Trail Conservation Crew Member

SUMMARY:

Join the Trail Conservation Crew (TCC) with the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) and make a lasting impact on Eagle County’s public lands. As a TCC Member, you will work on essential projects like trail maintenance, sustainable trail construction, campsite restoration, and educating the public on Leave-No-Trace principles. This role is an opportunity to work outdoors, develop hands-on skills, and contribute to the preservation of our natural spaces. If you’re passionate about the outdoors and looking to build a career in conservation, this is the perfect role for you.

 

ABOUT VVMTA:

The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance connects communities to the outdoors through sustainable recreation. We:

● Advocate for and maintain soft surface trails.

● Manage trail stewardship programs and build new trails.

● Educate recreational users on sustainable practices.

● Create equitable opportunities for public land access.

 

DATES & TIME:

● Season Duration: May 5th, 2025 – October 30th, 2025.

● Work Hours: Up to 40 hours per week, typically (4) 10-hour days, Monday – Thursday.

● Flexibility Required: Occasional evenings and weekends for special projects or events.

 

POSITION DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a Trail Conservation Crew Member, you will: 

● Trail Work: Perform trail maintenance, sustainable trail construction, and restoration projects, ensuring compliance with land manager standards and sustainable trail practices.

● Stewardship Work: Perform tasks such as barbed wire fence removal, downed tree clearing, signage installation, and other restoration activities as needed.

● Public Engagement: Educate trail users on Leave-No-Trace principles, fire restrictions, trail etiquette, and seasonal wildlife closures.

● Volunteer Collaboration: Support and train volunteers and other participants in trail maintenance and stewardship practices.

● Documentation: Record work completed through photographs, data, and detailed logs to track progress and outcomes.

● Team Support: Assist with the organization, maintenance, and transport of tools and equipment.

● Pre- and Post-Project Activities: Participate in team briefings, evaluations, and training sessions to improve processes and outcomes.

 

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

We are looking for candidates who have or can demonstrate:

● Required:

○ Ability to work outdoors performing manual labor in varying conditions. ○ Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

○ Work as part of a team

○ U.S. citizenship and valid identification.

○ At least 18 years of age with a clean driving record.

● Preferred:

○ Experience in trail maintenance, sustainable trail construction, or related conservation work.

○ Familiarity with hand tools, power equipment, or heavy machinery used in trail work.

○ Knowledge of standardized trail-building practices and methods. 

○ Time spent on local trails (e.g., mountain biking, hiking, trail running) and familiarity with desirable trail characteristics.

○ Experience training or working with volunteers.

○ Proficiency with apps or software for documenting hours and project outcomes.

○ A positive attitude and ability to adapt to changing work environments.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This role requires:

● Frequent standing, walking, crouching, climbing, and squatting on uneven or unstable terrain.

● Hiking or biking 1-4 miles daily, with occasional hikes of 5-10 miles.

● Lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs frequently and up to 100 lbs occasionally.

● Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet or humid environments.

● Occasional overnight camping in backcountry locations.

● Working near moving mechanical parts or in high, precarious places.

● Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals

 

BENEFITS/COMPENSATION:

● Competitive hourly pay: $20 – $25/hour, based on experience.

● Housing stipend available.

● Access to outdoor industry pro deals.

● Paid time off for holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

● Mental health benefits 

● Team-building events and staff apparel (e.g., t-shirts, sun shirts, hats, sweatshirts, pants, socks, and a footwear stipend).