Trail Crew Member - Tahoe National Forest

Trail Crew Member - Tahoe National Forest, Multiple Districts

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Forest Service, is seeking 10 Trail Crew Members to contribute to trail maintenance projects alongside Tahoe National Forest Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 2026
Estimated End Date: September 2026
* specific dates are listed below

Location Details/

Description:

Tahoe National Forest, multiple districts. The Tahoe National Forest is located in the northern Sierra Nevada (east of Sacramento) and extends from the foothills across the Sierra crest to the California state line. It includes over 850,000 acres of public land interspersed with 350,000 acres of private land in a checkerboard ownership pattern. Rivers, snow‑capped peaks and dense forests offer outstanding recreation year‑round.

A complex set of ecosystems are found as the terrain ascends from 1,500 feet along the western boundary to over 9,000 feet along the crest. The forest provides a variety of resources and opportunities and is managed by the Forest Service.

• 16-Week Term
• Start Date:
  
  May 19, 2026
• Estimated End Date:
  August 8, 2026

• 20-Week term
• Start Date:
  
  May 4, 2026
• Estimated End Date:
  September 21, 2026

• 16-Week Term
• Start Date:
  
  June 1, 2026
• Estimated End Date:
  September 18, 2026

• Work environment is physically demanding, usually in remote locations with high daytime temperatures.
• Perform trail maintenance on both front and backcountry trails.
• Trail maintenance may consist of logging out trails using either a chainsaw or crosscut saw, brushing, tread repair, repair and maintenance of trail structures such as bridges, steps, and waterbars.
• Construction of new trails, 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 utilized to collect field data such as trail feature inventory, sign inventory, work accomplishments, and resource damage locations. Campsite inventory may also be performed.
• Members that are chosen to perform trails and wilderness ranger duties will be required to camp in the backcountry for multiple nights to accomplish work assignments.
• Trail crew may occasionally work with agency partners.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

• Yuba River District:
  Monday-Thursday, ten hour days 07:00-5:30pm
• American River District:
  Monday
  - Thursday, ten hour days, 06:00-4:30pm
• Truckee and Sierraville Districts:
  Monday-Thursday 07:00-5:30

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $780/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or USFS. Up to $240/wk housing reimbursement will be available to help offset the cost of housing. USFS Barracks may be available. Local candidates are encouraged to apply.

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, socks, work pants, etc, and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

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. Specific training may include Chainsaw, CPR/First Aid, ATV, Dirtbike, Crosscut certifications, opportunities may also include training in mechanized trail equipment (mini-excavator/trail dozer).

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and…