Contact Name: Sheila Garcia
Company/Organization/Agency: Pacific Crest Trail Association
Address: 2150 River Plaza Drive, Suite 155, Sacramento, California 95833 United States
Email Address: sgarcia@pcta.org
Contact Phone: (916) 860-1934
Job Title: Field Project Specialist (position formerly titled Trail Crew Technical Advisor)
Job Description: Are you passionate about environmental conservation and connecting people to the outdoors?
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is looking for someone with outdoor leadership
experience in training and supervising trail crews to join our team as a Field Project Specialist.
The Field Project Specialist works with trail crews to oversee and teach technical trail work and
projects in various locations along the Pacific Crest Trail. Crews vary with a mix of corps crews,
young adults, and adult volunteers working on one to 10 day projects in the front country and
backcountry settings.
These full-time, seasonal positions run from week of June 13 through week of September 25,
approximately 16 weeks. This position will spend six weeks in the backcountry of Central
Oregon and Southern Washington fixing eroded sections of the PCT with an Student
Conservation Corps crew. There will be in two different locations - one in the Gifford Pinchot
National Forest and one in the Mt Hood National Forest with potential for other projects
depending on progress. The position will also provide technical support for volunteer projects
and volunteer leadership development as time allows. The latter portion of the position’s term
will be spent six weeks coordinating the SCA crew on backcountry projects in the Sky Lakes
Wilderness of Southern Oregon. Work will involve repairing PCT tread in the northern half of the
Wilderness.
Typical schedule will be working eight to nine days in the field with five to six days off. There will
likely be a few weeks of four to five days on with two to three days off. This position will require
some flexibility as we adapt to changing environmental conditions.
In this position, you will have the opportunity to:
Facilitate projects and training planning and related communications with land managers,
volunteer leaders, and other partner organizations
o Develop communications about project accomplishments
o Manage accurate data, records, and reports
Coordinate all project-related logistical and paperwork requirements
Facilitate pre-and-post project volunteer communications
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
Ensure corps crew and volunteer work meets PCTA and agency standards while adhering
to all safety and environmental protocols
Job Start Date: 6/13/2022
Application Deadline: 5/15/2022
Additional Information: 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
Excellent 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 with clean driving record, and be able to drive 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, and rigging systems.
Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time hourly seasonal staff position. Weekly compensation depends on project
schedule with an average between $700-$1000. Vehicle restricted to work-related travel will be
provided as needed. PCTA covers travel expenses. Housing is not provided, however a housing
differential/allowance is provided.
Eligibility Requirements:
The new hire process includes conducting a criminal history record check after a conditional
offer is made to the candidate. If there are convictions on the report, PCTA conducts an
individualized assessment as to whether any convictions have a direct and adverse relationship
with the specific job duties of the position. PCTA will consider the offense, how long it’s been
since the applicant committed the offense and the nature of the job the applicant is applying for.
To Apply:
Positions are open until filled. Please e-mail which position(s) you are applying for, resume,
and a letter of interest to Hiring Team at hr@pcta.org with the subject “Field Project
Specialist.” Please include your name in each document (i.e., “jsmith resume,” “jsmith
references”). For questions, contact Ian Nelson at (541) 778-3252 or by email at
inelson@pcta.org
About the Pacific Crest Trail and the PCTA:
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. PCTA’s many stakeholders include hikers, equestrians, volunteers,
members, donors, trail communities, public land managers, and many other partners. Our
dedicated team includes 37 staff members and 10 current board members.
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.