Trail Crew Lead - Inyo National Forest

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Inyo National Forest, is seeking TWO Trail Crew Lead Members to work alongside Forest Service Staff.

1 Member - Lone Pine, CA - 16 weeks

1 Member - Mammoth Lakes, CA - 24 weeks

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date:
1) June 8, 2026
2) April 20, 2026

Estimated End Date:
1) September 25, 2026
2) October 2, 2026

* a 16 or 24-week minimum commitment is required *

Bishop, CA Inyo National Forest

The Inyo National Forest is a large, complex forest, encompassing about two million acres in California and Nevada. It contains several natural features of national and international interest, including nine wilderness areas, six research natural areas, the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and Mt. Whitney. Mammoth Lakes and Bishop are premier locations for outdoor recreation in California with opportunities such as backpacking, fishing, hunting, rock climbing, trail running, and more.

For more information about the Inyo National Forest, please visit the USDA Forest Service website.

• Work with Forest Service staff to identify and flag individual work tasks within the project area.
• Communicate progress and needs to Forest Service staff.
• Assist and mentor crew members with basic trail tasks and skills.
• Perform trail maintenance on both front and backcountry trails.
• Trail maintenance may include logging out trails using a chainsaw or crosscut saw, brushing, tread repair, and maintenance of trail structures such as bridges, steps, and waterbars.
• Construction of water bars, retaining walls, etc may occur.
• Maintenance of saws, equipment and gear will be required.
• Use of technology such as tablets and GPS systems will be used to collect field data such as trail feature inventory, sign inventory, work accomplishments, and resource damage locations. Campsite inventory may also be performed.
• Members chosen to perform trails and wilderness ranger duties may be required to camp in the backcountry for multiple nights to accomplish work assignments.

This placement is designed to facilitate professional development and exposure to land management agencies and professionals. It may include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: 80 hours bi-weekly, typically 9-hour days. May work nine days in a row with 5 days off or 5 days with two days off followed by four days with three days off.

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~80 hours/biweekly and will receive a living allowance of $900/week plus per diem to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• Housing: ACE members will have access to up to $100/week to be used for eligible housing expenses. Space in government barracks may be available.
• Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Experience building trail structures using dry stone masonry techniques.
• Current or previous crosscut saw certification.
• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as trail building.
• Knowledge of trails maintenance and construction methods.
• Ability to work outdoors and at elevations above 10,000 ft while using and transporting a variety of hand tools including crosscut saws, shovels, rakes, loppers, power tools, rigging, etc.
• Ability and willingness to hike 10+ miles in a variety of potentially harsh environmental conditions and camp in a backcountry or front country setting.
• Deep interest in outdoor recreational pursuits and being a productive part of a team.

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting,…