Stewardship Trail Crew Leader

Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative (MRHI) is an Alma, Colorado based non-profit organization working to unite communities to steward natural areas, inspire learning, and safeguard our shared mountain legacy. MRHI’s Stewardship program undertakes professional trail maintenance and related stewardship work to protect wildlife and water resources and support sustainable non-motorized recreation across Park County. MRHI’s primary partner is the US Forest Service South Park Ranger District, in addition to other local partners such as Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT), and the Town of Alma. This program also supports community education and broader conservation and stewardship efforts across Mosquito Range and the South Park.

The Stewardship Trail Crew Lead will report to the Program Manager and Executive Director to oversee a 4-6 person Trail Crew in the field, performing trail maintenance and trail building tasks. This role will support scheduling and project planning/scouting, and will be responsible for ensuring safety and quality of work in the field, in addition to team management.

Responsibilities

• Team management of up to 6 crew members, including scheduling, timesheet reviews, and people management
• Lead on team morning meetings and safety briefings, ensuring regular check-ins with the team and reporting updates to the Program Manager and Executive Director
• Uphold USFS Trail Maintenance guidance and established protocol to ensure that project work quality remains consistent and meets expected standards
• Uphold field safety protocols to ensure the safety of self and others, upholding procedure and reporting safety concerns or accidents
• Measure and report against project indicators and record work completed with before & after photos, and GPS points (Avenza, Field Maps), noting areas where further work may be required
• Collect and collate photos, achievements, and success stories in a timely manner throughout the season for promotional material and grant updates
• Oversee and work alongside crew to perform routine trail maintenance, including log-outs (downed tree removal, brushing, lopping), drain clearing, and tread repair
• Deliver deferred maintenance projects focusing on erosion and drainage, constructing trail structures
• Support the planning, scouting, and flagging of new trails and feature construction using sustainable trail techniques
• Plan and coordinate barbed wire fencing removal projects from forest land to support wildlife migration and habitat restoration projects, including road closures
• Install/replace signage, posts, and buck & rail fencing at trailheads/ parking, coordinating with partners on materials and details of locations
• Identify and close social trails and illegal routes with on-the-ground deterrence
• Provide in-field training, and upskilling to trail crew members, utilizing trail crew member experiences
• Oversee the crew maintenance of tools and equipment in accordance with established procedures, delivering training as required, and reporting maintenance issues to the Program Manager
• Provide event support as requested for MRHI community events, including set-up and clean-up for assigned events and trail days
• Work with the Program Manager on coordination and communication with volunteers for field days and volunteer events, collaborating with volunteers, nonprofit partners, corporate, and school groups for trail maintenance, education, and restoration projects
• Work with the Program Manager to ensure data and information for end-of-season reports for submission to partners
• Coordination with the Program Manager and the Plant Team Lead on project locations and shared opportunities
• Other tasks as requested

Required Skills

• 3+ seasons of experience working in a trail maintenance or stewardship role
• Good physical fitness, with the ability to undertake field work in remote locations under strenuous conditions, hiking for extended periods whilst carrying tools
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 50lbs over rough terrain
• Technical trail structure skills, including rock-work and tree clearance
• Professionalism and ability to represent MRHI to partners, volunteers, and the community
• Team working skills, with the ability to work with others, converse, and exchange accurate information while working in the field
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to last-minute changes, due to weather or other circumstances
• Good communication skills with the ability to convey MRHI’s mission, expectations, and provide feedback as needed
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills, and confidence with computers and report writing skills
• Good listening skills and emotional intelligence to understand team members’ needs and concerns, including the ability to motivate and inspire team members
• Ability to delegate effectively, distributing tasks and empowering others
• Ability to give and receive compassionate feedback and skillfully manage challenges
• CPR Certification (or ability to gain before the season starts)
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid Certification (preferred) or current First Aid Certification (or ability to gain before season starts)

Desired Skills 

• Crew Leader training experience
• 2+ years of experience working in a management position in a professional environment
• Sawyer experience and certification (A minimum)
• Experience with mapping, including Avenza and ArcGIS field maps
• An interest in trails, recreation, and conservation of the Mosquito Range
• An interest and enthusiasm for MRHI’s broader mission and programs, and willingness to support wider areas of work (rare plant program, education, land conservation)
• Experience with driving 4WD trucks on forest roads (21+ for insurance)

Essential Requirements

• Ability to travel to meeting location (Fairplay, Alma)
• Outdoor equipment (pack, rain gear, etc.)
• Physical examination and clearance by a doctor (if requested)
• Current health insurance
• 21+ with a driver’s license and a clean driving record

Work Schedule and Salary

This seasonal position is expected to run from May 25th to October 16th, 2026, weather dependent. Applicants are expected to be available to work the entirety of the season (or dates agreed during hiring). Additional hours may be available late season (through the end of Nov), depending on weather conditions and work availability.

The weekly work schedule will be variable (averaging 35 – 40 hours/week), usually over 4 work days/ week. Work days will typically be 7am-5pm with a Tue-Fri schedule, however, this may change depending on weather and projects. You may be required to work some weekends. This role is 90% field and 10% office.

The crew will be primarily based out of the USFS shop in Fairplay, and the office is based in the Stone Church, Alma. The crew may be required to travel to meet at other locations such as Alma or Sacramento Creek Ranch (MALT). Work vehicles will be provided, in which you may travel to project sites across the USFS South Park Ranger District (Kenosha – Buffalo Peaks – Hoosier Pass – Lake George).

Anticipated wage: $23-25/hour, depending on experience.