Backcountry Trail Crew Member

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Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association

Enterprise, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $16.95-$22.40 DOE

Start / End Dates: 05-03-26 to 10-17-26

Job Description: The Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association (WMHCTA) is hiring three trail crew positions for Summer 2026. This crew will work closely with U.S. Forest Service staff and WMHCTA staff and volunteers to complete trail maintenance projects within the Eagle Cap Wilderness and surrounding areas. The crew’s primary focus will be the replacement of several failing trail bridges in the backcountry; however, the crew will also perform routine trail maintenance tasks such as log out, tread and drainage work, brushing, etc.

This is a physically arduous position. Employees must be able to carry a 50+ pound pack for 10+ miles per day on primitive trails with significant elevation gain. Employees should be prepared to work 8–10-hour days outdoors in varying weather conditions. This crew will perform work on overnight hitches 2-8 days in length.

Essential Functions

  • Conduct trail maintenance using traditional tools such as crosscut saws, hand saws, axes, shovels, pulaskis, etc.
  • Reconstruct minor trail bridges according to Forest Service specifications using native timber and/or dimensional lumber.
  • Work in accordance with WMHCTA and Forest Service safety policies
  • Communicate effectively with Work Lead, supervisor, and other project participants
  • Complete time tracking and assist with hitch reporting and other needed data collection

 

For more information about the day-to-day expectations of this position, please contact John Hollenbeak, USFS district Trails Coordinator at john.hollenbeak@usda.gov or 541-398-0560.

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

  • Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation when requested
  • At least 18 years of age before starting work
  • U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or a non-citizen with authorization to work in the U.S.
  • Ability to commit to the full season, May – October
  • Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Experience hiking and/or backpacking
  • Strong verbal communication skills to work effectively with a variety of coworkers, partners, and the public

To apply, submit the following to WMHCTA Executive Director Mike Hansen at admin@wmhcta.org:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter: include your motivation for applying and your experience as it relates to the position, if it is not represented in your resume.
  • References: Provide at least 3 references. Please include their name, relation to you, email address, and phone number.

Preferred Qualifications include:
  • Experience living and working in a backcountry setting
  • Experience with backcountry trail maintenance
  • Experience with hand and power tools (crosscut saw, drills, chainsaw, shovel, Pulaski, etc.)
  • Construction or carpentry experience
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification

Housing: Yes

Contact:

John Hollenbeak

541-398-0560

john.hollenbeak@usda.gov

Apply for This Position: admin@wmhcta.org

Application Closes: 03-01-26

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