and on-the-ground hiking experts in pursuit of our vision of Trails for Everyone, Forever. Each year, with the support of over 23,000 donating members, WTA staff and more than 3,500 volunteers perform over 160,000 hours of trail maintenance across the state. Through our online Hiking Guide and Trailblazer app, we help hundreds of thousands of people find trails, from everyday adventures to backcountry explorations. Our vision depends on fostering an organization and outdoor community where all people are welcome, represented and included. 

About the Professional Crew opportunities
WTA seeks Crew Members, Assistant Crew Leaders and Trail Crew Leaders to join the Professional Crews (Pro Crew) to advance our mission to mobilize hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. The Pro Crew works statewide on a broad variety of trail projects.

Ideal candidates will be dependable, flexible and self motivated. They will love working outdoors with others in all weather, have prior experience with trail work, traveling in the backcountry and share our belief that everyone should feel safe and included in the outdoor community. 

Professional Crew Location and schedule
The Pro Crew, consisting of Crew Members, Assistant Crew Leader and Trail Crew Leader will be based at the WTA Packing Facility in North Bend, WA. Employees are responsible for their own commute to and from North Bend at the start and end of each hitch or project day.

The Pro Crew will work in backcountry and frontcountry locations for multiple land managers throughout Washington State. The Pro Crew works primarily on an 8-day hitch schedule with six days off in between hitches. A typical work week is 40 hours and a typical 8-day hitch usually begins Wednesday and runs through the following Wednesday. Work days are 10 hours and may differ during the initial training period. There is an unpaid summer break from August 3-9, 2026.

A WTA vehicle will be provided for transportation to work parties from base location. Should a personal vehicle be used to fulfill program needs, mileage reimbursement is provided for travel between the work site and the base of operations (WTA Packing Facility), up to 250 miles round trip. 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/benefits.

Crew Member - Professional Crew 2026
Compensation: $23.00/hour, temporary, full-time, non-exempt
Priority application date: December 8, 2025
Season dates: April 27 - October 9, 2026
Base of operations: WTA Packing Facility in North Bend, WA

Crew Member job description and application form. See complete details on applying below.

About the Crew Member role
The Member will contribute to the overall success of WTA by working in conjunction with three other Members, an Assistant Crew Leader, and a Crew Leader in building and maintaining trails on public lands. All six members of the Pro Crew will work together to cultivate a sense of safety and belonging at worksites for crew members of diverse identities, experiences and backgrounds.

Crew Member Location and Schedule
The Member is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt, field-based position beginning April 27, 2026 through October 9, 2026 and will be based at the WTA Packing Facility in North Bend, WA. This position reports to the Professional Crew Coordinator. Members will go through a two-week onboarding and training period to prepare them for the upcoming season. Visit our Pro Crew FAQ page to learn more about the Pro Crew season.

Crew Member Compensation
Compensation is $23.00/per hour. A supplementary per diem of up to $50/day is provided for multi-day backcountry trips. WTA provides 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 $300 reimbursement to offset wear and tear on personal gear. 

Crew Member primary responsibilities
Supporting trail work projects

• Collaborate with leaders, members and staff to establish a safe, fun and inclusive working environment for a crew of 6 adults of diverse backgrounds.
• Complete a variety of trail projects under the direction of Pro Crew Leadership. Projects may include annual maintenance, new trail construction, logout and construction of trail structures.
• Uphold WTA’s risk management values and follow WTA’s policies at all times.
• Support leadership in effectively managing emergency situations following WTA’s emergency response protocols.
• Positively represent WTA’s mission, programs and membership in all interactions with land managers,  trail users and others.

Supporting camp and crew dynamics

• Contribute to an inclusive group camp environment and worksite on multi-day trips.
• Help foster and support a culture of feedback, providing regular and effective feedback to colleagues.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Follow WTA risk management policies and procedures.

Experience, skills, knowledge and values
WTA is committed to supporting professional development. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications listed.

