Stewardship Trail Crew

About

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 wider conservation and stewardship efforts across the Mosquito Range and South Park and is primarily grant funded..

Overview

Under the direction of the Stewardship Trail Crew Leader, a Stewardship Trail Crew member performs trail maintenance and trail building tasks. The Trail Crew Member is part of a 4-6 person crew assigned to various locations based on partner priorities and grant funding deliverables. This role is physically demanding, requiring long field days working at altitudes from 8000-12,500ft. 

Responsibilities

• Perform routine trail maintenance, including brushing, lopping, and clearing drains, as well as repairing tread using trail tools such as McLeods, pulaskis, pick mattocks, hoes, and shovels
• Remove or support removal of downed and hazardous trees with chainsaws (certification)
• Perform deferred maintenance focusing on erosion and drainage; constructing trail structures from natural materials such as rock and wood; including rock retaining walls
• Follows USFS Trail Maintenance guidance and established protocol to ensure that project work quality remains consistent and meets expected standards
• Remove barbed wire fencing from forest land to support wildlife migration and undertake habitat restoration through the support of road closure projects
• Install/replace signage, posts, and buck & rail fencing at trailheads/ parking
• Collaborate with volunteers, nonprofit partners, corporate, and school groups for trail maintenance, education, and restoration projects;
• Maintain tools and equipment in accordance with established procedures
• Attend training and adhere to field safety protocols to ensure the safety of self and others
• Actively engage with volunteers during trail days and events
• Provide event support as requested for MRHI community events, including set-up and clean-up for assigned events and trail days
• Other tasks as requested

Required Skills

• 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
• Strong listening skills, with the ability to follow instructions, particularly related to safety and technical execution of tasks
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn, demonstrating a strong work ethic to deliver quality work to the required standards
• 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

Desired Skills 

• Sawyer experience and certification (A minimum)
• An interest in trails, recreation and conservation of the Mosquito Range
• 1+ season of experience in trail building, maintenance, and habitat restoration
• An interest and enthusiasm for MRHI’s broader mission and programs, and willingness to support wider areas of work (Rare plants, education, land conservation)
• Passion for the outdoors and a strong conservation ethic
• Team spirit, sense of humor
• CPR Certification
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid Certification (preferred) or current First Aid Certification
• 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

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). Please advise any schedule requirements in your cover letter e.g, early departure for college. 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 30 – 40 hours/week), usually over 4 work days/ week. Work days will typically be 7am-5pm with a Tue-Fri schedule (TBD); however, this may change depending on weather and projects. You will be required to work some weekends.

The crew will be primarily based out of the USFS shop in Fairplay, although you may be required to travel to meet at other locations such as Alma or Sacramento Creek Ranch (MALT). Work vehicles will usually 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: $18-23/hour, depending on experience.