Position Duration: Funding secured until August 2030, with potential to extend 

Locations: Based in Roanoke, VA, with travel throughout the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests nearby and occasionally other locations in the southeast for 
training and SAWS organized events. 

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. 

Position Overview: The Field Coordinator role is primarily field-based, with a small portion of duties performed at a SAWS office and remotely. 

The Field Coordinator will be based out of the SAWS office in Roanoke, VA. The position will focus on supporting 5 Trail Specialists and 5 Seasonal Trail Specialists as they 
complete remote and front-country, smaller-scale trail work, including volunteer events and data collection and will occasionally support a SAWS six-person Trail Crew. The 
Field Coordinator performs administrative duties to support field staff and coordinates with USFS staff and partner organizations to provide project lists and planning for the 
Trail Specialists. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities   

Essential Functions 

Field Support
Support Trail Specialists: 

• Scouting potential projects, reviewing completed projects, and maintaining high standards for project completion.
• Giving feedback and instruction, teaching trail skills, and mentoring field staff including sustainable trail maintenance and construction techniques.
• Supporting field staff through time management, interpersonal dynamics, conflict, and leadership. 
• Provide shuttles and transport field staff and/or supplies to and from the field. 
• Assisting Trail Specialists with data collection including collecting,viewing, and organizing data on a tablet, computer, or mobile device for up to 10 hours. 
• Record project accomplishments and assist with weekly accomplishment reporting for field staff including metrics, photos, and incident reporting.
• Certify as a B-Level Crosscut Sawyer within 1 year of hire which includes attending 9 hours of classroom time and 2 days of field time. 
• Perform continual and physically strenuous activities for up to 11 hours a day including: hiking up steep slopes or for long miles into high elevation, and using trail tools including crosscut saws/chainsaws, 8lb hammers, hoes, shovels, and mattocks by pushing and pulling, lifting, kneeling, bending, squatting, twisting, sitting, and climbing.
• Live, work, and camp in remote, primitive, or challenging outdoor settings for extended periods and in inclement weather, when appropriate for the project. 
• Help maintain SAWS gear and tool cache including monitoring inventory and repairing broken tools. 
• Prioritize safety, lead tailgate safety briefings, and debrief safety incidents.

Trail Construction and Maintenance

• Plan/oversee trail layout and design adhering to USFS specifications and standards using traditional tools, other hand tools, power tools, and small equipment. 
• Teach and use crosscut saws, axes, and rigging equipment.
• Instruct field staff and partners on how to construct trail structures including wooden and rock structures (stairs, check steps, box steps, foot bridges) and drainage features. 

Administrative 

• Assist with review of bi-weekly staff timesheets and expense/reimbursement requestions and reporting for accuracy and tagging information in a timely manner. 
• Mentor field staff in accurately using various systems for payroll 
• Maintain complete professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive communications at all times. 
• Assist with hiring including reviewing applications, holding interviews, and following equitable hiring practices.

Partnerships 

• Collaborate heavily with US Forest Service staff and partner organizations on project work. 
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with local volunteer groups and other non-profits.
• Assist Trail Specialists with Volunteer Event organizing and day-of support. 
• Attend various public events to share about SAWS and recruit volunteers and staff. 

General Duties  

• Follow SAWS policies and procedures and attend all SAWS staff events in various locations in the southeast. 
• Work alone and in a team primarily out on National Forest land. 
• Drive a vehicle on various types of roads including single-lane dirt roads; and drive a personal vehicle to work sites. A SAWS vehicle may be available for use occasionally. 
• Navigate and hike independently in remote backcountry areas with a 60lbs+ backpacking pack over rough terrain for up to 10 miles, including areas with limited or no cell coverage.  
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.   
• Create a work schedule while adjusting to changing priorities and last-minute needs. 

Additional Expectations  

• Maintain a positive working environment in challenging conditions including extreme cold or heat, prolonged sun exposure, persistent rain, high humidity, and biting insects. 
• Rarely filling in for crew leadership as necessary including 8-day overnight backpacking trips, sometimes on short notice. 
• Carry out job duties and tasks given verbally, over email, or on paper. 
• Respond in a timely manner to emails. 
• Create and collaborate on accomplishment reports. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Benefits of the Position                  

• USFS Crosscut saw certification 
• USFS Chainsaw saw certification 
• First Aid and CPR certification 
• Opportunities for professional development and network growth 
• May qualify for Public Land Service Corp (PLC) Hiring Authority certificate 
• Opportunities for pro-rated gear deals 
• Health, dental, vision insurance (Health: SAWS pays 100% of monthly premium, 50% of premium for dependents. Dental & Vision: Employee pays 100% of premiums) 
• Life and disability insurance 
• Paid vacation (160 hrs) and holidays (14 days) 
• Sick leave accrual 
• Paid parental leave 
• Food stipend ($40 per day in the field) 

Qualifications   
In addition to enthusiasm for the SAWS mission, applicants should have the following:   

Leadership/Culture 

• Experience teaching skills to others and providing constructive feedback. 
• At least 1 year actively serving in a leadership position with experience leading a team or group.  
• Experience problem solving and taking an active role in resolving interpersonal conflicts. 
• Ability and desire to create a safe and productive work culture.  
• Desire to be a member of a hard-working team and transformative non-profit organization.

Trailwork Experience 

• At least 15 months of active trail work experience ideally with a variety of projects (logging out, rockwork, rigging, brushing, trail design, timber work).  
• Demonstrable experience maintaining remote, backcountry trails. Familiarity with Wilderness trail maintenance preferred. 
• Ability to certify at a B-bucking/felling chainsaw and crosscut saw level at start of position. (Current certifications preferred.)  

Other 

• Ability to gain a First Aid and CPR certification. (Current certifications preferred.) 
• Must have and be able to maintain a valid driver’s license and can drive a SAWS vehicle. Must also be comfortable driving alone to isolated locations and navigating remote roads. 
• Must have a reliable form of transportation to get to and from trailheads, USFS Offices, SAWS events, and other work locations. 
• Comfort talking to the public and hiking and camping alone. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• Must be able to speak, understand, read, and write English and have strong communication skills both verbal and written.  
• Ability to pass a background check.  
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.  
• Experience with ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, and ArcGIS software preferred. 
• Experience collecting and recording data in the field and analyzing data once collected. 

*Any applicant who meets most of the qualifications is still encouraged to apply. *