Trail Crew Member (2-4 Positions) - Deschutes Trails Coalition (DTC)

Location: Near Bend, Oregon

Compensation: $19-21 per hour (based on experience), 40 hours per week

Application Deadline: February 27

Summary:

The Deschutes Trails Coalition (DTC), a partner of the Deschutes National Forest and other land management agencies in Central Oregon, is hiring a 4-6 person Trail Crew for the 2026 season. This is an opportunity to get paid for working outside, maintaining and building new trails in the Central Oregon network. Crew members will be employed by Discover Your Northwest, DTC’s fiscal sponsor.

Learn More - For more information about the DTC and our Trail Crew, see our website at DTC Trail Crew or read about our past work on our blog at Trail Crew Dispatch.

Key Responsibilities:

The work is arduous and requires endurance in a variety of conditions. Tasks include:

• Performing basic maintenance such as logging out trails, cleaning drainage, and brushing.
• Completing project work such as bridge construction, building new trail features, and rehabilitating user-created trails.
• Hiking up to 12 miles per day while performing physical labor.
• Working closely with other crew members and volunteers, as well as independently.

Work Schedule:

• Duration: May to October 2026 (hiring and end dates may be flexible).
• Typical Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm.
• Note: Occasional overnight hitches for multiple nights are required when working on remote projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in trails, outdoor work, or other endeavors (recreational or professional) demonstrating the ability to perform arduous physical work in outdoor and changing conditions.
• Ability to hike long distances on backcountry trails carrying heavy loads and performing physical labor.
• Adaptable to changing environmental conditions, project schedule changes, and shifting needs.
• Ability to work well with others and independently.
• A positive attitude and sense of humor.

Desired Qualifications:

• One or more seasons of prior trail work experience.
• Technical expertise or training such as chainsaw and/or crosscut saw training, Wilderness First Aid, or other relevant certifications or skills.

How To Apply:

Please submit your resume and 2-3 job-related references to:

Jason Whittaker, Trails Coordinator, Deschutes Trails Coalition

jason@deschutestrailscoalition.org