Backcountry Trail Crew Leader

SUSTAINABLE TRAIL DESIGN is hiring a Backcountry Trail Crew

Spend your summer working in the awe-inspiring mountains of Colorado! Sustainable Trail Design is currently seeking applicants for one Crew Leader position and two Crew Member positions to implement two separate projects for the 2025 field season. Both awesome projects are located in remote parts of the state within the Gunnison and Uncompahgre National Forests.

These are challenging positions based in Colorado’s rugged backcountry. All positions require a strong trail work skillset; conservation ethic; excellent leadership skills; the ability to work as part of a team and a desire to work in a challenging yet beautiful backcountry setting. Sustainable Trail Design has two large-scale reroute projects planned for the 2025 season. Both projects will involve lots of hand cut full-bench construction. A 5-person professional trail crew will be responsible for completing all assigned objectives on both projects. Work will be based out of a backcountry basecamp while on hitch. Projects require hiking up to 10+ miles a day at altitude, along with carrying heavy hand tools and gear/equipment regularly and performing strenuous manual labor for 8 consecutive days.

Come and join the Sustainable Trail Design team this summer!

All available positions start in early July and will run thru late October weather permitting.

Seasonal Private Sector

---

Job Location

Paonia / Montrose, CO

---

Job Description

TRAIL CREW LEADER ($29.00 - $34.00/hr. + $30/day per diem)

Crew Leaders are solely responsible for the day-to-day management of their crew and project. This position requires someone who can successfully manage a team in very remote locations with minimal supervision and limited communication abilities. The Crew Leader position requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to make important on the ground decisions pertaining to the projects as needed. A solid skillset in trail work is required. A minimum of 4-5 years of trail work experience is required, and at least 3 years of successful leadership experience is preferred.

Work schedule is eight days on, six days off, Tuesday thru Tuesday, working ten-hour days. Some overtime could be possible and will be compensated at time and a half though not guaranteed. These projects will require a high level of fitness with extensive hiking each hitch, lots of dirt work involving cutting new tread utilizing full-bench construction techniques, and other trail work tasks as needed.

Crew Leader responsibilities include:
• Cultivating a healthy, productive, safe, and efficient work environment for their crew
• Promoting positivity amongst their crew
• Keeping their crew on task and motivated each day
• Training crew members in the various aspects of trail maintenance/construction as needed and required for the successful completion of the projects
• Setting and maintaining a high standard of trail work for the crew to adhere to
• Executing work priorities as discussed and outlined with their supervisor during field visits
• Identifying project challenges and pro-actively prescribing solutions
• Ensuring weekly project deliverables are met and documented appropriately
• Regularly communicating and updating their supervisor on the status of each project

Previous leadership experience is required for the Crew Lead position.

Crew Leader hourly wage range is $29-$34/hour plus $30/day per diem. Pay is based on experience.

To Apply:

Email a cover letter AND resume to [email protected]

Any additional inquires should be directed there as well.

Though the application deadline is April 30th, positions will be filled as qualified candidates present themselves. If you are interested in a position for the summer trail season with Sustainable Trail Design, you are encouraged to submit your information ASAP!

---