Position Title:     Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Trail Crew Leader

Supervisor:         GAOA Program Manager

Status:                 Seasonal, hourly, non-exempt

Start Date:   April 20, 2026

End Date:   November 6, 2026

Office Location: NM CDTC office is in Santa Fe. Daily operations hosted from Albuquerque.

The mission of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) is to complete, protect, and elevate the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and inspire a diverse community to steward the trail and its connected landscapes.

POSITION SUMMARY

The GAOA Trail Crew Leader supports the effective management of GAOA trail projects in close coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, as well as other CDTC staff. The Crew Leader will serve as the leader, while collaborating with the Assistant Crew Leader, for the 4-person GAOA Trail Crew. The Crew Leader is expected to work with CDTC staff, the U.S. Forest Service, and other partners to complete a 6+ month season of deferred trail maintenance.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) spans 3,100 miles through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, providing access to the Continental Divide landscape and Rocky Mountain communities. The Great American Outdoors Act authorizes a $4.7 million dollar investment to reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance projects along the Continental Divide Trail. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide daily guidance and direction to field crews completing trail maintenance/construction.
• Independently serve as the lead staff supervising front country and backcountry GAOA crew, primarily in backlogged trail maintenance, construction, and logout on the CDT throughout National Forests in New Mexico in 2026 (Gila, Santa Fe, Cibola, Carson).
• Manage on-site project logistics, correctly estimate crew needs, provide project orientation to crew, complete work in a timely and efficient manner, supervise and support on-site volunteers, and ensure safety at all times.
• Frequent travel, including weekends, may last from 1-3 weeks in duration. Variable work schedule depending on project location, duration, and drive time. The weekly work schedule will be dynamic, averaging 40 hours per week with the opportunity for paid overtime when necessary.
• Projects may last 1-6 days in length, not accounting for travel days to and from the worksite. Occasional evenings required. Work schedule varies between four 10-hour days and 8 days on, 6-day off schedule, depending on project needs.
• Must maintain a respectful, engaging, and motivating experience while accomplishing project goals. Excellent interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and a positive, professional attitude are a must.
• Lead safety person on projects, following CDTC and federal safety standards. Ensures risk assessments and check-in protocols are followed.
• Maintain a clear and consistent line of communication with the supervisor around project progress, accomplishment,s and needs.
• Responsible for crew oversight and coordinating with the supervisor in the event of personnel concerns.
• Manage food, travel, and lodging budget and credit card purchases.
• Coordinate with the GAOA Program Manager to maintain accurate reporting for the GAOA program.
• Oversee basecamp operations, including dispersed camping area, kitchen/communal areas, bear-proofing crew gear, camp hygiene, and other needs and duties as they arise. Practice LNT.

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED AND PREFERRED SKILLS

Education & Experience: At least five (5) seasons of working on a trail crew, including 2 seasons as a supervisor or crew leader, or other closely related conservation work or a combination of education and experience.

The CDTC recognizes that college and continuing education, professional work experience, volunteer participation, and a diversity of other backgrounds can demonstrate proficiency in these core competencies. All individuals who feel they have experience that demonstrates expertise and/or familiarity with the core competencies are encouraged to apply.

Job Requirements

• Five seasons of trail maintenance, trail construction, layout, and design work.
• Experience working for or with public land managers (USFS, BLM, or NPS) and agency procedures.
• Experience in trail tool and equipment maintenance (sharpening, sanding, oiling, re-handling).
• Supervisory and Leadership experience.
• Experience with Trail Assessments and mapping apps such as Field Maps for recording data.
• The incumbent must be able to live cooperatively in camp with other crew members, practice minimum impact camping (Leave No Trace) and proper food storage for food preservation and protection from wildlife (e.g., bears, etc.), and maintain good personal and camp hygiene.
• Must be a self-starter with good judgment and initiative to work without close supervision.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, while also being able to manage multiple projects with multiple deadlines, simultaneously.
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to be insurable per CDTC requirements.
• Ability to receive and to give direction and feedback.
• Must be a team player and interested in working collaboratively across disciplines, and willing to find innovative and creative solutions to the challenges facing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail today and in the future.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of the National Trails System and/or the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
• Familiarity with the culture of the Rocky Mountain West, particularly conservation issues, and the challenges facing rural communities.
• Current chainsaw and crosscut certification.
• Current Wilderness First Responder.
• Experience with traditional hand tools, rigging, and the use of grip hoists in wilderness trail work.
• Comfortable driving on 4WD roads in remote areas with limited cell service and towing trailers.
• Experience in meal planning, prep, and cooking in front-country and backcountry settings.
• Comfortable with pack stock and being around horses.
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles and camping in bear country.
• Environmental education experience or experience teaching or training staff on conservation topics.
• Strong conservation ethic and basic understanding of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the outdoors.
• Advanced study in these areas or training in specific areas through agency or professional training programs is welcomed.

SUPERVISION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The GAOA Program Crew Leader is supervised by the GAOA Program Manager. This position supervises the GAOA Trail Crew Members (2) and the Assistant Crew Leader. This position is 100% Field based. Travel is required, and will include overnights and weekends, including backcountry locations in New Mexico. This position description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out those duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do physical labor in outdoor and backcountry environments. Work is performed outdoors in adverse weather and/or high elevations. Work may include travel in a rental or CDTC-owned vehicle. As such, the individual must have a valid driver’s license. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. CDTC is an equal opportunity employer. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The pay is $27.50/hour. CDTC provides a benefits package including $450 a month towards a company-sponsored health insurance, $50 a month cell phone reimbursement, paid federal holidays, 5 days of paid health/sick leave, as well as 40 hours of paid time off that will occur during the break between hitches (June 29 -July 7, 2026)

EOE STATEMENTThe CDTC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or other protected status. For information about the CDTC, please visit our website at cdtcoalition.org.