About the Job
Position Title: Field Coordinator
Position Duration: 5 years, with potential to extend
Status: Regular/Full Time
Compensation: $24 - 26 per hr.
Position Supervisor: Program Manager
Locations: Based in Asheville, NC, Johnson City, TN, North GA, and Roanoke, VA with travel to National Forests nearby and in bordering states including SC and KY.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 - Applications will be reviewed and positions may be filled on a rolling basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Planning and reporting:

• Collaborate heavily with US Forest Service staff and partners organizations on project work.
• Collect and record trail assessment data, recording conditions of trails or areas needing maintenance and recommend ideas for future projects. Trails may have downed trees and overgrown brush and be hard to follow.
• Scout proposed project sites and be able to recommend specific solutions.
• Record project accomplishments and assist with accomplishment reporting for SAWS crews and Trail Specialists by organizing and curating reports, photos, and notes.
• Monitor for and maintain high standards for project completion.

Field Crew Coordination (Primarily TN and NC Field Coordinators)

• Assist in the hiring, training, and coordination of SAWS field crews.
• Help maintain SAWS gear and tool cache including monitoring inventory and repairing broken tools. Coordinate with supervisor on purchase of new tools and supplies.
• Assist in oversight of trail operations by joining/leading work crews (day trips and 8-day overnights) with an interest in teaching/developing technical skills in others (volunteers, partner crews, USFS staff).
• Perform and lead groups in basic trail maintenance, including: clearing downed trees with chainsaws and crosscut saws, brushing trail corridors, and removing trash.
• Ensure workday safety, lead tailgate safety briefings, and debrief safety incidents.
• Maintain a positive working environment in challenging conditions.
• Maintain a positive working environment in challenging conditions including extreme cold or heat, prolonged sun exposure, persistent rain, high humidity, and biting insects.
• Provide shuttles and transport field staff to and from the field. Transport supplies or equipment to field crews.
• Create a work schedule while adjusting to changing priorities and last-minute needs.

Trail Specialist Coordination (Primarily VA and GA Field Coordinators)

• Assist in the hiring, training, and coordination of SAWS Trail Specialists.
• Help maintain SAWS gear and tool cache including monitoring inventory and repairing broken tools. Coordinate with supervisor on purchase of new tools and supplies.
• Assist in oversight of trail operations by joining/leading Trail Specialists (day trips and overnights) with an interest in teaching/developing technical skills in others (volunteers, partner crews, USFS staff).
• Perform and lead groups in basic trail maintenance, including: clearing downed trees with chainsaws and crosscut saws, brushing trail corridors, and removing trash.
• Ensure workday safety, lead tailgate safety briefings, and debrief safety incidents.
• Maintain a positive working environment in challenging conditions including extreme cold or heat, prolonged sun exposure, persistent rain, high humidity, and biting insects.
• Maintain positive and supportive morale while leading a variety of SAWS staff and partners, including by mediating conflict.
• Provide shuttles and transport staff to and from the field. Transport supplies or equipment to Trail Specialists.
• Create a work schedule while adjusting to changing priorities and last-minute needs.

Trail Repair and Maintenance

• Plan/oversee trail layout and design adhering to USFS specifications and standards using traditional tools, other hand tools, power tools, and small equipment.
• Teach and use crosscut saws and axes
• Teach and use dry stone masonry techniques.
• Construction of a variety of trail structures with wood and rock (stairs, check steps, box steps, rolling grade dips, etc.)
• Teach and use rigging equipment including griphoists, wire rope, slings, shackles, blocks, and maasdam rope-puller.
• Hike long distances in steep terrain with heavy gear and tools.
• Lead the construction of trail bridges (front & backcountry, native timber & dimensional lumber).
• Practice and teach Leave No Trace principles in the field.

Organizational Support:

• Craft and curate media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation.
• Follow SAWS policies and procedures and attend all SAWS staff events in various locations in the southeast.

Qualifications

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

• Trailwork Experience/Skills
• Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain for up to 10 miles per day while carrying 60lbs. or more.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
• Comfortable navigating and hiking independently in the backcountry with a pack over rough terrain in areas with no or limited cell coverage.
• At least 15 months of active trail work experience ideally with a variety of projects (logging out, rockwork, rigging, brushing, trail design, timber work).
• Ability to certify at a B-bucking/felling chainsaw and crosscut saw level at start of position. (Current certifications preferred.)

Leadership/Culture

• Ability and desire to create a safe and productive work culture.
• At least 1 year in a leadership position with experience leading team or group. Ability to express and employ knowledge of group dynamics and conflict resolution preferred.
• Ability and desire to problem solve and take an active role in resolving interpersonal conflicts.
• Ability and experience teaching skills to others and providing constructive feedback.

Other

• Ability to gain a First Aid and CPR certification. (Current certifications preferred.)
• Must have and be able to maintain a valid driver’s license and can drive a SAWS vehicle. Must also be comfortable driving alone to isolated locations and navigating remote roads.
• Must have a reliable form of transportation to get to and from trailheads, USFS Offices, SAWS events, and other work locations.
• Must be able to speak, understand, read, and write English and have strong communication skills both verbal and written.
• 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.

*Any applicant who meets most of the qualifications is still encouraged to apply.*