Trail Specialist – Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Trail Specialist will collect wilderness data, and engage with visitors. The Trail Specialist may also conduct trail maintenance, and assess trail needs. Data collection includes solitude monitoring, recreation site monitoring, and user created trail monitoring. Wilderness trail maintenance will include assessing and repairing hurricane storm damage, corridor brushing, clearing downed trees, maintaining water bars, repairing tread, and removing trash from the trails to ensure they conform to Forest Service standards. Trail specialists regularly engage with visitors on topics such as wilderness ethics and Leave No Trace education, bear safety and canister use, landscape orientation, and general safety awareness. Throughout the season, the Trail Specialist will develop and maintain a strong, positive relationship with the U.S. Forest Service, nearby partner organizations, and local businesses on behalf of SAWS.

Duties

• Collaborate with US Forest Service staff and partners on project work.
• Collect and record wilderness trail assesment data.
• Engage with visitors by providing education on: wilderness ethics and Leave No Trace principles, bear safety and proper canister use, landscape orientation and navigation, general safety awareness.
• Additional duties may include trail maintenance, including but not limited to: clearing downed trees, brushing trail corridors, repairing tread, clearing waterbars, assessing storm damage, removing trash.
• Craft and curate media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation.
• Practice and teach Leave No Trace principles in the field.
• Follow SAWS policies and procedures in the field.
• Maintain high standards for project completion.

Qualifications

• Experience collecting and recording data in the field.
• Strong desire to learn about federally designated wilderness, wilderness character, and natural resource management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to complete deliverables with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable navigating and hiking independently in the backcountry with a pack over rough terrain in areas with no or limited cell coverage.
• Ability and desire to work and camp in a remote and primitive setting.
• Personable and comfortable talking to the public.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and backpacking/camping gear.
• Current First aid and CPR Certification or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.

Additional Helpful Qualifications

• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles including backcountry camp and travel practices.
• Experience with traditional tool use.
• Crosscut Sawyer Certification.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, and ArcGIS software.
• College degree or professional experience in environmental studies, natural resources, outdoor recreation, or a related field.
• Knowledge of natural resources in the region.