Field Project Specialist - Two Positions
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Bermuda Dunes, California
Job Type | Temporary |
Salary | $22.50 per hour |
Benefits | Gear stipend of up to $300 is provided. Food costs are covered while in the field. Positions 6 months or longer in duration are eligible for the following benefits: paid holidays, vacation and sick time, health, dental, vision, and life insura |
Deadline | Nov 02, 2025 |
Experience | 2 - 6 years |
Open Positions: Two Field Project Specialists
Are you passionate about environmental conservation and connecting people to the outdoors?
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is looking for someone with outdoor leadership experience in training and supervising trail crews to join our team as a Field Project Specialist. The Field Project Specialist works with trail crews to oversee projects and teach technical trail working in various locations along the Pacific Crest Trail. Trail crews vary with a mix of staff, corps crews, young adults, and adult volunteers working on projects in both front country and
backcountry settings. Projects vary in length from 1-10 days. These full-time, seasonal positions will be p
articipating in a variety of projects, including but not limited to, wildfire repair, corridor clearing & logout, technical rock work & dry masonry, tread repair, and new trail construction. The length of season and start and end dates varies between the positions. Please see the regional addendums below for more specific information for each
of the regions: Southern California + Northern Sierra, Southern Sierra + Northern California.
In this position, you will have the opportunity to:
- Provide on-site leadership managing trail project logistics and technical oversight, in the backcountry or front country; may include coordination of supply loads for transport by animal packers
- Provide technical guidance, training, and support to crew leaders, crew members, and volunteers while on the project and in camp
- Supervise and manage projects, train and guide corps crews and volunteer crews in trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction skills
- Facilitate projects and training planning and related communications with land managers,
volunteer leaders, and other partner organizations
o Document and communicate project accomplishments
o Manage accurate data, records, and reports - Coordinate all project-related logistics and paperwork requirements
- Facilitate pre-and-post project corps crew and volunteer communications
- Ensure corps crew and volunteer work meets PCTA and agency standards while adhering to all associated safety and environmental protocols
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 two years of relevant experience
- Outdoor leadership in training, managing, and leading trail crews
- Leave No Trace and backcountry living skills
- Excellent trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction skills
- Ability to maintain a safe working environment in the field
- Experience communicating with, coordinating, teaching, and managing corps crew, crew leaders and volunteers
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build authentic relationships and interact with people from many cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds
- Ability to listen, give, and take feedback and learn
- Strong time management and detailed organizational skills with the ability to self-direct workflow to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines
- Team player with initiative, determination, and flexibility who thrives in a fast-paced work environment
- Proficiency using a computer, Microsoft Office and Outlook; comfortable learning new technology systems as needed
- Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive personal or rented vehicles
Desirable Skills and Certifications:
- Proficiency in technical trail construction skills such as rock work, rigging, stock packing, etc.
- Chain and crosscut saw certifications
- Valid wilderness first aid, including CPR certification, or ability to complete certifications before the employee’s first managed project
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in front and backcountry settings at high elevations and in inclement weather
- Ability to lift 25 pounds
- Ability to travel, including hiking and backpacking on and off trail for several days at a time
- Ability to perform manual trail work
Typical Working Conditions and Travel:
The Field Project Specialist works from a satellite office located within the region under the direct supervision of the Regional Manager in the project area. Regular backcountry travel with substantial time overnight in the field is to be expected as well as weekends and some evenings. They are expected to communicate regularly on work projects. Typical office equipment used includes laptop computer, necessary peripherals, and other standard office equipment. Field equipment used includes hand tools such as Pulaskis, McLeods, pick mattocks, rock bars, sledgehammers, and shovels. Advanced tools used in the field include crosscut and chainsaws, brush saws, rock-shaping tools, and rigging systems.
Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time, hourly seasonal staff position. Hourly pay is $22.50. Field Project Specialists will average 50 hours of work per week and are eligible for overtime pay. Housing is not provided. PCTA reimburses for mileage at the IRS rate or a rental vehicle restricted to workrelated travel may be provided as needed. Gear stipend of up to $300 is provided. Food costs are covered while in the field. Positions 6 months or longer in duration are eligible for the
following benefits: paid holidays, vacation and sick time, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, long-term disability, and 401(k).
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.
The deadline to apply is November 2nd, 2025. E-mail resume and letter of interest to hr@pcta.org with the subject line “Field Project Specialist” and the location(s) you are applying for (e.g.,”SoCal + No. Sierra”, or “both”). Please include your name in each document (e.g., “akass resume,” “akass references”). We anticipate the first round of interviews will be held the week of November 10th and the second round of interviews will be held November 21stDecember 1st with a start date that varies by position, see addendums below. All interviews will be conducted either via phone or video chat (Zoom or Teams). For questions, contact Anitra Kass at akass@pcta.org
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
Category | General / Stewardship, Outdoor Recreation |
Tags | Trail Maintenance, Outreach |