Job Summary

Join Overland Mountain Bike Association’s Trail Stewardship Crew and be a driving force in creating and revitalizing our local trails in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming. As part of the five-person team, lead by the Trail Stewardship Crew Lead, you will tackle demanding projects to recover and enhance trails, including those impacted by natural disasters.

We represent the true spirit of stewardship, prioritizing sustainable trail practices, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. This role combines physically intensive work in remote and rugged locations with the rewarding opportunity to build sustainable, engaging trails that directly benefit the community. Collaborating with OMBA leadership, partners, and volunteers, you will employ innovative techniques to restore and elevate trail systems, leaving a legacy of exceptional outdoor experiences.

Primary Responsibilities

Trail Building, Construction, Restoration, and Maintenance (85%)

• Clear vegetation and debris along the prescribed flag line to prepare the worksite for construction activities.
• Use hand tools to dig, shape, and grade trails.
• Support a machine operator with mechanically constructed trail practices.
• Construct features like switchbacks, in-sloped corners, and rolling grade dips to enhance the trail experience while managing water drainage. 
• Construct features such as bridges, rock culverts, retaining walls, or technical rock gardens, ensuring they meet safety and usability standards.
• Adjust tread width and surface for specific user groups that have access to each specific project, such as hikers, bikers, runners, and equestrians.
• Identify and mitigate potential erosion issues by installing drainage structures.
• Work collaboratively on advanced construction projects requiring technical precision and teamwork.
• Safely operate while maintaining tools and equipment, including power tools, compactors, and chainsaws.
• Ensure tools are cleaned, sharpened, and properly stored.
• Follow all safety and emergency response protocols, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, while always contributing to a safe work environment.
• Comply with land agency standards to minimize environmental impact during construction and work to leave it better than it was before our work.

Volunteer Support / Community Engagement (15%)

• Engage with volunteers during trail work days to ensure safe, productive, and positive experiences.
• Support Overland Staff with setup and cleanup of trail dig days and other volunteer trail events.
• Collaborate with various groups, such as Conservation Corps, Forest Service Staff, Contractors, and Volunteers, to achieve project goals.

Requirements: Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Perform physically intensive tasks in remote, rugged terrain for extended periods of time.
• Stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, and reach with hands and arms daily.
• Lift and carry objects 50 lbs independently; coordinate with team members for heavier loads.
• Discern the project scope of work and marking flags, to coordinate with your team the precise trail construction plans.
• Work in diverse weather conditions and challenging environments that require endurance and adaptability.
• Spend up to 4 consecutive days in remote backcountry locations with limited to no access to cell phone service or modern facilities.
• Operate effectively in an isolated setting, relying on pre-packed supplies and teamwork for daily operations.
• Navigate and adjust to rugged living conditions, such as tent camping and preparing meals in the fields.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in trail construction or in some form of manual labor is a plus.
• Being a mountain biker is a plus.
• Wilderness First Responder Certification is a plus.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with team members and volunteers effectively. 
• Teammate Mentality – caring for your crew with the mindset of “the goal to work tomorrow”.
• Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback to support continual growth of the individuals around you.
• Positive attitude and a problem solving mindset in dynamic outdoor work environments.
• Ability to create safe and memorable experiences for partners and trail users.
• Focus on leave no trace practices, and ability to keep clean camp hygiene standards.
• Commitment to sustainable trail practices and stewardship.
• Ability to submit a detailed timesheet and clearly communicate what was accomplished throughout a project stint.

What We Offer

This role presents you the unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on trails and outdoor recreation in Northern Colorado while gaining hands-on experience in trail stewardship and volunteer engagement. As well as a unique experience and a kick-ass team, Overland provides:

• $100 reimbursement for work boots.
• Uniform Shirts, Sun-shirts, Hat and Gloves.
• Access to pro-deals through Outdoor Pro-Link
• First Aid and CPR Certifications.
• Pending Approval – E-Bike “Work Vehicle” for use during work hours to access job site(s).
• Continual support to grow your professional career.
• Remote Kitchen Supplies – Table, Stove, Cooking Utensils.