JOB ANNOUNCEMENT  

February 5, 2026 

Open Position: Trail Crew Supervisor - Southern Sierra 

Are you passionate about environmental conservation and leading trail work?  The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is looking for someone with outdoor leadership experience in training and supervising trail crews to join our team as a Trail Crew Supervisor   

The Trail Crew Supervisor works with staff, agency, and corps crew partners to oversee and implement technical trail work projects along the PCT and nearby access trails. They will supervise crews of 4-6 conservation corps members or PCTA trail maintenance workers on 4 to 9-day projects in both front country and backcountry settings.   

This full time, seasonal position will span 4 seasons, 2026-2029, and will predominantly be based on the Inyo National Forest. Work in 2026 will be completed June-November; subsequent seasons will last 6-8 months over a similar time frame. The crew will partake in a variety of storm damage recovery work, including but not limited to early season logout and corridor cleaning, technical rock work, tread repair, bridge or boardwalk repair, and minor new trail construction.  

In this position, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Provide on-site leadership, technical oversight and skill development in wilderness and non-wilderness settings including mobilizing crew to different project sites, determining camp locations, and coordinating loads for transport by animal packers 
• Supervise and manage projects, train and guide corps crews and staff in trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction skills 
• Scout project areas with guidance from supervisor and agency partners to create a work and tool plan for upcoming projects 
• Oversee tool and equipment procurement, maintenance, inventory and storage 
• Facilitate project and training planning and related communications with land managers, crew, and other partner organizations 

See full job description on our website at: https://www.pcta.org/about-us/jobs/  

What Makes You a Great Fit for this Position? 

• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience 
• Proficiency in technical trail construction skills such as rigging, dry stone masonry, backcountry bridge and boardwalk repair, and logout 
• Outdoor leadership in training, managing, and leading volunteer, staff, or corps trail crews  
• LNT and backcountry camp experience 
• Crosscut saw certification or skillset to obtain certification upon starting job 
• Ability to determine necessary tools for each trail crew project and prepare appropriate loads for animal packers 
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment in the field  
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build relationships and interact with people from varied backgrounds 
• Ability to effectively demonstrate tasks, monitor progress, give and take feedback 
• Strong time management and detailed organizational skills with the ability to self-direct workflow to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines 
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot, and guide a team in changing circumstances 
• Proficiency using a computer, Microsoft Office, Excel and Outlook; comfortable learning new technology systems 
• Possess a valid driver’s license  

Desirable Skills and Certifications: 

• Valid Wilderness First Responder or higher certification or ability to complete certification before the employee’s first managed project 
• Knowledge and experience working with and towing trailers  

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to work in front and backcountry settings, at high elevations, and in inclement weather 
• Ability to carry a 30-40 lb. pack up to 12 miles per day across varied terrain and elevation for multiple days at a time 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and carry that load a short distance when moving tools and supplies 
• Ability to travel and drive a personal or rented vehicle for multiple hours at a time 
• Ability to perform manual trail work 
• Ability to occasionally work at a computer for several hours at a time 

Typical Working Conditions and Travel: 

The Trail Crew Supervisor works under the direct supervision of the Regional Manager in the project area. This position works from a satellite location within the region and, occasionally, from a Forest Service district office. Regular backcountry travel with substantial time overnight in the field is to be expected as well as weekends and some evenings. They are expected to communicate regularly on work projects and crew updates. PCTA covers travel expenses. Housing is not provided; however, Forest Service or similar camping will be available both on and off work time. Feasible duty stations for this role include Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, Lone Pine and surrounding towns in CA. 

Salary and Benefits: 

This is a full-time, seasonal staff position with a starting hourly pay range between $25 and $27.50, plus overtime, and the position is eligible for an annual raise. The Trail Crew Supervisor will average 80 hours bi-weekly, typically 9 hour days. May work nine days in a row with 5 days off or 5 days with two days off followed by four days with three days off. Candidates in this position can expect to earn between $2200 and $2400 bi-weekly. Additionally, a daily per diem of $25 is provided to help cover meal expenses when in the field. PCTA reimburses for mileage at the IRS rate or a rental vehicle restricted to work-related travel may be provided as needed. Gear stipend of up to $300 is provided. The position is eligible for the following benefits: paid holidays, vacation and sick time, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, long-term disability, and 401(k).  

About the Pacific Crest Trail and the PCTA: 

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. One of America’s National Scenic Trails, the PCT reveals the beauty of the desert, the glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, and the deep forests and commanding vistas of the Cascade Range.  

The mission of the PCTA is to advocate for the Pacific Crest Trail as an inspirational outdoor experience, to connect people to the PCT, and to conserve the trail. PCTA’s many stakeholders include hikers, equestrians, volunteers, members, donors, trail communities, public land managers, and many other partners.  

PCTA is an equal opportunity provider