Position title: Trail Crew Leader

Reports to: Program Manager

Status: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt, seasonal

Season: Approximately 4/5 – 10/16 (some end dates flexible and potential opportunity for extended season)

Salary: Starting at $25.00/hour, depending on experience (DOE)

Benefits: Eligible for employer-contributed 401k (subject to 2-year vesting period), S-212 saw certification, cell phone stipend $10/month, hitch stipend $20/day, pro-deals, overtime eligibility, Leave No Trace Certification, RMFI uniform, accrued paid sick leave, and WFR reimbursement for returners.

ABOUT US:

Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) was founded in 1982 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of public lands in Southern Colorado. RMFI is committed to protecting and enhancing the ecological health of our land and water resources by completing projects focused on watershed restoration, forest health, and creating sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. By prioritizing the involvement of community volunteers and youth, RMFI envisions a world where our work fosters vibrant and healthy natural systems that are respected and cared for by the public.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Trail Crew Leaders provide in-the-field leadership to 4-8 crew members while executing and overseeing trail work, maintenance, restoration, and volunteer field programs under the general supervision of a Program Manager and Project Managers. Primary duties include implementing and managing single- and multi-day field projects; instructing crew members, interns, volunteers, and youth conservation corps members in trail construction, maintenance, and restoration techniques; overseeing tools and equipment maintenance; collecting project data in the field; and ensuring the quality of completed project objectives. Crew Leaders have a passion for stewardship and community, technical trail-building skills, leadership experience, and the ability to manage field resources in variable environments. They are excellent communicators who can lead and motivate their crew and volunteers to work toward exceptional public land stewardship. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working under the direction of the Trails and Stewardship Program Manager, leads crew members, interns, volunteers, and youth conservation corps crews in completing project goals.
• Instructs crew members and participants in proper trail and restoration techniques.
• Collects and analyzes data to measure project and crew performance.
• Oversees logistics for single, multi-day, and overnight projects.
• Ensures that all project work complies with and meets land manager expectations.
• Implements and completes projects on time while upholding professional relationships with project managers, RMFI leadership staff, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Completes detailed project reports documenting the progress of fieldwork days including work stats, before and after photos, material use, and other applicable reporting.
• Handles moderately complex project issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and mentoring to field crew members.
• Ensures crews perform 10 hours of project work per day while camping outdoors in all weather.
• Participates in and supports the facilitation of annual staff training.
• Supports the proper care of the RMFI warehouse and vehicles while ensuring resources are appropriately maintained.
• Participates in annual inventory, cleaning, repair, and maintenance of RMFI resources including tools, gear, trucks, and other items.
• Assists in training new staff and interns in trail/restoration techniques.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to 100 pounds. 
• Participate in vigorous physical activity at altitudes up to 14,000 feet.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 18 years old or older.
• U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Current S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw certification or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Conditional offerees must complete the U.S. Forest Service Workplace Capacity Test upon arrival for RMFI training.
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Desire and ability to live in the backcountry without common luxuries including running water, flushing toilets, electricity, and cell phones.
• Must be able to hike up to 10 miles daily, often while carrying a backpack of 45-70 lbs; bending, kneeling, lifting, and carrying loads over 50 lbs over rough terrain and in rugged conditions.
• Must be able to repeatedly use and carry hand and power tools.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Has at least two years of experience in trail construction, design, and maintenance including restoration knowledge, social trail closure, erosion mitigation, post-wildland fire restoration, and invasive species control.
• At least one year of prior experience managing people and teams.
• Self-starter who demonstrates the ability to take initiative, set goals, and achieve them independently and cooperatively as a team member.

COMPETENCIES:

• Oral and written communication skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Project management skills.
• Enjoys being an example for others and is above reproach.
• Excellent people skills, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude are a must!
• Comfortable living and working outside in all elements (rain, snow, mud, heat, etc.).
• Commitment to safety and a respectful work environment.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Season Start: April 2027

Season End: Mid to late October 2027 (potential for extended season)

This is a seasonal, full-time position based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The position requires extensive overnight camping and travel, fieldwork, and evening and weekend work. Work schedules often include eight days in the field and six days off. This position is mostly field-based during the season, though some office time is required. The position requires full commitment to the season and project schedule. Time off during projects is limited.

• NO HOUSING PROVIDED.

Research shows that women and marginalized groups are less likely to apply for a role unless they meet every requirement. If you are passionate about RMFI’s mission and think you have what it takes for this position, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not feel you meet 100% of the listed qualifications.