NorthWoods Pro Trail Crew Members
Position Overview:
The NorthWoods Professional Trail Crew is designed for people who are looking to build their skills and experience. This year’s Pro Crew will be performing trail maintenance in the White Mountain National Forest, Green Mountain National Forest, and other remote locations and trails in Northern Vermont and New Hampshire. Traditionally, this crew works on the most challenging and technical trail building projects in northern Vermont and New Hampshire, all while living in a “spike camp” during the week close to their project location. Projects generally are a range of high priority natural resource and recreation management tasks.
NorthWoods Stewardship Center is seeking Crew Members to work with a crew of 4 adults on a variety of trail projects throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. Along the way, members will gain technical trail and conservation skills while building their professional network. A successful Pro Crew member is able to work in challenging conditions, complete high quality work, and work well as a part of a small team. If you are excited to develop your technical skills, work alongside other conservation professionals, and have a positive impact in Vermont and New Hampshire, this position is for you. Crew members will have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills, engage in crew dynamics, gain hands-on trail work experience, and meet the rest of the NorthWoods leadership team. In addition, they will receive specific, on-site training throughout the season. At the end of the season, members will walk away as greater stewards of the natural environment.
Responsibilities and Expectations:
- Work with a crew of 3 adult crew members
- Work with crew to effectively complete projects
- Maintain good communication and professional working relationships with NorthWoods staff, program participants, partners, and the general public
- Work independently and with coworkers to produce project outcomes on-schedule
- Adhere to all NorthWoods procedures and policies related to staff conduct, safety and project implementation
- Maintain NorthWoods tools and equipment in good working condition; keep work sites organized and safe; ensure that offices, woodshop, storage areas, lodge, etc. are clean, usable and appealing to visitors
Qualifications:
- Minimum 1-2 years of experience in trail building preferred (if you don’t have experience still feel free to apply)
- Backcountry camping experience preferred
- Strong interest in natural resource conservation, management, and education
- The ability to work responsibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
- Commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
- Experience in best practices for field safety and a general understanding of Leave No Trace principles
- Capable of performing strenuous physical labor such as carrying more than 50 pounds and/or tools over rough, uneven terrain under varied weather conditions.
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR training or equivalent must be obtained by the first day of employment (financial assistance may be available; please inquire)
- Chainsaw, ax, and/or crosscut saw experience preferred (opportunities for training will be available)
- Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license
- Candidates must be 18 or older by the first day of employment
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people
Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all the qualifications, or currently possess the preferred skills and knowledge. The review committee values a wide range of experience and education related to this position, and NorthWoods is committed to professional development to train the best candidate.
Training Opportunities: Wilderness First Aid, trail building and maintenance skills, proper tool use, leadership development, OSHA job safety, axe use, Game of Logging chainsaw training.
Employment Period: Spring to Fall Period: May 1st – November 3rd 2023. Summer Period: June 12th– August 4th 2023. Start and end dates are subject to change – time flexibility is preferred.
Workweek: The work schedule is 40 hours per week (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break). Schedule can vary depending on projects and locations. Some after hours (unpaid) time may be spent for logistics, grocery shopping and travel.
Compensation: $16.50-18/hour (depending on prior experience), paid biweekly and an additional expense reimbursement of up to $250.00 for 6 month employees (half will be paid after 2 months of employment and other half will be paid at the end of employment)
Housing: This crew will be required to camp 5-7 days a week. Campsite and logistics will be handled by Conservation Corps Director (any campsite cost will be covered). A $100 stipend weekly stipend per individual will be provided to cover food cost when overnight camping is required. Cook and camp gear will be provided. Options may be available for on-campus housing/camping on the weekends; rental rates TBD
Reports to: Dusty May, Conservation Corps Director
How to Apply: Submit application online application here: https://northwoodscenter.wufoo.com/forms/p3inx470fzmomj/ including cover letter, resume, and references. If you have any questions, please feel free to email corps@northwoodscenter.org
Hiring Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply early. If selected, applicants will be notified of an invitation to interview. Deadline for applications is March 31st, 2023.
If assistance is needed during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact NorthWoods for support. Please reach out to: Dusty May/Conservation Corps Director at dusty@northwoodscenter.org or Blase Saucedo/ Assistant Conservation Corps Director at blase@northwoodscenter.org or (802) 723-6551 x304
Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods:
People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities. NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities, and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.
Providing a Safe Workplace during COVID-19:
NorthWoods has implemented health and safety guidelines for all staff and visitors. These protocols include staying at home when feeling unwell, wearing face masks indoors and in vehicles, and requires quarantine if confirmed COVID 19 positive. We anticipate that we will require all staff to be fully vaccinated beginning in February 2023, unless legal exemption applies. Protocols will continue to evolve based on guidance from the CDC and State of Vermont.
About NorthWoods:
NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont. We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England. Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas: Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more at www.northwoodscenter.org.