Wilderness Corps and Volunteer Crew Leader

About Siskiyou Mountain Club

We are a small nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving trails in the backcountry of Southwest Oregon and Northwest California. The Siskiyou Mountain Club is an equal opportunity employer and places high value on diversity throughout our organization. Our organization is driven by the community and we aim to fulfill long term stewardship strategies.

Job Description

Crew Leaders are responsible for the day-to-day field operations at Siskiyou Mountain Club and leading a series of backcountry work hitches in variable duration. During the timeframe of our Wilderness Corps season April - September, Crew Leaders work a rigorous schedule that includes hitches that go as long as 14 days. Crew leaders will have an opportunity for more off-days and flexibility toward the end of the season. They are also responsible for some required duties in between work hitches including planning, reporting, and coordination. Crew leaders may flex into leading volunteer trips in the shoulder seasons.

• Job Title: Wilderness Corps and Volunteer Crew Leader Reports to: Program Manager
• Rate: $20 - $23 per hour
• Start Date: April 2026
• End Date: October 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

Field Leadership

• Responsible for managing crew to meet goals working from remote locations
• Develop hitch schedules and daily benchmarks
• Ensure all reports adhere to diligent safety protocols
• Provide in-depth field training for crew members
• Manage staff and interns through daily operations to meet seasonal stewardship objectives
• Assume responsibility for managing and completing the most advanced, technical tasks associated with projects including scouting, removal of hazard trees, and reinforcement of trail composition
• Provide quality control and deliver instruction and feedback to reports
• Supervise reports, including staff and interns.
• Manager emergency and non-emergency crises

Communication

• Serve as representative and coordinator for projects, responsible for delivering strong verbal communication with reports, SMC leadership, and external partners
• Work directly with individual reports to encourage professional and technical development
• Draft written field report and procedural documents including operations forms
• Provide detailed project reports to management that include geographic data, photos, and other information requested

Benefits

• $500 bonus after 90 days
• Employer health package per policy
• Eligible for employer match to retirement account per policy
• Group housing options

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong verbal communication in all settings
• Minimum three seasons of backcountry trails experience
• Crosscut "B" Certified, or equal proficiency
• Exceptional navigation and trail-finding experience
• Advanced trails skills including trail recovery from fire areas, retention
• Ability to assess condition reports and objectives to develop strong work plans
• Ability to carry 50 pounds for 10 miles across rough terrain
• Exceptional communication skills
• Proven leadership skills working in similar environments
• Punctuality and ability to work long and odd hours
• Enthusiastic about working holidays and weekends
• Ability to work independently in remote settings
• Ability to communicate with staff to problem solve
• First Aid/CPR
• Clean driving record and ability to pass SMC driving test Terms April 10 - September 30. Up to 600 - 800 hours regular time and 100 - 200 hours overtime.

The Siskiyou Mountain Club is a 501(c)(3) public charity that formed to restore, maintain and promote primitive trails in the Siskiyou backcountry, and to provide outdoor-service opportunities for the public. We coordinate stewardship projects with youth, volunteers and staff, publish field guides, and lead active adventures.

Siskiyou Mountain Club is an equal opportunity employer, and we place high value on diversity throughout our organization. Read more about our position on civil rights and social justice here.