SEASONAL TRAIL CREW MEMBER 

Job Announcement

BACKGROUND 

Founded in 1988, the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is a conservation, non-profit organization that partners with the San Juan National Forest (SJNF), Rio Grande National Forest, Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other agencies providing outreach, education, and stewardship throughout SW Colorado.

JOB SUMMARY

The trail crew will be responsible for helping maintain over 500 trails in the Dolores Ranger District. The projects will take place on OHV trails and routes across the landscape. . Work will generally be conducted in mountain and foothill landscapes ranging from 6500 ft and 13000 ft in elevation.

LOCATION

SJMA is housed in the San Juan Public Lands Center In Durango, Colorado, and this position will be primarily field based. Work will be performed in the Dolores Ranger District on the San Juan National Forest located in SW Colorado. The town of Dolores will be the closest option for amenities. 

HOURS AND SEASON

This is a seasonal, full time, 40-hour per week position (non- exempt, full-time). This seasonal position is expected to last into early November, and will generally follow a four-day on, three-day off work schedule, with the crew working 10 hour days. (7:00 am -5:30 pm) Monday through Thursday. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

As a part of the trail crew, SJMA members will work with the SJNF trail crew to complete field projects including. Successful candidates will be willing to:

• Perform strenuous manual labor in all weather at high elevations
• Hike long distances with a heavy pack
• Work and care for themselves in an outdoor environment
• Complete projects defined and planned by SJNF staff
• Increase trail accessibility and durability 
• Complete data collection forms
• Increase public knowledge of tread lightly, and safety in the backcountry
• Positively contribute to the crew experience and perform effectively as a team member during potentially stressful and difficult conditions
• Communicate effectively and retain a positive attitude 
• Abide by all safety protocols and wear required personal protective equipment
• Be familiar with backcountry overnight travel, including navigation and emergency response planning 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Backpacking and backcountry camping experience is a must. 
• Physical fitness- ability to lift and carry 50-75 lb, and backpack up to 12 miles/day in all types of weather and at high elevations 
• Demonstrated team-based outdoor experience 
• Map and compass, backcountry navigation and travel
• Be able to safely use tools  related to building and maintaining trails.
• Experience with public engagement
• Data collection experience 
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, reliable transportation 

COMPENSATION 

• $18.00- $21.00 per hour DOE 
• Uniform, rain jacket, gear stipend. 
• End-of-season bonus awarded to crew members who complete a full field season
• SJMA offers a Simple IRA plan with a 3% match
• 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked, per Colorado law. 

Offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory completion of a background check and drug test, if applicable to the position.