About Washington Trails Association
Washington Trails Association (WTA) is the nation’s largest state-based trail nonprofit. For 60 years, we've been mobilizing public lands advocates, trail stewards and on-the-ground hiking experts in pursuit of our vision of Trails for Everyone, Forever. Each year, with the support of over 23,000 donating members, WTA staff and more than 3,500 volunteers perform over 160,000 hours of trail maintenance across the state. Through our online Hiking Guide and Trailblazer app, we help hundreds of thousands of people find trails, from everyday adventures to backcountry explorations. Our vision depends on fostering an organization and outdoor community where all people are welcome, represented and included. 

About Trail Crew Leader opportunities
WTA seeks 3 Trail Crew Leaders to advance our mission to mobilize hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. The Trail Crew Leaders will contribute to the overall success of WTA by leading single and multiday volunteer trail work parties in various locations throughout Washington. The Trail Crew Leaders will work in both frontcountry and backcountry locations and will focus on a broad range of trail projects including annual maintenance, new trail construction, logout and construction of trail structures. On backcountry hitches the Trail Crew Leaders will be predominantly self-supported and required to carry their tools, food and camp supplies into remote settings. 

The ideal candidate will love working with people outdoors and share our commitment to trail stewardship and volunteerism. They will have prior experience with trail work, leading a team outdoors and share our belief that everyone should feel safe and included in the outdoor community. The Trail Crew Leader will contribute to the overall success of WTA by ensuring that all work is completed to specification by our land management partners and by cultivating a sense of safety and belonging at worksites for crew members of diverse identities, experiences and backgrounds.

Trail Crew Leader Location and Schedule
The Trail Crew Leader is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt position. WTA is seeking 3 Trail Crew Leaders based in the following Washington locations; Quilcene (Olympic National Forest), Puyallup and Mount Rainier National Park (Mount Rainier National Park), and Darrington and Verlot (Darrington Ranger District).

The Trail Crew Leaders are temporary positions beginning April 20, 2026, and continuing through October 15, 2026.  Work will take place in the locations listed above. The expected work schedule is 40 hours per week over 4-5 days and will require working weekends. Generally, single-day work parties will occur Thursday-Sunday unless otherwise defined. Throughout the season, the Trail Crew Leader may also be assigned to lead volunteers on backcountry trail projects 4-7 days in length. Work party-related communication, as well as documentation of activities, may occur outside of work party days. Training opportunities will be available at the start of the season. There is a weeklong, unpaid summer break from August 3-9, 2026. 

Trail Crew Leader Compensation
Compensation is $24.50 - $25.50/hour, depending on experience. A supplementary per diem of up to $50/day is provided for multi-day backcountry trips. WTA provides a cell phone, hard hat, work gloves and safety glasses. WTA does not provide boots, clothing or other personal outdoor and backpacking gear required for fieldwork, but does provide a $300 reimbursement to offset wear and tear on personal gear. 

A WTA vehicle will be provided for transportation to work parties from the base of operations. Should a personal vehicle be used to fulfill program needs, mileage reimbursement is provided for travel between the work site and the base of operations (listed below), up to 250 miles round trip. Position is eligible for paid holidays, sick leave, health stipend and an employer match retirement plan. For more information on benefits, please visit our website at www.wta.org/benefits.

Learn more about the Olympic National Forest - Trail Crew Leader position

Learn more about the Mount Rainier National Park - Trail Crew Leader position

Learn more about the Darrington Ranger District - Trail Crew Leader position