Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Trail Crew Lead

Position Summary 

The Boulder Ranger District is seeking one Trail Crew Lead to lead a variety of trail construction and maintenance projects in both Wilderness and surrounding National Forest lands. This is a dynamic and engaging position in a busy urban forest unit, among the highest visited National Forests in the country. This position will have the opportunity to learn a variety of skillsets related to district recreation and trail management.

Location 

Boulder, CO

Schedule 

May 4, 2026 - October 16, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Position may work independently or part of a team. Duties may include a variety of tasks that include, but are not limited to: Leads and monitors a small crew on trail construction and maintenance projects, uses a variety of hand and power tools including chainsaws to accomplish work, participates in the planning of major trail construction/reroute projects, leads volunteer groups in trail maintenance/construction projects, provides the public with trails related information.

Marginal Duties 

Development of ArcGIS online maps for field use; Management of online data; assisting other programs such as Developed Recreation, Off-Highway Vehicle, Wilderness, and/or Special Uses programs as needed.

Required Qualifications 

• Valid Driver’s License

• Ability to conduct strenuous field work and carry heavy loads over rugged terrain

• Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks on forest roads, and carry out duties in steep and rugged terrain and wilderness areas

• Must be able to work with other people on a crew and under the direction of USFS staff

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

Chainsaw and/or Crosscut certification/experience, trail crew leadership experience, backcountry camping experience, Wilderness First Aid or higher

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Government housing may be available. Rates vary across Districts and a $400 monthly housing allowance is provided to offset a portion of this cost.

Housing is available at the Nederland Work Center in Nederland, approximately 30 minutes away from the District Office. Interns will share either a small government house or a large bunkhouse with other interns or government employees. Housing consists of 3 or 5 small bedrooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities and is minimally furnished. Interns will be assigned a room with one other intern or government employee of the same gender. Laundry is available on site and public WIFI is available in Nederland. Most cellphone service carriers cover the area around the Work Center and the town of Nederland.

Compensation  

• Living Allowance – $750/week

• One-time Travel Allowance – $1,500

• Housing Allowance - $400/month

• Federal Holiday Off (if required to work, an alternative day will be scheduled off)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.