Backcountry Trail Crew Leader / Member
Quick answer
Sustainable Trail Design is hiring a temporary Backcountry Trail Crew Leader or Member in the San Juan/West Elk Mountains of Colorado, paying $24-$34/hour to perform manual trail construction in remote settings.
- Role
- Backcountry Trail Crew Leader / Member
- Organization
- Sustainable Trail Design
- Location
- San Juan / West Elk Mountains, Colorado
- Work setup
- On-site
- Level
- Mid
- Compensation
- $24 - $34 per hour
- Category
- Programs & Operations
The role
Sustainable Trail Design is seeking a Backcountry Trail Crew Leader or Crew Member to work on large-scale reroute projects in Colorado's Gunnison and Uncompahgre National Forests. The team will perform strenuous manual labor, including hand-cut full-bench construction, while living in a backcountry basecamp during hitches. This temporary role requires significant physical fitness, the ability to work in all weather conditions, and a strong commitment to conservation.
What you'll do
- Perform strenuous manual trail construction including full-bench cutting.
- Maintain high productivity and quality standards in remote backcountry conditions.
- Follow safety protocols and foster a positive team environment.
- Execute trail reroute project objectives while living in a basecamp.
- For leaders: manage day-to-day crew operations and project documentation.
What it takes
- Strong trail work experience (2+ years preferred).
- High level of physical fitness and ability to hike 10+ miles daily at altitude.
- Demonstrated ability to perform strenuous labor in extreme weather.
- Experience in backcountry settings and team-based work environments.
- For leaders: 4-5 years of trail experience with 3+ years of leadership success.
What you'll bring
How we treat you
$30/day per diem when in the field; overtime compensation at time and a half.
Frequently asked questions
Is this position remote?
No, this is an in-person, field-based role located in the rugged backcountry of Colorado's Gunnison and Uncompahgre National Forests.
What is the compensation for this role?
The compensation ranges from $24 to $34 per hour depending on whether you are hired as a Crew Member or Crew Leader, plus a $30 per day per diem while in the field.
What is the work schedule?
The schedule consists of eight days on and six days off, working ten-hour days from Tuesday to Tuesday.
How do I apply for this position?
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to [email protected], mentioning that you found the posting on the Conservation Job Board.
How to apply
Apply directly on Sustainable Trail Design's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on Sustainable Trail Design's official posting before applying.