Entry Level Performance

• Manage a small crew working on routine, basic trail maintenance with supervision
• Perform tasks and provide direction to other crew members on complicated trail projects
• Model good behavior, work habits, and safe equipment use
• Effectively communicate as part of the crew, including providing feedback
• Demonstrate understanding of and adhere to the implementation plan

Full Performance Level

• Manage a larger crew or multiple smaller crews, including members with limited experience
• Assign tasks that match the capacity of each crew member
• Ensure a safe and efficient work environment
• Provides crew with positive reinforcement to foster a sense of accomplishment and team
• Providing coaching to crew members on task and behavior
• Manage interpersonal conflict and resolve concerning actions and behaviors

Expert Level Performance

• Create an implementation plan that integrates multiple crews working across a large geographic area, including complex projects and higher risk environments
• Manage multiple crew leaders working on trail projects that span a large geographic area
• Create and/or implement policies that foster a positive work environment with processes for reporting any issues that arise
• Convey clear expectations and policy requirements for crew leader activities and behavior

Learn More

Documents and Media for Crew Management

SCA Leader Teams Handbook

This handbook defines the role of the SCA and the Programs’ policies and guidelines. It is to be referred to and followed. There are three sections- general information, a section specifically for the Leader Team Crew Leader, and a section…

U.S. Forest Service Guidebook: Accessibility and Inclusive Practices

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is dedicated to creating inclusive environments that reflect the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). This guidebook provides actionable strategies and best practices to ensure all…

Crew Leadership: Project Management

Learn the steps for estimating time and materials, and setting up a work project. Learn about trail triage: how to prioritize and what techniques to use when total trail reconstruction to ideal specs is not an option. Understand environmental…

Crew Leadership: Managing Volunteers

For students with moderate to extensive trail building experience who want to lead trail crews and work parties. Not a construction techniques class; this is about effective leadership. Students will have classroom and field work in the following…

Caring for Each Other on Trail

The skills we teach our crew leaders and volunteers can help cultivate a more welcoming trail community — whether on a work party or just out on your own.

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Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Crew Management

Turning Trail Work Into Measurable Impact

This webinar introduces a new approach to stewardship operations, one that connects field work directly to measurable outcomes.

Making Organizations Inclusive: Stories of Deaf Gain in the Outdoors

This webinar will provide you with some of the needed tools, understanding, and resources of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing so that you can be more inclusive, respectful, and successful.

Introduction to Trail Management (Part 3 of 3)

One part of a three-part series on the Introduction to Trail Planning, Design and Development, and Management. PART THREE: In the Introduction to Trail Management we will discuss visitor and maintenance management.

How to Develop a Trail Crew Leader Program

This webinar will provide an overview of elements associated with creating a Trail Crew Leader Program.

Traits, Tips, and Techniques for Being a Better Trail Crew Leader

Learn how to be a better trail crew leader and pick up some new tools and fresh perspectives to add to your crew leader toolbox.

How Mobile Work Crews Enhance Trail Maintenance

This presentation describes how mobile maintenance "strike teams" utilizing packable hand tools can enhance single-track trail maintenance.

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Further Education

Training Programs for Crew Management

Advancing Trails Webinar Series

American Trails brings agencies, trail builders, planners, architects, advocates, and volunteers the latest in state-of-the-art information on all aspects of trails and greenways. Our webinars focus on a variety of trail topics, usually applicable…

Chinook Associates Trail Consulting

Chinook Associates offers stewardship skills workshops covering recreational trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, and visitor management. Courses are available either in-person, with fully customizable content combining classroom…

Jacksonville State University - Trail Science Institute (TSI)

The TSI focuses on the promotion of recreational trails, primarily in the State of Alabama, by providing educational experiences and providing services such as assessment, monitoring, management, planning, and construction. The TSI defines trails as…

Trail Academy

Trail Academy is our free class series that teaches students how to tackle any trail-related challenge. Courses are hosted both in the field and online, and are a great starting point for anyone looking to become a certified Trail Crew Leader or…

Trail Sustainability Institute

The Trail Sustainability Institute (TSI) is NWTA’s internal training classes for everything related to trail building. We want to make sure our trail builders are knowledgeable in not only how to build/maintain fun trails, but ensure those trails…

PCTA Trail Skills Course

Because wildfires, wind storms, floods, gravity, and vegetation growth are constant threats to the PCT, the annual maintenance and reconstruction of the trail is a never-ending and monumental undertaking. Such work, historically carried out by…

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