Anticipated Term: May 24 to October 14, 2021

The North Fork John Day Watershed Council seeks motivated women and men to fill a four-person wilderness trails crew to re-establish and improve the existing trails system in Eastern Oregon. The women and men of the Wilderness Veterans/Technical Trail Crew will work to improve public access and safety on the wilderness trails system, as well as complete in-stream restoration and habitat conservation benefitting native fish and wildlife.

General Responsibilities

• Travel into wilderness areas and perform trail and habitat conservation projects using hand tools through 10-hour, four-day week hitches
• Live and work in the backcountry while following low-impact camping practices
• Work with the crew to complete recreation and habitat projects on public lands
• Perform wilderness trail maintenance and construction to USFS standards using crosscut saws and hand tools
• Use chainsaws/crosscut saws and hand tools to construct large woody structures for flood-plain restoration
• Use grip hoists or similar tools for maneuvering of felled trees and structures
• Repair/build riparian fence and plant protection exclosures
• Install native riparian plants on restoration projects
• Gather data on trails status, infrastructure status, campground use etc.
• Assist crew leader in gathering and recording all data
• Follow all safety policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Ability to navigate rugged terrain, carrying a 40-60 pound backpack, hiking an average of 8 miles a day
• Self-sufficient in remote locations for extended periods of time
• Must have good verbal communication skills
• Work well in a team
• 18 years of age at beginning of employment term
• S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident
• Ability to commit to the full term of employment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience backcountry camping and hiking
• Experience in trail maintenance
• Experience in construction and related tools
• Experience handling powered equipment, such as chainsaws

Benefits:

• $150/hour
• $41.25 per diem, during overnight hitches
• Boot/gear stipend
• Housing available
• Trainings in:
  • Red Cross First Aid/AED/CPR course
  • Hands-on Wilderness First Aid overview
  • Epi-Pen administration
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Chainsaw/Crosscut use and maintenance
  • Trail Maintenance, consisting of: repairs to gulley erosion, constructing rock drains, & trail layout/design 101