Field Project Specialist (5 positions)

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. One of America’s National Scenic Trails, the PCT reveals the beauty of the desert, the glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, and the deep forests and commanding vistas of the Cascade Range.

The mission of the PCTA is to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic
Trail as a world-class experience for hikers and equestrians, and for all the values provided by
wild and scenic lands.

Overview:

Are you passionate about environmental conservation and connecting people to the outdoors?

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is looking for people with outdoor leadership
experience in training and supervising trail crews to join our team as a Field Project Specialist. There's five open positions: Five Field Project Specialists (position formerly titled Trail Crew Technical
Advisor).

The Field Project Specialist works with trail crews to oversee projects and teach technical trail working in various locations along the Pacific Crest Trail. Trail crews vary with a mix of staff, corps crews, young adults, and adult volunteers working on projects in both front country and backcountry settings. Projects vary in length from 1-10 days. This position centers and implements diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) strategies in the field.

These full-time, seasonal positions will be participating in a variety of projects, including but not limited to, wildfire repair, corridor clearing & logout, technical rock work & dry masonry, tread repair, and new trail construction. The length of season and start and end dates varies between the positions. Please see the regional addendums below for more specific information for each of the regions: Northern California, Columbia Cascades, and North Cascades.

Responsibilities:

In this position, you will have the opportunity to:

• Provide on-site leadership managing trail project logistics and technical oversight, in the backcountry or front country. May include coordination of supply loads for transport by animal packers
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to crew leaders, crew members, and volunteers while on the project and in camp
• Supervise and manage projects, train and guide corps crews and volunteer crews in trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction skills
• Facilitate projects and training planning and related communications with land managers, volunteer leaders, and other partner organizations
  • Document and communicate project accomplishments
  • Manage accurate data, records, and reports
• Coordinate all project-related logistical and paperwork requirements
• Facilitate pre-and-post project corps crew and volunteer communications
• Ensure corps crew and volunteer work meets PCTA and agency standards while adhering to all associated safety and environmental protocols

Note: See full job description on our website at: https://www.pcta.org/about-us/jobs/

What Makes You a Great Fit for this Position?

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience
• Outdoor leadership in training, managing, and leading trail crews
• Embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as a personal value
• Leave No Trace and backcountry living skills
• Excellent trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction skills
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment in the field
• Experience communicating with, coordinating, teaching, and managing corps crew, crew
  leaders and volunteers
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build authentic relationships and interact with
  people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to listen, give, and take feedback and learn
• Strong time management and detailed organizational skills with the ability to self-direct
  workflow to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines
• Team player with initiative, determination, and flexibility who thrives in a fast-paced work environment
• Proficiency using a computer, Microsoft Office and Outlook; comfortable learning new technology systems as needed
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive personal or rented vehicles

Desirable Skills and Certifications:

• Proficiency in technical trail construction skills such as rock work, rigging, stock packing, etc.
• Chain and crosscut saw certifications
• Valid wilderness first aid, including CPR certification, or ability to complete certifications before the employee’s first managed project

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in front and backcountry settings at high elevations and in inclement weather
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Ability to travel, including hiking and backpacking on and off trail for several days at a time
• Ability to perform manual trail work

Typical Working Conditions and Travel:

The Field Project Specialists works from a satellite office located within the region under the
direct supervision of the Regional Representative in the project area. Regular backcountry travel
with substantial time overnight in the field is to be expected as well as weekends and some
evenings. They are expected to communicate regularly on work projects. Typical office
equipment used includes laptop computer, necessary peripherals, and other standard office
equipment. Field equipment used includes hand tools such as Pulaskis, McLeods, pick
mattocks, rock bars, sledgehammers, and shovels. Advanced tools used in the field include
crosscut and chain saws, brush saws, rock-shaping tools, and rigging systems.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time hourly seasonal staff position. Hourly pay is $20 per hour and Field Project
Specialist will average 50 hours of work per week and are eligible for overtime pay. Housing is
not provided; however, a housing differential/allowance is provided in addition to the hourly
wage. PCTA reimburses for mileage at the IRS rate or a vehicle restricted to work-related travel
may be provided as needed. Gear stipend of up to $250 is provided. Food costs are covered
while in the field. Positions 6 months or longer in duration are eligible for the following benefits:
paid holidays, vacation, and sick time, health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability.

To Apply:

• Please click "Apply" below to email your application materials.
• Positions are open until filled with interviews scheduled the week of January 22, 2024.
• Please e-mail which position(s) and region(s) you are applying for, resume, references, and a letter of interest to Hiring Team with the subject “Field Project Specialist.”
• Please include your name in each document (i.e., “jrussell resume,” “jrussell references”). For
  questions, contact Jeanine Russell at jrussell@pcta.org.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

PCTA acknowledges systemic racism and other social injustices and their impact on the PCT
community. We have begun the journey of understanding racism and injustice and their impacts on people of color and others. We are committed to making change within our organization and to supporting change within the PCT community towards a more just and equitable future. See our website for more information about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. PCTA is an equal opportunity provider.