Wilderness Trail Crew Member

Term: June, 2026 thru August with a possible extension to October 2026. Training will be held in May, with 8-day hitches beginning in June.

Framing Our Community (FOC) works to foster the connection between people and place to further conservation and stewardship on the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest. This work is completed in a landscape encompassing 2.2 million acres of national forest land that surrounds and includes wilderness. This huge swath of wildlands consists of roaded, inventoried roadless and wilderness areas of the South Zone of the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest.

Every year, FOC hires seasonal crews to complete a variety of stewardship duties, including front country and wilderness trail maintenance and high elevation lake site restoration. The work completed by FOC field crew members has been vital in maintaining a good relationship with our Forest Service partners as well as the public who recreate in our designated area. As an FOC wilderness trail crew member, you will complete meaningful work that is essential to helping protect and share this spectacular landscape.

Overview: The Wilderness Trail Crew Member will work under the guidance of the Trail Crew Leader.  The Crew will consist of a team of 4 crew members in the maintenance, restoration, and construction of trails on the South District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest based out of Elk City and Slate Creek Ranger District, ID. It is a physically demanding job that requires care and precision to successfully repair and maintain trails to support ongoing use by the public.

Location: Elk City and Slate Creek ID, South District, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.

Responsibilities:

• Execute trail maintenance tasks including log out, brushing, tread repair, drainage improvement, signage installation, and erosion control;
• Work eight-day hitches in the backcountry, camping out and managing crew dynamics;
• Operate and maintain hand tools and power equipment safely and effectively (ie. chainsaws, brush cutters, rock bars, grip hoists);
• Complete trail work in timely and effective manner;
• Foster a safe and positive work environment and keep communication open;
• Follow a preapproved work plan for projects, communicate about project details with the USFS Trails Specialist and GBCA Stewardship Coordinator;
• Work with Stewardship Manager and USFS partners to meet project objectives and timelines.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old by start date;
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles a day in uneven terrain, often carrying a 60 lb backpack and tools;
• Endurance to conduct field work in remote settings under strenuous conditions;
• Willingness to work long hours in all weather conditions;
• Valid Driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Gear: Personal backpacking gear is required for this position: a good sleeping bag, backpack, rain gear, tent, and 8” leather boots. Water filter, PPE, and other group gear may be provided by FOC.

Compensation:

Pay Rate: $19.86/hour + Benefits

Benefits:  $36 field per/diem when in the field; mileage at federal rate

Housing:  Accommodations at the Red River Bunk house for a daily rate

Needs will be discussed during interviews.