Trail Crew Leader (Summer & Fall)

Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps

Love working outside? Want to gain hands-on experience in the trail conservation & outdoor recreation fields? Want to take on the challenge of leading a crew working, traveling, and overnight camping in a small tight-knit group? APPLY NOW! Help lead our efforts to improve Connecticut’s 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System! 

New: Residential off day housing to be offered!!!
 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Train, motivate and lead crew members and leaders to complete a variety of trail projects including maintenance, repairs, new construction and tool maintenance.
• Establish a safe, fun and inclusive working environment for the crew.
• Coordinate projects and logistics with staff.
• Lead maintenance of trail tools, vehicles and equipment for safe use.
• Live and contribute to camp life. Oversee meal planning and camp preparations.
• Ensure all technical work is to standard including tread construction, blazing, drainage structures, and construction of steps, turnpikes and bridging.
• Manage all project paperwork and administrative duties.
• Assist with development of project calendar and reporting.
• Lead volunteer work parties as needed.
• Report all incidents affecting the safety, health, and well‐being of volunteers or crew members.
• Ensure digital photos of projects, camp life and volunteer engagement are captured.
• Positively represent CFPA in all interactions.
• Perform additional duties as needed.
• Follow all CDC and State-mandated public health guidelines and protocols.

Benefits

• Gain vital skills and experience for a career in outdoor recreation, conservation, or land management.
• Work in beautiful natural areas in Connecticut and develop a greater appreciation for their importance.
• Work closely with trail, land management and non-profit professionals.
• Optional educational workshops in land conservation and environmental education available.
• Exposure to local conservationists and organizations.
• Learn tool use and safety, sustainable trail design, bridge building, rough carpentry, backcountry living, Leave-No-Trace, and leadership skills.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), uniforms, gear, and overnight tent camping equipment provided.
• Assistance with independent study or internship credit possible.
• Two-day Game of Logging chainsaw training.
• Opportunity to earn Wilderness First Aid and Leave-No-Trace Trainer certifications.

Schedule 

Summer Only: April 29 - August 09 (15 weeks total)

Summer and Fall: April 29 - October 25 (26 weeks total)

• Weekly work schedules can vary especially during training.
• Typical work schedule is 8 (9- hour) project days followed by 1 (4- hour) pack up/de-rig day.
• Schedules can vary depending on project logistics. A project calendar will be provided to leaders. All weeks will likely require overnight spike tent camping in the field for the duration of the project.
• This is a team-based position. Crew Leaders should plan to spend all scheduled work days with their crew. Arranging a day-off during a crew work spike is logistically difficult.

Preferred Job Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Demonstrated experience working in an outdoor setting.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Familiarity with CT’s state parks, forests, trails and conservation lands.
• Demonstrated skills in trail maintenance and construction.
• Strong interpersonal skills to ensure a fun, safe and quality crew experience.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse race, age, gender, ability and economic background.
• Ability to work independently, as well as contribute to a team effort.
• Ability to remain calm and manage emergency situations.
• Experience managing project logistics.
• Willingness to work in extreme hot or cold weather, as well as being exposed to environmental factors like sun, insects, rain, etc.
• Ability to hike up to five miles daily and perform work in sometimes steep and uneven terrain.
• WFR & CPR certification valid through the duration of employment (WFA training provided).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a truck or van with trailer on highways and dirt roads.
• Dependable transportation.
• A strong commitment to CFPA’s mission.

Compensation

The Crew Leader will be paid $720/week, with 76 hours in 9 days, less applicable taxes and other required withholdings. Payment will be issued bi-weekly. Position includes a $10 per day food stipend while camping, that is included in the crew food budget. The crew will travel in organization vehicles, however if personal vehicles need to be driven, mileage will be reimbursed at the current State of Connecticut mileage reimbursement rate.

Eligibility/ Application Requirements

This position is open to 21-28+ year olds as of 06/03/2024. Starting in January, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. A video interview will be required.

An Online Application is REQUIRED for this position. 

If you have any questions, please email us at cwcc@ctwoodlands.org. No phone calls please. 

CFPA is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. CFPA does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.