Essential Functions

Trail Repair and Maintenance

• Perform trail maintenance and construction, including but not limited to: clearing downed trees, brushing trail corridors, repairing tread, addressing drainage issues, building trail structures, using rigging systems, and removing trash.

• Backpack, camp, and work in physically demanding, remote environments for up to 8 days at a time (and occasionally up to 10 days) with a crew of 5 other people.

• 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, 8 lb hammers, hoes, shovels, and mattocks by pushing and pulling, lifting, kneeling, bending, squatting, twisting, sitting, and climbing.

• Travel on foot over rough terrain for up to 10 miles per day while carrying 60 lbs. or more.

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

• Live and work in a remote and primitive setting with a diverse group of people without the ability to communicate with people outside the crew.

Crew Management

Assistant Crew Lead will assist the Crew Leader in the following responsibilities:

• Transport the crew and equipment safely in SAWS 12-passenger vans or SAWS trucks for drives up to 5 hours.

• Adjust plans and make decisions for the crew and project work as the season, work week, or day unfolds, sometimes changing last minute.

• Manage, train, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of project work in varied weather conditions with limited to no contact with supervisor.

• Communicate directions, project specifications, and constructive feedback to supervisees, accommodating various learning styles.

• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety.

• Teach leadership skills and facilitate leadership opportunities for Crew Members.

Reporting and Logistics

Assistant Crew Lead will assist the Crew Leader in the following responsibilities:

• Submit paperwork (timesheet, hitch report, incident reports, project photos) online in a timely manner through SAWS’s designated software and by email.

• Manage credit card purchases and receipt reconciliation online.

• Communicate by email and phone about work details, plans, and changes.

• Check in daily via emergency communication device.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Additional Expectations

• Work with SAWS staff and partners like the USFS to effectively complete critical backcountry stewardship projects while maintaining high standards for project completion.

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

• Address and work through conflicts and interpersonal dynamics amongst the crew, with other SAWS staff, and with partners.

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

• Assist in developing and maintaining effective, positive relationships with US Forest Service personnel, partner organization staff, and partner organization volunteers.

• Create and foster a safe and inclusive work culture.

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

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques.

• Create media (photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation.

• Other duties as assigned.