Trail Development - Machine Operator
Trinchera Ranch
Fort Garland, Colorado
Job Type | Temporary |
Salary Details | from $23 gross per hour based on experience |
Experience | 2 - 6 years |
Dates of Employment: April 2025 – September 2025
Employment Terms: Full time, Seasonal
Expected Hours: 40+ hours/week
Housing: Available upon request, vehicle required.
Job Purpose: Trinchera Ranch is looking for a hard-working individual to operate a mini excavator and/or mini dozer to construct single-track mountain bike trail.
Essential Duties/ Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain trail systems throughout the Ranch, including single-track downhill mountain bike trails.
- Install and maintain trail signage.
- Clear trees, move boulders, brush vegetation, and perform other trail clearing operations using hand tools, power tools, and chainsaws.
- Safely drive ranch vehicles to and from worksites on 4WD mountain roads.
- Construct trail structures including stone and wood steps, berms, rock walls, drainage structures etc.
- Use tools, materials, and other equipment properly and safely, following safety protocols and using required PPE.
- Keep the workplace safe and clean and maintain all tools on a regular basis.
- Work hours are 7:00am – 5:00pm with some weekends and overtime required. Possibility of overnight camping.
- Perform follow-up work behind a mini excavator or dozer.
- Ensure all trail work is to the standards set by the Crew Leader, including tread.
- Report all incidents affecting the safety, health, and well-being of crew promptly.
- Positively represent Trinchera Ranch’s mission in all interactions with coworkers and guests.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Perform other Ranch duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications:
Knowledge: Experience operating excavators and dozers. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle driving record. Experience driving in 4WD. Extensive experience or certification in operating chainsaws. Understanding of trail drainage and sustainability. Ability to construct trail tread and structures to meet standards. Knowledgeable in using hand tools and power tools. Knowlege of, and willingness to exercise and promote Leave No Trace practices.
Skill: Complete moderate to strenuous physical activity for 10+ hours per day in all weather conditions and at high elevation.
Ability: Follow instructions, maintain positive attitude. Ability to work positively as a member of a team.
Education: CPR, WFA, or WFR Certification or willingness to be certified. Chainsaw certifications or experience and willingness to be certified.
Experience: At least 10 months of work experience operating machinery. Must be 21 years old or older to apply.
Working Conditions:
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to the elements, including rain, snow, high altitude, sun, wind, heat, cold, etc.
Physical Activities: Strenuous physical activity is required. Must possess the ability to lift items more than sixty (60) pounds occasionally and up to forty (40) pounds frequently. This position requires standing, walking, stooping/bending, lifting, squatting, pushing, pulling, digging, reaching away from body, carrying backpacks with weight loads, and repetitive motion. Ability to work at high elevations, varying from 8,000 ft. To 14,000 ft.
The Company performs background and reference checks on all employees.
To apply for this position, please email your resume or work experience and a note about your interest to: hr@trincheraranch.com
Please note “Trail Development” in subject line of email.
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
Category | General / Stewardship, Outdoor Recreation |
Tags | Trail Maintenance |