Field Support

Support Trail Specialists:  

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

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

• 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:

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

• Mentor field staff in accurately using various systems for payroll.  

• Maintain complete professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive  communications at all times.  

• Assist with hiring including reviewing applications, holding interviews, and  following equitable hiring practices.  

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.  

• Attend various public events to share about SAWS and recruit volunteers and  staff.  

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  drive a personal vehicle to work sites. A SAWS vehicle may be available for use  occasionally. 

•  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.   

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

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

Additional Expectations:

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

• Rarely filling in for crew leadership as necessary including 8-day overnight backpacking trips, sometimes on short notice.  

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

• Respond in a timely manner to emails.  

• Create and collaborate on accomplishment reports.  

• Other duties as assigned.