International Trail Crew – Remote Projects, Australia
Creative Lines is seeking experienced and enthusiastic trail builders from the international trail community to join our Australian project teams.We specialise in the construction and delivery of natural-surface walking and mountain bike trails, remote-area infrastructure and associated environmental works throughout Australia.
We are particularly interested in hearing from trail professionals from the United States, Canada and the wider international trail industry who would like to spend part of their working career experiencing trail construction in Australia.
Seasonal Private Sector
Job Location
Remote Projects, Australia
Job Description
The WorkOur crews undertake a broad range of trail construction and maintenance activities, which may include:
* natural-surface trail construction and finishing
* drainage, grade reversals and water management
* rock work, armouring, retaining and stone pitching
* timber and other trail structures
* corridor clearing and site preparation
* hand-tool construction and detailed finishing
* machine-assisted trail construction
* rehabilitation and ecological restoration
* walking trail and mountain bike trail construction
* remote material and equipment logistics
Experience with mini excavators, chainsaws, rock work, technical hand-building or other specialist trail construction skills is highly regarded.
We are interested in experienced professional trail builders as well as motivated trail workers who have developed strong practical skills through trail crews, conservation programs, parks agencies or trail construction companies.
Employment & Pay
Positions will generally be offered on either a casual or project-based fixed-term employment arrangement, depending on the project and expected duration.
Hourly rates: AUD $32–$39 per hour.
Our base remote trail worker rate is AUD $32 per hour, which is also the starting point for entry-level trail crew.
Higher rates are offered according to demonstrated capability, experience and responsibility. This may include:
* proven professional trail-building skills and performance
* technical rock, timber or specialist construction capability
* experienced machine operation
* relevant qualifications, licences and certifications
* demonstrated ability to work independently in remote environments
* team leadership responsibilities
* crew supervisor responsibilities
Experienced applicants are encouraged to clearly identify these skills and qualifications when applying.
Transport and accommodation associated with active remote projects will be provided by Creative Lines.
Individual projects vary considerably in location, duration and roster structure.
Remote Project Rosters
When we say remote, we mean remote.
Our work regularly takes place in National Parks, forests, alpine environments and other locations well away from major towns and conventional services.
Roster arrangements vary according to project location, logistics and client requirements.
Some projects operate around a conventional five-day working week.
More remote or logistically demanding projects may operate extended rosters such as:
* 9 days on / 4 days off
* 12 days on / 5 days off
Some projects also require helicopter-supported access, including crew transfers into and out of remote work sites or project camps. Applicants should therefore be comfortable with helicopter travel and working in exposed terrain.
Comfort with heights, steep terrain and exposure is recommended.
These arrangements allow project teams to make productive use of travel and mobilisation into remote locations while providing longer periods away from site between rotations.
Applicants need to be comfortable spending extended periods living and working with a small crew in remote environments.
Depending on the project, this may involve:
* long working days outdoors
* physically demanding manual work
* walking considerable distances into worksites
* carrying tools and materials
* working in heat, cold, rain, wind and changing conditions
* steep, exposed or difficult terrain
* helicopter-assisted crew access on some projects
* remote camps or project accommodation
* limited phone reception and services
* travelling considerable distances between projects
* extended periods away from cities and normal conveniences
Transport and accommodation during active remote projects are provided.
Applicants should nevertheless arrive in Australia prepared for remote outdoor work and have suitable personal clothing, footwear and equipment for variable conditions.
People who enjoy travelling, working outdoors, camping, solving practical problems and being part of a capable small crew generally adapt well to our projects.
What We're Looking For
We value people who are:
* experienced or genuinely committed to professional trail construction
* physically capable of demanding outdoor work
* comfortable working extended remote rosters
* comfortable working in steep, exposed and isolated environments
* practical and mechanically minded
* safety conscious
* adaptable and self-sufficient
* respectful of the landscapes and communities in which we work
* able to work effectively as part of a small project crew
* willing to learn Australian construction methods and environmental requirements
A current driver's licence is strongly preferred.
Relevant chainsaw, machinery, first aid, trail construction, conservation or construction qualifications should be included with your application.
Working in Australia – International Applicants
International applicants must hold, or be eligible to obtain, a visa providing legal working rights in Australia.
For many younger international trail builders, Australia's Working Holiday Maker program may provide a suitable pathway.
For example:
Canadian citizens Working Holiday visa – Subclass 417 Generally available to eligible Canadian passport holders aged 18–35.
United States citizens Work and Holiday visa – Subclass 462 Generally available to eligible US passport holders aged 18–30.
Applicants from other eligible countries may also have access to Working Holiday Maker visas or other Australian visas that provide employment rights.
Creative Lines welcomes applications from trail builders who are currently overseas and considering travelling to Australia.
Applicants are responsible for confirming their own visa eligibility and obtaining appropriate Australian work rights before commencing employment.
Working Holiday Maker visas can include restrictions regarding employment with a single employer. Applicants should confirm the conditions applying to their individual visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Some Creative Lines projects may take place in regional or remote locations where eligible construction activities could potentially contribute towards specified-work requirements for subsequent Working Holiday Maker visas. Eligibility depends on the particular duties, location and visa subclass and should be independently confirmed by the applicant.
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to work professionally within the Australian trail industry while experiencing parts of the country that most international visitors never see.
Depending on the project, crew members may gain experience across:
* natural-surface walking trails
* mountain bike trails
* technical rock and stone construction
* timber and trail structures
* machine-assisted trail construction
* environmental rehabilitation
* remote-area construction
* helicopter-supported project access and logistics
* National Park and public-land projects
We provide:
* AUD $32–$39 per hour, with progression based on demonstrated skills, experience, qualifications and responsibility
* casual or project-based fixed-term employment
* transport during active projects
* accommodation during active projects
* varied projects and locations
* exposure to Australian trail construction methods
* opportunities to develop broader construction and remote-project skills
* the opportunity to work with a small, experienced trail construction team
Project locations and schedules change throughout the year, so we particularly welcome international applicants who are flexible about where in Australia they work and where the next project takes them.
Applying
Please provide a short introduction covering:
* your trail-building experience
* the types of trails and projects you have worked on
* your strongest practical skills
* machine operation or specialist construction experience
* relevant qualifications or certifications
* any previous crew leadership or supervisory experience
* your experience working in remote or exposed environments
* your current location
* when you would be available to travel to Australia
* your Australian visa/work-rights status or intended visa pathway
* how long you are interested in working in Australia
Photos or examples of previous trail work are also welcome.
If a remote trail construction adventure sounds like the reason you would come to Australia rather than something you would tolerate to achieve your visa requirements once you got here, we'd like to hear from you.
