The Field Project Specialist works with trail crews to oversee projects and teach technical trail working in various locations along the Pacific Crest Trail. Trail crews vary with a mix of staff, corps crews, young adults, and adult volunteers working on projects in both front country and backcountry settings. Projects vary in length from 1-10 days. This position centers and implements diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) strategies in the field. 

These full-time, seasonal positions will be participating in a variety of projects, including but not limited to, wildfire repair, corridor clearing & logout, technical rock work & dry masonry, tread repair, and new trail construction. The length of season and start and end dates varies between the positions. Please see the regional addendums below for more specific information for each of the regions: Southern Sierra (CA), Northern Sierra (CA), and North Cascades (WA).

In this position, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Provide on-site leadership managing trail project logistics and technical oversight, in the backcountry or front country; may include coordination of supply loads for transport by animal packers
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to crew leaders, crew members, and volunteers while on the project and in camp
• Supervise and manage projects, train and guide corps crews and volunteer crews in trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction skills
• Facilitate projects and training planning and related communications with land managers, volunteer leaders, and other partner organizations
  o Document and communicate project accomplishments
  o Manage accurate data, records, and reports
• Coordinate all project-related logistics and paperwork requirements
• Facilitate pre-and-post project corps crew and volunteer communications
• Ensure corps crew and volunteer work meets PCTA and agency standards while adhering to all associated safety and environmental protocols

See full job description and regional addendums on our website at: https://www.pcta.org/about-us/jobs/ 

What Makes You a Great Fit for this Position? 

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience
• Outdoor leadership in training, managing, and leading trail crews
• Embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as a personal value
• Leave No Trace and backcountry living skills
• Excellent trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction skills
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment in the field
• Experience communicating with, coordinating, teaching, and managing corps crew, crew leaders and volunteers 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build authentic relationships and interact with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to listen, give, and take feedback and learn
• Strong time management and detailed organizational skills with the ability to self-direct workflow to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines 
• Team player with initiative, determination, and flexibility who thrives in a fast-paced work environment
• Proficiency using a computer, Microsoft Office and Outlook; comfortable learning new technology systems as needed
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive personal or rented vehicles

Desirable Skills and Certifications: 

• Proficiency in technical trail construction skills such as rock work, rigging, stock packing, etc. 
• Chain and crosscut saw certifications
• Valid wilderness first aid, including CPR certification, or ability to complete certifications before the employee’s first managed project

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in front and backcountry settings at high elevations and in inclement weather
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Ability to travel, including hiking and backpacking on and off trail for several days at a time
• Ability to perform manual trail work

Typical Working Conditions and Travel:

The Field Project Specialist works from a satellite office located within the region under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative in the project area. Regular backcountry travel with substantial time overnight in the field is to be expected as well as weekends and some evenings. They are expected to communicate regularly on work projects. Typical office equipment used includes laptop computer, necessary peripherals, and other standard office equipment. Field equipment used includes hand tools such as Pulaskis, McLeods, pick mattocks, rock bars, sledgehammers, and shovels. Advanced tools used in the field include crosscut and chainsaws, brush saws, rock-shaping tools, and rigging systems.