The Great Basin Institute (GBI) and Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) is seeking a passionate, highly motivated individual for the position of Trails Lead. This position will effectively manage TAMBA’s Trail Crew on trail building and maintenance projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The position reports directly to the Trails Director and is offered as a full-time seasonal position May-October. The Trails Lead is a key representative for TAMBA and will represent the organization to the community—with volunteers, stakeholders, agencies, and at public events. All candidates shall demonstrate a history in mountain biking, trail development, and working with volunteers. 

This role also supports the Trail Operations efforts of TAMBA, a committed non-profit focused on the sustainable management of multi-use trails and advocating for mountain biking access through education and responsible trail use. While not a TAMBA employee, the Trails Crew Lead is an integral part of projects that shape the future of Tahoe's trail network.

Project work will vary based on interests and expertise but will mainly support TAMBA's 2026 trail projects. Responsibilities include building and maintaining trails, working alongside and supporting volunteer trail crews, and participating in public work days and TAMBA events. TAMBA provides the necessary training, supervision, tools, and safety gear to successfully contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Tahoe's trails.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide supervision, set expectations, and assess quality control for TAMBA Trail Crew during trail maintenance and trail construction projects.
• Attend, support and participate in TAMBA training opportunities
• Track and compile trail crew metrics and reporting.
• Maintain constructive partnerships with local businesses, land managers, and partner trail organizations.
• Manage trail crew in the field,  instructing trail crew members to accomplish project goals.
• Initiate and support the development and enhancement of a cadre of skilled crew members through on-site training and team building.
• Assist with the inventory, inspection, maintenance, and storage of TAMBA’s tools.
• Follow and maintain documentation of internal procedures and policies.
• Assist in developing content for TAMBA’s website and social media platforms.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends for special events.

Job Skills and Experience:

Competitive candidates will highlight the following experience in their application, or express willingness to learn:

• Demonstrates commitment to TAMBA’s mission.
• Supervising and or Crew Lead experience required.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Excellent document preparation, communication, and writing skills.
• Willingness to grow GIS skills and ability to produce project maps.
• Experience working with public land management agencies (i.e. federal/state/local).
• Experience teaching and coaching others in safe and high-quality trail maintenance and trail construction techniques.
• A passion for mountain biking and outdoor trail-based recreation.
• A proven self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet program/organization goals. Enthusiastic about embracing new challenges.
• Strong organizational skills including attention to detail, ability to create efficiencies, and build investment in systems.
• Ability to set priorities, manage a variety of responsibilities and meet deadlines in an ever-changing environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to accept and integrate feedback graciously, and give effective feedback to team members and volunteers.
• Cultural competency experience and demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities, and economic backgrounds.
• Must be able to carry 50 lbs.
• Can hike up to 12 miles a day on a trail with related work tools and equipment in harsh weather.
• First aid and CPR certified, or able to get certified within 3 months.
• Clean driving record and valid driver's license.

Compensation: 

The salary ranges from $25.00 to $28.00 per hour, dependent on experience (DOE). Benefits include Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance at no cost, effective from the first of the month after employment begins. Paid Leave accrues at 4 hours for every 80 hours worked, starting from the first day of employment.

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references to the unique application link.

Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact Libby Wilson lwilson@gbinstitute.org or Kristine Koran kristine@tamba.org.

As an employee of GBI’s Nevada Conservation Corps Program (NCC) program, the Employee is expected to satisfactorily complete the following tasks:

• Adherence to the rules and regulations specified in the GBI Personnel Handbook;
• Adhere to daily/weekly work schedules that are subject to change in response to project needs;
• Participation in GBI meetings and workshops and other GBI or agency training opportunities;
• Other duties as assigned by GBI and agency staff
• Other Relevant Job information (if applicable)

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.

Nevada Conservation Corps, a Program of The Great Basin Institute: 

Established in 1999 as a federally-funded AmeriCorps program, NCC is a vital component of the Great Basin Institute's efforts in conservation. This 21st-century service corps harnesses the enthusiasm and dedication of youth and volunteers for resource management, focusing on land restoration and conservation internships. NCC offers extensive professional development opportunities for those seeking careers in conservation and land management. Celebrating diversity, the NCC assembles members and staff from varied backgrounds to effectively address the needs of Nevada's public lands and communities. It provides a platform for students and emerging professionals to make impactful contributions to the preservation of Nevada’s natural heritage, while also gaining invaluable experience in the field of natural resource management.

The Great Basin Institute: 

Founded in 1998 at the University of Nevada, the Great Basin Institute is a leading interdisciplinary field studies organization, fostering environmental research, education, and service throughout the West. GBI specializes in applied research to support science-based management of public lands and is fervently committed to the promotion of scientific understanding through its field studies, conservation efforts, and public outreach. GBI is home to numerous influential programs, including the Nevada Conservation Corps, International Conservation Volunteer Exchange, Research Associate Program, Cultural Resource Program, Basin & Range Forestry, NEPA Services, Ecological Monitoring Program, and oversees visitor centers at Taylor Creek, Galena Creek, and the Tallac Historic Site, thereby expanding its reach and impact in safeguarding the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Disclaimer: Although the Company has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, the Company reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the Company, at any time, with or without advance notice.