Hybrid Trail Crew Member

Organization Summary:

The Wood River Trails Coalition is based in Hailey, ID and focuses on working on trails in and around the Wood River Valley. We are a nonprofit trail stewardship organization whose mission is to create, maintain, and sustain our trail network for all users.  We accomplish this through volunteers, project support and professional trail crews support. Our professional trail crew is a Hybrid Trail Crew that works directly with our federal partners to accomplish trail maintenance throughout the Valley. The crew consists of employees from the Wood River Trails Coalition (WRTC) and the U.S. Forest Service. 

We have a strong partnership with our local land managers, including the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These partnerships and local support are how we are able to make the Hybrid Trail Crew model a success.  This model lets us fill a hiring gap and meet the different needs of these agencies, whether that is adding capacity or providing a professional trail crew on an as needed basis. This allows us to create a longer and more varied season for our crew, but also helps provide a continuity of trail management throughout the valley and across different land managers.

Job Summary:

This position is a crew member on a six person trail crew that will work in the Wood River Valley as part of a Hybrid Trail Crew. The crew will be working  on both USFS and BLM lands, doing trail maintenance, including some overnight hitches. The crew will work primarily with the Sawtooth National Forest’s Ketchum Ranger District (KRD) and report to the KRD Trail Crew Supervisor and the WRTC’s Field Operations Manager. There will be some work on BLM trails during the shoulder seasons, as well as neighboring USFS Districts. We are hiring multiple crew members into GS 4 – GS 6 equivalent positions for the field season, approximately April 20, 2026  through November 12th, 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Maintaining and constructing trails to USFS and BLM Standards
• Trail maintenance duties include brushing, repairing tread, enhancing drainage features, clearing downed trees, and any other work needed
• Complete project work such as building rock walls, turnpikes, bridges, culverts and other trail infrastructure under the supervision of the trail crew lead
• Operating chainsaws, power tools and other small equipment
• Maintaining crew tools and equipment in the field and in the warehouse
• Carrying out trail maintenance and project activities on a 10 hour day, 4 days a week schedule
• Completing overnight, extended backcountry hitches with and without pack support
• Support dispersed and developed recreation needs throughout the season, and other departments as the need arises
• Communicating the mission, vision, values of the USFS, BLM and WRTC to the public
• Be supportive of and seek to understand different trail user groups’ needs and perspectives
• Ensuring the safety of fellow trail crew members, volunteers, and the public at all times while in the field
• Be adaptable to a changing environment
• Take the initiative and be self motivated, or follow direction as situations dictate
• Work in and be adaptable in a changing environment

Required Qualifications:

• experience working in an outdoor environment, sometimes in adverse weather conditions
• Ability to hike long distances and carry and/or lift 50 lbs. on a daily basis
• Ability to pass a background check
• Legally able to work in the U.S.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications – we will work with you to get this done if you do not have it
• Ability to obtain USFS chainsaw certification
• Valid Driver’s License

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous trail crew experience
• Understanding of basic trail maintenance and construction
• Current USFS chainsaw certification
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications
• Mountain bike, ebike, dirt bike, equestrian familiarity
• Spanish language skills

What You Gain by Working with Us:

• Opportunity to work for and with our trail community
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to acquire certifications through the USFS
• Opportunity to work outside
• Build partnerships and connections with local land managers
• Work at an organization that values and supports their staff

Perks & Reimbursement:

• Potential Housing available
• Field equipment available (i.e. backpacks, tents, etc.)
• Boot stipend
• Access to pro deals
• Air St. Lukes – emergency evacuation membership

Hours/Season:

• Seasonal full time position (approximately April 20, 2026  through November 12th, 2026)
• Some flexibility with start and end dates
• Typical Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 7:00am – 5:30pm with some multi-day overnight hitches

Salary & Benefits:  

• $18 (GS 4 equivalent)
• $19 (GS 5 Equivalent)
• $21 (GS 6 equivalent with supervisory responsibilities)
• OT and Per Diem eligible
• Paid Holidays – (Federal holidays)
• Paid time off  (combined bank for vacation and sick leave)
• Health insurance options – 100% employer paid

To apply, email a resume, cover letter and three references to jobs@woodrivertrailscoalition.org. Interviews on a rolling basis. Positions open until filled.

The Wood River Trails Coalition is an equal opportunity employer.