• Demonstrated commitment to WTA’s mission, values and vision of trails for everyone, forever. 
• Two or more seasons of technical trail work experience including new trail construction, crosscut saw work, and rock and timber structures.
• Demonstrated experience working in a backcountry setting.
• Crosscut (bucking) and chainsaw certifications. Pre-season certification opportunities may be available through WTA’s annual training series. 
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification valid through the duration of employment. If you do not currently hold a certification, WTA can reimburse up to $250 towards obtaining one on your own time (must be obtained prior to start date).
• Ability to accept and integrate feedback graciously and give effective feedback to team members.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment and as a member of a collaborative team, sometimes with minimal support.
• Cultural competency experience and demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment (including hiking and backpacking up to 15 miles daily in a variety of terrain, carrying load up to 75 pounds).
• Ability to work 8 days, through weekends, for 10 hours for full duration of the season.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar and Drive).

Assistant Crew Leader - Professional Crew 2026
Compensation: $24.00/hour, temporary, full-time, non-exempt
Priority application date: December 8, 2025
Season dates: March 9 - October 9, 2026
Base of operations: WTA Packing Facility, North Bend, WA

Assistant Crew Leader job description and application form. See complete details on applying below.

About the Assistant Crew Leader role
The Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) will contribute to the overall success of WTA by supporting the Trail Crew Leader in ensuring that all work is completed to specification by our land management partners, mentoring Crew Members, and by cultivating a sense of safety and belonging at worksites for crew members of diverse identities, experiences and backgrounds.

Assistant Crew Leader location and schedule
The Assistant Crew Leader is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt, field-based position beginning March 9, 2026 through Oct. 9, 2026 and will be based at the WTA Packing Facility in North Bend, WA. This position reports to the Professional Services Manager. All ACLs will go through a training period focusing on technical trail skills, leadership, project management and risk management. Visit our Pro Crew FAQ page to learn more about the Pro Crew season.

Assistant Crew Leader Compensation
Compensation is $24.00/per hour. A supplementary per diem of up to $50/day is provided for multi-day backcountry trips. WTA provides 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 $300 reimbursement to offset wear and tear on personal gear. 

Assistant Crew Leader primary responsibilities
Leading trail work projects

• Collaborate with Trail Crew Leader to establish a safe, fun and inclusive working environment for a crew of 6 adults of diverse backgrounds.
• Communicate as needed with land agency staff during and prior to projects.
• Support, motivate and train Crew Members to complete a variety of trail projects. Projects may include annual maintenance, new trail construction, logout and construction of trail structures.
• Uphold WTA’s risk management values and policies on the crew, including facilitating daily safety discussions.
• Effectively manage emergency situations following WTA’s emergency response protocols and promptly report all incidents affecting the safety, health and well-being of the crew to your supervisor. Complete an incident report and assist with follow-up investigations and debriefs as needed.
• Positively represent WTA’s mission, programs and membership in all interactions with land managers,  trail users and others.
• Support the Trail Crew Leader in establishing and managing a camp each hitch that creates a safe and inclusive environment at all times, including after hours.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles and follow WTA risk management policies and procedures.
• May support the Trail Crew Leader in fulfilling administrative responsibilities.

Supporting professional development opportunities for crew members

• Collaborate with the Trail Crew Leader to support crew members in developing leadership skills, trail maintenance proficiency and backcountry camping experience.
• Help foster and support a culture of feedback, including providing regular and effective feedback to colleagues.
• Provide training, mentorship and clear direction to Crew Members in the field and ensure that Crew Members have clear direction on project goals and outcomes.

Experience, skills, knowledge and values
WTA is committed to supporting professional development. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications listed.

• Demonstrated commitment to WTA’s mission, values and vision of trails for everyone, forever. 
• Two or more seasons of experience leading technical trail work including new trail construction, crosscut saw work, and rock and timber structures.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and aptitude.
• Demonstrated experience working in a backcountry setting.
• Crosscut (bucking) and chainsaw certifications. Pre-season certification opportunities may be available through WTA’s annual training series. 
• WFA and CPR certification valid through the duration of employment, WFR preferred. 
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a truck on highways and dirt roads.
• Ability to accept and integrate feedback graciously and give effective feedback to team members.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment and as a member of a collaborative team, sometimes with minimal support.
• Cultural competency experience and demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment (including hiking and backpacking up to 15 miles daily in a variety of terrain, carrying load up to 75 pounds).
• Ability to work weekends and 10-hour days from March through October 2026.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar and Drive).

Trail Crew Leader - Professional Crew 2026
Compensation: $24.50 - $25.50/hour, temporary, full-time, non-exempt
Priority application date: December 8, 2025
Season dates: March 9 - October 9, 2026
Base of operations: WTA Packing Facility, North Bend, WA

Trail Crew Leader job description and application form. See complete details on applying below.

About the Trail Crew Leader role
The Trail Crew Leader will contribute to the overall success of WTA by ensuring that all work is completed to specification by our land management partners and by cultivating a sense of safety and belonging at worksites for crew members of diverse identities, experiences and backgrounds. Over the course of the season, the Trail Crew Leader will supervise four Crew Members in the field with the support of an Assistant Crew Leader (ACL).

Trail Crew Leader location and schedule
The Trail Crew Leader is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt, field-based position beginning March 9, 2026 through Oct. 9, 2026 and will be based at the WTA Packing Facility in North Bend, WA. This position reports to the Professional Services Manager. All Trail Crew Leaders will go through a training period focusing on technical trail skills, leadership, project management and risk management. Visit our Pro Crew FAQ page to learn more about the Pro Crew season.

Trail Crew Leader Compensation
Compensation is $24.50 - $25.50/hour, depending on experience. A supplementary per diem of up to $50/day is provided for multi-day backcountry trips. WTA provides 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 $300 reimbursement to offset wear and tear on personal gear. 

Trail Crew Leader primary responsibilities
Leading trail work projects

• Collaborate with ACL to establish a safe, fun and inclusive working environment for a crew of 6 adults of diverse backgrounds.
• Communicate as needed with land agency staff during and prior to projects.
• Support, motivate and train Crew Members to complete a variety of trail projects. Projects may include annual maintenance, new trail construction, logout and construction of trail structures.
• Uphold WTA’s risk management values and policies on the crew, including facilitating daily safety discussions.
• Effectively manage emergency situations following WTA’s emergency response protocols and promptly report all incidents affecting the safety, health and well-being of the crew to the supervisor. Complete an incident report and assist with follow-up investigations and debriefs as needed.
• Positively represent WTA mission, programs and membership in all interactions with land managers,  trail users and others.
• Establish and manage a camp each hitch that creates a safe and inclusive environment at all times, including after hours.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles and follow WTA risk management policies and procedures.

Supporting professional development opportunities for crew members

• Collaborate with the Assistant Crew Leader to support Crew Members in developing leadership skills, trail maintenance proficiency and backcountry camping experience.
• Help foster and support a culture of feedback, including providing regular and effective feedback to colleagues.
• Provide training, mentorship and clear direction on project goals and outcomes to the crew on project goals and outcomes.

Administrative responsibilities

• Collect field data and accomplishments while working in the field, including high quality photos, metrics and GPS tracking.
• Create summaries and reports post hitch to inform our administrative workflow.
• Assist management staff in planning and preparing for future hitches.

Experience, skills, knowledge and values
WTA is committed to supporting professional development. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications listed.

• Demonstrated commitment to WTA’s mission, values and vision of trails for everyone, forever. 
• Three or more seasons of experience leading technical trail work including new trail construction, crosscut saw work, and rock and timber structures.
• Experience in project management and an understanding of leading a work site to maximize production, efficiency and member experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team in a backcountry setting.
• Crosscut (bucking) and chainsaw certifications.
• WFR and CPR certification valid through the duration of employment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a truck on highways and dirt roads.
• Ability to accept and integrate feedback graciously and give effective feedback to team members.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment and as a member of a collaborative team, sometimes with minimal support.
• Cultural competency experience and demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment (including hiking and backpacking up to 15 miles daily in a variety of terrain, carrying load up to 75 pounds).
• Ability to work weekends and 10-hour days from March through October 2026.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar and Drive).