GRD Helene Recovery Trail Crew Leader II

Location

• 37 E Main ST, Old Fort, NC, 28762, United States
• Job Category: Leadership, Conservation
• Industry: Forestry, Conservation

Position Title:

Helene Recovery Trail Crew Leader II

Conservation Legacy Program:

Conservation Corps North Carolina

Site Location:

Based out of Old Fort, North Carolina with service projects in the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest.

Wages:

$925-$1125/Week, based on prior experiences and certifications

Terms of Service:

Start Date: 01/25/2027

End Date: 04/21/2027

(Season end dates may vary depending on crew assignment, project timelines, and organizational needs. Final service dates will be confirmed upon placement)

Organizational Summary:

Conservation Legacy is a nationwide non‑profit. The Corps programs within the organization engage participants in a variety conservation and community projects that serve public and private lands. These projects provide opportunities for personal and professional development and strive toward a high priority of needs for public land managers and community partners. Through the mission of engaging future leaders who protect, restore and enhance our nation’s lands through community‑based service; Conservation Legacy works toward a world with healthy lands, air and water; thriving people and resilient communities.

Program Summary:

Conservation Corps North Carolina empowers young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and fosters healthy communities. A program of Conservation Legacy, CCNC partners with public land managers and community organizations across the state to engage motivated individuals—typically ages 15–30—in challenging and impactful conservation service projects. These projects may include trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, hazard fuel reduction, invasive species removal, and other technical conservation work. CCNC crews and individual placements gain hands‑on experience, professional development, and the opportunity to positively impact North Carolina’s natural resources and communities.

Description of Duties:

This position will directly support Hurricane Helene disaster recovery efforts in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. Projects will focus on saw work, reopening and repairing storm‑impacted trails, trail maintenance and new construction, including rock and timber structures. The crew leader and ACL for this crew will be responsible for operating a chainsaw to fell hazard trees and buck trees out of trail. Project work and duty station will vary based on organizational need, applicant fit, and availability of positions across Western North Carolina.

The Crew Leader II position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water.

Standard schedule generally consists of 9 days on‑hitch (out in the field as a crew unit) and 5 days off with some exceptions. Crew Leaders may also be required to come in for an additional day each hitch cycle to complete administrative duties and check‑ins with program staff. On‑hitch, crews camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores.

The Crew Leader II position requires patience, a consistently positive mental attitude, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of competence in the outdoors. It also involves an administration role, where weekly paperwork is due in a timely manner to supervisors. Finally, crew leaders must exhibit the ability to effectively work on teams with those from a variety of populations and communities.

Project Work:

• Trail clearing using chainsaws to clear hazard tress and buck trees out of trail
• Reopening blocked trail corridors and restoring public access
• Trail construction and maintenance (tread work, drainage features, steps, retaining walls)

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor assistant crew leader: provide valuable feedback, give opportunities for growth, delegate responsibilities, and encourage technical and leadership skill development.
• Implement skills training on wo