HIRING – Seasonal Trail Crew Position

Background – Routt County Riders, a 501 c(3) nonprofit in Steamboat Springs, CO, is seeking a full-time seasonal Trail Crew Member to support the local U.S. Forest Service – Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District in maintaining a wide variety of local trails and recreational amenities. This position will be hired and administered by RCR, though day-to-day reporting and responsibilities will be coordinated directly with line supervisors at the USFS-HPBE office. 

Position Roles + Responsibilities – The seasonal Trail Crew Member (TCM) will coordinate with their USFS supervisor and others to manage and maintain the unit’s non-motorized trail system. Occasional work on motorized trails, within Wilderness designation, or other various USFS priority areas may be required, though the majority of this person’s time will be spent on non-motorized trails and amenities that are open to cyclists, including dispersed recreation sites. They will assist with the logistics of projects associated with trail maintenance and reconstruction and may perform trail log, condition, and prescription surveys. Occasionally, this person may interact with and educate forest visitors as assigned.

The TCM will serve as a member of the trail maintenance team to maintain, repair, and build trails throughout the Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District (with the potential to work on other Ranger Districts or National Forest Lands) to ensure protection of wildlife habitat and water quality in addition to improving recreational access.  They will prepare construction materials, ensure proper tool maintenance, and report work completed.  

Workflow and Expectations – This position will require 40 hours per week from May 20th through late October or even into November, depending on the arrival of early winter. Typical work schedule will be Monday through Thursday, 10-hour days, with occasional ‘flex’ schedules where weekend work will be required. Overnight camping both in the front country (with truck) or backcountry (in a wilderness backpacking setting) will be required throughout the season.

The TCM should demonstrate the following capabilities/qualifications:

  • Perform independently or as part of a small project crew in trail maintenance and construction
  • Articulate and communicate effectively with the USFS team and RCR administration
  • Operate according to priorities, deadlines and timeframes for project completion
  • Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs and be outdoors, on foot for 10 hours at a time
  • Capable of hiking 10-20 miles per day with tools and pack 
  • Passionate about the outdoors and recreational access
  • Friendly, outgoing and flexible human being
  • Some past experience with trail construction and maintenance is preferred
  • Capacity to use hand tools such as shovels, picks, pulaskis, and fire rakes
  • Willingness to operate or learn use of chainsaws and crosscut saws
  • Gritty enough to work in adverse weather conditions including snow, wind, rain, and heat
  • Comfortable living in a backcountry setting for 4-8 days at a time
  • Licensed and capable of operating motor vehicles, primarily full-sized trucks

Pay and Benefits – $20-$22/hour to start, DOE. Access to reduced-cost housing will be available. Additional benefits include a modest gear stipend and per diem to cover meals while on traveling/camping hitches. This position will closely correspond with the USFS GS-5 to GS-7 level, though it will be hired and administered by RCR.

Application Process and Window – Applications are due by 5:00 PM MST on 4/10/24. In place of a formal application, individuals should submit a one-page resume with relevant experience listed, alongside a one-page cover letter that explains their interest in this role, to rcriders@routtcountyriders.org with “Trail Crew Member” in the subject line.