Field Support

• Support Trail Specialists and Field Crew in TN and KY including:

• Scouting potential projects, reviewing completed projects, and maintaining high standards for project completion.

• Filling in for crew leadership as necessary including 8-day overnight backpacking trips.

• Giving feedback and instruction, teaching trail skills, and mentoring field staff including sustainable trail maintenance and construction techniques.

• Supporting field staff through time management, interpersonal dynamics, conflict, and leadership.

• Provide shuttles and transport field staff and/or supplies to and from the field.

• Assisting Trail Specialists with data collection including collecting, viewing, and organizing data on a tablet, computer, or mobile device for up to 10 hours.

• Record project accomplishments and assist with weekly accomplishment reporting for field staff including metrics, photos, and incident reporting.

• Certify as a B-Level Crosscut Sawyer within 1 year of hire which includes attending 9 hours of classroom time and 2 days of field time.

• Perform continual and physically strenuous activities for up to 11 hours a day including: hiking up steep slopes or for long miles into high elevation, and using trail tools including crosscut saws/chainsaws, 8lb hammers, hoes, shovels, and mattocks by pushing and pulling, lifting, kneeling, bending, squatting, twisting, sitting, and climbing.

• Help maintain SAWS gear and tool cache including monitoring inventory and repairing broken tools.

• Prioritize safety, lead tailgate safety briefings, and debrief safety incidents.

Trail Construction and Maintenance

• Plan/oversee trail layout and design adhering to USFS specifications and standards using traditional tools, other hand tools, power tools, and small equipment.

• Teach and use crosscut saws, axes, and rigging equipment.

• Instruct field staff and partners on how to construct trail structures including wooden and rock structures (stairs, check steps, box steps, foot bridges) and drainage features.

Administrative Duties

• Assist with review of staff timesheets bi-weekly for accuracy and tagging information in a timely manner.

• Mentor field staff in accurately using SAWS payroll system and expense recording software.

• Maintain complete professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive communications with all staff.

• Create and collaborate on accomplishment reports.

• Respond in a timely manner to emails.

Partnerships

• Collaborate heavily with US Forest Service staff and partner organizations on project work.

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with local volunteer groups and other non-profits.

• Assist Trail Specialists with Volunteer Event Organizing and day-of support.

General Duties

• Follow SAWS policies and procedures and attend all SAWS staff events in various locations in the southeast.

• Work alone and in a team primarily out on National Forest land.

• Drive a vehicle on various types of roads including single-lane dirt roads; and have reliable transportation to drive to work sites. A SAWS vehicle may be available for use.

• Navigate and hike independently in remote backcountry areas with a 60lbs+ backpacking pack over rough terrain for up to 10 miles, including areas with limited or no cell coverage.

• Live, work, and camp in remote, primitive, or challenging outdoor settings for extended periods and in inclement weather, when appropriate for the project.

• Maintain a positive working environment in challenging conditions including extreme cold or heat, prolonged sun exposure, persistent rain, high humidity, and biting insects.

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.

• Carries out job duties and tasks given verbally, over email, or on paper.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Create a work schedule while adjusting to changing priorities and last-minute needs.