Mountain Trails Foundation – Trail Crew Lead Position Description
The Mountain Trails Foundation, a 33-year, 501c3 non-profit trails organization, located in Park City, Utah is currently looking to hire individuals for seasonal, Trail Crew Lead positions. The estimated timeframe for these positions will have a start date in early-May and last through October, though conditions may dictate length of employment. Standard schedule is full-time, 40 hours/week, Monday – Thursday, 7am – 5pm. Lunch is paid. Must be at least 18 years old. This will start as a seasonal position.
The ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills, with expertise in the development and maintenance of trails, as well as experience and comfort in leading 2-6 person crews in a dynamic environment. Also expected is a working knowledge of sustainable trail construction/maintenance and strong project/personnel/time management skills. Working with and reporting to the Trails Maintenance Manager, candidates will also have a keen understanding of the importance of interacting with volunteers, the public, land managers, and their role as ambassadors, on and off the trail.
While this description is specific to the more experience-based Trail Crew Lead position, there is some overlap with the Trail crewmember position.
Opportunities for professional development related to the job are available.
RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
- Ability to work long (10 hour), arduous days in the field performing trail work, sometimes under inclement conditions. Occasionally required to flex schedule to accommodate volunteer days/trail events.
- Functions as first-line supervisor for 2-6 person front country/backcountry trail crew.
- Ensures trail crew follows required safety/PPE use and guidelines, at all times.
- Prepares, organizes, leads and assists in all aspects of trail maintenance and construction projects, as assigned by the Trails Maintenance Manager.
- Establishes priorities, coordinates tasks and directs staff in order to ensure trail construction and maintenance projects are completed safely, efficiently and according to specification.
- Operation of equipment and specialized tools for trail-building and maintenance.
- Works closely with Trail Maintenance Manager and all pertinent land managers/stakeholders.
- Oversees regular maintenance and inventory of a variety of specialized hand tools, power tools and equipment, to ensure that they are in safe, working order.
- Completes collateral duties as assigned, ie: vehicle management, social media, crew training, volunteer management etc.
- Properly accounts for all expenses and receipts.
- Assists Trail Maintenance Manager in planning future projects.
- Proper and timely communication of personnel issues, concerns, incidents, work completed and suggestions to Trail Maintenance Manager and Trails Director, as needed.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Trail crew lead or trail contractor lead experience preferred. Self-directed and requiring minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of sustainable trail design, construction, maintenance techniques and terminology for both mechanized and hand-built trails.
- Experience operating trail-building machinery; mini-excavators, skid steers, etc.
- Understands that a safe working environment is the highest priority and follows best safety practices at all times.
- Basic knowledge of chainsaw use, safety and maintenance. Certification preferred.
- Knowledge of specialized tools and equipment used in trail construction and maintenance.
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals and personalities.
- Has a thorough understanding of the Mountain Trails Foundation mission and represents the foundation professionally at all times.
- Ability to motivate and supervise work crews during short and long-term projects.
- Ability to plan, sequence, implement, delegate and execute daily tasks for projects.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to safely utilize and maintain specialized tools and equipment.
- Ability to use basic mapping software and create maps, collect data, etc. is preferred.
- Has a history of avid trail-use and/or experience with mountain biking.
- Wilderness Medical (WFA, WFR) experience preferred.
- Willingness to expand upon knowledge base by attending trails skill-sharing, trail conferences, IMBA/non-profit/agency trainings, etc.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
- Knowledge and familiarity with the Park City (and peripheral) trail systems.
PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be able to hike, bike, operate machinery, and work outside in the elements and endure vigorous, physical exercise.
- Ability to engage in hard, manual labor for the duration of the workday (10 hours).
- Must be able to life and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to be on your feet for the duration of the workday.
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:
- Competitive pay starting at $30.00 an hour, with pay increase potential. End of season performance bonus possible for high performers who work the entire season.
- Paid training opportunities including attendance at Trail Conferences, skill-sharing visits, etc.
- Paid holidays (if on scheduled workday) including; Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Pioneer Day, Labor Day, and Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
CONTACT:
Send resume/cover letter to zach@mountaintrails.org (Trail Maintenance Manager) and emil@mountaintrails.org (Trail Maintenance Manager)
