Successful candidates will serve as a member of the Methow Valley Ranger District trail crew, helping to maintain trails to standard in a wide variety of backcountry settings, including the iconic Pasayten Wilderness and national scenic trails such as the Pacific Crest and Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trails.  Work will include using traditional maintenance tools such as a crosscut saw to perform trail logout, or a variety of hand tools for tread and drainage work. Crews may also use chain saws or power tools, depending on the project location and the member’s training / experience.  Most work will be with hand tools.  Crews typically work eight 10 hour days in the backcountry in a row, followed by six days off.  Crews may backpack their own gear and tools to the site, or may work alongside the district’s packer and string of mules to provide support to the trail crews.  May assist with packing loads and animal care, and 8 Mile Ranch pack facility operations and maintenance.   Members will serve with experienced FS trail crew leads, and receive direct mentoring and support for on-the-job training.  May also work alongside and support USFS partner and volunteer crews, or the Pacific Northwest Trail Association crews.

Strong backpacking skills and aptitude are a must, along with good communication and teamwork skills.  Interest in working with pack animals (mules, horses) is a bonus, but is not required.
Compensation amounts:
– $1,100 – one time RT travel allowance
– $200 – weekly living allowance
– Housing on site included (see description)
– AmeriCorps eligible ($2,360 education award)

*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes