Trail Crew Member - Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps
Love working outside? Want to gain real hands-on experience in the trail conservation and outdoor recreation fields? Want to take on the challenge of working, traveling, and overnight camping in a small tight-knit group? APPLY NOW! Help lead our efforts to improve Connecticut’s 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System!Full-Time Nonprofit
Job Location
Remote, Rockfall Office, Field Based Statewide
Job Description
New: Residential off day housing to be offered!!!
Duties and Responsibilities
Overnight camping and work in remote regions of Connecticut on multi-day spikes to undertake trail improvement projects in state forests or parks, or on municipal and/or private conservation lands.
Live cooperatively with other members during spikes and be willing to perform joint living tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and camp chores after work hours.
Build new trails, rehabilitate existing trails, and complete other conservation projects.
Build timber bridges, crib steps, boardwalks, bog bridging, etc.
Construct rock staircases, retaining walls, stepping stones, etc.
Help maintain trail tools, vehicles and equipment for safe use.
Work with a variety of volunteers including established chainsaw and rockwork crews, public volunteer groups, private volunteer groups, and CFPA Trail Managers.
Positively represent CFPA in all interactions.
Perform additional duties as needed.
Follow all CDC and State-mandated Covid-19 guidelines and protocols.
Benefits
Communal experience living and working with others while learning about trail maintenance.
Gain vital skills and experience for a career in outdoor recreation, conservation, or land management.
Work in beautiful natural areas in Connecticut and develop a greater appreciation for their importance.
Work closely with trail, land management and non-profit professionals.
Optional educational workshops in land conservation and environmental education available.
Exposure to local conservationists and organizations.
Learn tool use and safety, sustainable trail design, bridge building, rough carpentry, backcountry living, Leave-No-Trace, and leadership skills.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), uniforms, gear, and overnight camping equipment provided.
Assistance with independent study or internship credit possible.
Weekly educational sessions about Connecticut’s history, ecology, environmental resources and career development.
Schedule
Summer Only: June 3 - August 09 (10 weeks total)
Summer and Fall: June 3 - October 25 (20 weeks total) No scheduled work August 12 - August 16
Fall Only: August 19 - October 25 (10 weeks total)
- Weekly work schedules can vary especially during training.
- Typical work schedule is 8 (9- hour) project days followed by 1 (4- hour) pack up/de-rig day.
- Schedules can vary depending on project logistics. A project calendar will be provided to leaders. All weeks will likely require overnight spike tent camping in the field for the duration of the project.
- This is a team-based position. Crew Members should plan to spend all scheduled work days with their crew. Arranging a day-off during a crew work spike is logistically difficult.
Preferred Job Skills, Abilities, and Experience
The most important qualifications for Crew Members are a positive attitude, an eagerness to learn and a willingness to work hard. Additional preferred skills include:
- Ability to work in a small, cohesive team.
- Appreciation for the natural world, conservation & outdoor recreation.
- Familiarity and/or desire to learn how to operate hand and power tools to perform trail work.
- Desire to learn the natural & cultural history of Connecticut & how trails help protect these resources.
- Overnight camping experience is preferred but not necessary.
- Desire and ability to work outdoors and willingness to perform strenuous physical activity such as frequent bending, lifting, and carrying of heavy objects.
- Willingness to work in extreme hot or cold weather, as well as being exposed to environmental factors like sun, insects, rain, etc.
- Ability to hike up to five miles daily and perform work in sometimes steep and uneven terrain.
- Ability to lift and/or carry tools and construction materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
Compensation
The Crew Member will be paid $600/week, with 76 hours in 9 days, less applicable taxes and other required withholdings. Payment will be issued bi-weekly. Position includes a $10 per day food stipend while camping, that is included in the crew food budget. The crew will travel in organization vehicles, however if personal vehicles need to be driven, mileage will be reimbursed at the current State of Connecticut mileage reimbursement rate.
Eligibility/ Application Requirements
This position is open to 18-25+ year olds. Starting in January, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. A video interview will be required.
An Online Application is REQUIRED for this position.
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. No phone calls please.
CFPA is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. CFPA does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.
