JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

July 20, 2026

Open Position: Regional Trail Stewardship Coordinator (Southern California)

Summary: The Regional Trail Stewardship Coordinator (RTSC) has strong outreach, organization, trail maintenance, and leadership skills to enhance and grow the PCTA’s regional volunteer trail maintenance programs to address maintenance needs along the PCT. This position involves working closely with PCTA staff, volunteer leaders, conservation corps crew partners, and agency partners to provide professional project coordination, management, logistical support, and leadership both in the office and in the field. The RTSC collaborates with PCTA’s volunteer program staff to recruit volunteers and foster partnerships with local agencies, municipalities, and community organizations. Additionally, the role involves coordinating, supporting, and instructing at training events and supporting programs aimed at growing PCTA’s volunteer program.

This is a year-round, full-time position. Field work will take place at low elevations during the cooler months and at higher elevations when it’s hot. Outreach and coordination efforts will be ongoing throughout the year.  There is the possibility of a short furlough during the high summer or winter holidays, especially if this is preferable to the candidate

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 professional experience or five years of substantial volunteer experience in a field that involves conservation, trail maintenance, ecological restoration, landscaping, or other outdoor stewardship projects
• Outdoor leadership in training, managing, and leading volunteer and corps trail crews
• Knowledgeable about Leave No Trace and backcountry living skills
• Technical trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction skills
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment in the field
• Experience recruiting, coordinating, teaching, and managing volunteers
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively build relationships with people from varied backgrounds
• Ability to listen, learn, give and receive feedback
• Strong time management and detailed organizational skills with the ability to self-direct workflow to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team in changing circumstances
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, on the phone, and in person
• Proficiency using a computer, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and databases; comfortable learning new technology systems as needed
• Possess a valid driver’s license

Desirable:

• Valid wilderness first aid, including CPR certification, or ability to complete certifications before the employee’s first managed project
• Chain and crosscut saw certification or skillset
• Proficiency in technical trail construction skills such as rigging, stock packing, etc.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in front and backcountry settings, at high elevations, and in inclement weather
• Ability to carry a 30-40 lb pack up to 12 miles per day across varied terrain and elevation for multiple days at a time
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and carry that load a short distance when moving tools and supplies
• Ability to work at a computer for several hours at a time for consecutive days
• Ability to perform manual trail work using necessary tools
• Ability to travel and drive a personal or rented vehicle for several hours at a time

Typical Working Conditions and Travel:

The Regional Trail Stewardship Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Regional Manager in the project area. This position works from a home office located within the region.  They are expected to communicate regularly with the Regional Manager on work projects. Regular overnight travel is to be expected, as is an irregular work schedule that will include weekend and evening work. Extended backcountry travel is to be expected. PCTA covers travel expenses.

Typical office equipment includes a laptop computer, necessary computer peripherals, and other standard office equipment. Field equipment includes standard trail tools and hand tools such as Pulaskis, McLeods, pick mattocks, rock bars, sledgehammers, and shovels. Advanced tools include crosscut and chain saws, power tools, and rigging systems.

Salary and Benefits:

Starting hourly wage will range between $26-$28 an hour. A relocation stipend is available for candidates needing to relocate to the region.

Benefits package:

• Full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and mental health coverage. Premiums for the employee are currently covered 100% by PCTA.
• Paid life and long-term disability
• Paid time off, including 12 holidays plus one floating holiday
• 2 weeks’ vacation (amount increases with length of service)
• 12 sick days per year
• 2 hours of weekly wellness time
• 5 additional days of paid personal time to enjoy time outside
• Eligible for 401(k) plan after six months of employment
• Discounts on many outdoor industry brands
• Professional development opportunities

To Apply:

The deadline to apply is August 17, 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.”

First round of interviews will be held via phone the week of August 31st followed by a second round of video interviews. Video interviews will take place the week of September 14th via Zoom or Teams. The anticipated start date for this position is the week of October 13th. A full job description for this position and more information about Pacific Crest Trail Association at www.pcta.org. 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.  

Regional Addendum: Southern California

Office Location  

PCTA’s Southern California office is the Regional Manager’s home office, located in the Coachella Valley, about 18 miles east of Palm Springs. The Regional Trail Stewardship Coordinator will use their own home office as the primary duty station and work remotely within the region at a designated location.  

Geographic Region and Agency Partners 

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail traverses ancestral homelands of more than 60 Native American tribes who have cared for and honored this land since time immemorial and share a continuous and committed bond with these places. Segments of the Pacific Crest Trail trace the foot-worn paths of trade and travel routes cultivated over generations by tribes. The lands through which the PCT travels are essential to a way of life and the well-being of tribal communities. 

PCTA’s Southern California region extends from the southern terminus to the northern border of the Angeles National Forest, approximately 512 trail miles. It encompasses: 

• National Forests: Cleveland, San Bernardino, Angeles 
• Bureau of Land Management: Palm Springs-South Coast, El Centro 
• California State Parks: Anza Borrego Desert, Mt. San Jacinto, Silverwood Lake 
• National Monuments: Santa Rosa/San Jacinto, Sand to Snow, San Gabriel Mountains 

In addition, the Regional Trail Stewardship Coordinator will work with San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. 

Volunteer Programs and Partners 

PCTA has a variety of volunteer groups within Southern California. PCTA also collaborates with other volunteer groups and trail organizations. Below are the groups within the Southern California region: 

• PCTA’s Trail Gorillas Cajon Pass Chapter 
• PCTA’s Trail Gorillas LA Gateway Chapter 
• PCTA’s Trail Gorillas Paradise Chapter 
• PCTA’s Trail Gorillas San Diego Area Chapter 
• PCTA’s Trail Gorillas San Gabriel Mountains Chapter 
• Backcountry Horsemen: Redshank Riders Unit 
• Backcountry Horsemen: San Diego Unit 
• Big Bear Trails Program 
• Environmental Charter Schools 
• San Diego Ultra Running Friends 
• William S. Hart Trails Program 

Trail Work Field Season 

Trail work in Southern California can occur all year long. However, the primary field season generally occurs from March to June and from September to December. Work is performed at lower elevations in the late fall to early spring and at higher elevations in the summer to avoid both heat and the snowpack.  

Regional Priorities and Opportunities 

Priorities and opportunities include but are not limited to supporting community based-volunteer groups by assisting in expanding the base of volunteers and developing volunteer crew leaders, implementing technical trail skills training, planning future trail maintenance projects, assisting with agency-initiated management projects, supporting wildfire rehabilitation and trail restoration efforts, supporting corps crew and partner organization trail crews. 

As the needs and priorities change within the region, the schedule will fluctuate as well.  This could mean that the work will sometimes be a more traditional 75% office work and 25% field work schedule that is focused on supporting volunteers and other times necessitate months of Corps Crew support, which is typically 8 days in the field, 6 days off schedule. 

PCTA is an equal opportunity provider.