Wilderness Crew Leader

Job Overview

Crew Leader Position Summary

Crew Leaders are responsible for implementing backcountry Wilderness service projects with crews of volunteers that clear and maintain trails, mitigate user impacts, and remove invasive weeds. Work is primarily in the field with some limited office/computer tasks. Because the work is in designated Wilderness, it is accomplished using primitive hand-powered tools.

About the Crew Leader Position

Crew Leaders coordinate, train and manage groups of up to 8 adults and/or youth volunteers on 8-10 backcountry field projects per season. Trip lengths are anywhere between two to ten days in length. In most cases, you will be the sole Crew Leader in the group. Occasionally, a partner group may provide additional leadership. Crew leaders organize project logistics ahead of each project, including Forest Service coordination, meal planning and food shopping.

An important aspect of the work includes training volunteers, many of whom have little to no wilderness experience. Volunteers are trained on the use of primitive tools, safety practices, backcountry living and camping, Leave No Trace and the natural, geographical, and cultural history of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

This position requires camping and working at primitive backcountry and front-country sites, extensive hiking over varied terrain and working in a variety of weather conditions. There may be opportunities to work with pack stock, but stock may not be provided for every project.

Office work includes working closely with the BMWF Program Director and Field Coordinator, US Forest Service managers and volunteer groups to coordinate project logistics and paperwork prior to and after completion of each project trip. 

Additional duties include maintaining hand tools, the tool cache, and safety gear. Extra time will be scheduled for training, project planning, menu planning and shopping, volunteer recognition and supplemental office work.

Trails and Weeds Crew Leaders have the opportunity to meet numerous professionals in the wilderness management field and make connections for future opportunities in wilderness and recreation management.

Special Benefits

• Rate of $19/hour plus overtime
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• USFS Saw Certification
• Wilderness First Aid Certification or WFR refresher certification
• Meals while on the job
• Mileage reimbursement when driving a personal vehicle to and from project sites
• Returning Crew Leaders are eligible for an increased daily rate and may attend guard school

Minimum Requirements

• Maintain a positive attitude with a rigorous schedule throughout the field season
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability to function at a high level under pressure. Project plans and logistics may change on a weekly basis; flexibility is a MUST!
• Backcountry camping and travel experience
• Leadership experience; ability to successfully organize and direct the work of diverse groups of people while juggling daily duties and responding to occasional crises
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with limited supervision in a field and office environment
• Ability to keep neat and accurate records and reports
• Motivation and willingness to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends
• Basic computer proficiency including email communication, knowledge of Google Docs and Drive, digital photography, ability and willingness to learn other software as needed