Backcountry Trails Camp Supervisor

California Conservation Corps; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Housing - Primarily Camping

Meals/Food Assistance

Job summary

California Conservation Corps is seeking a Lead and Supervise a Backcountry Trail Crew to guide a 12–17 person team in remote wilderness settings. You will plan daily trail projects, assign tasks, and model proper tool use while ensuring quality and on-time delivery.

This hands-on role emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and stewardship of public lands, with responsibilities including safety meetings, emergency response, and program‑policy adherence, while mentoring crew members.

Qualifications

• Supervisor Experience – minimum of two years organizing, instructing and supervising six+ people.
• Valid driver license (appropriate class) issued by DMV is required.
• Pre-employment drug test for CDL positions as per federal regs.
• Background investigation including DOJ fingerprinting and FBI checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a backcountry trail crew of 12–17 young adults.
• Plan, direct, and execute daily trail projects in remote wilderness.
• Provide daily safety meetings and lead emergency responses when needed.
• Ensure compliance with safety rules and program policies.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Safety management

Trail work supervision

Job description

Lead and Supervise a Backcountry Trail Crew

Manage and lead a backcountry trail crew of 12–17 young adults (ages 18–28) while living and working in remote wilderness settings. Plan and direct daily trail projects, assign tasks, and teach safe and effective use of tools and equipment. Work side by side with the crew on trail building and maintenance. Ensure projects meet quality standards and deadlines in partnership with land management agencies. Provide daily safety meetings, lead emergency response when needed, and make sure all safety rules and program policies are followed. This role is hands‑on, outdoors, and focused on teamwork, leadership, and stewardship of public lands.

Support Crew and Individual Development

Create a positive, inclusive crew community where everyone feels supported, respected, and motivated. Mentor and train crew members in personal growth, job skills, teamwork, and outdoor living. Hold one‑on‑one check‑ins and monthly evaluations to help members reach their goals. Encourage a healthy work ethic, communication, and conservation awareness. Organize fun and safe social or recreational activities outside of work hours. Promote teamwork, accountability, and learning throughout the season.

Handle Administrative and Program Responsibilities

Complete paperwork and reports accurately and on time, including timesheets, safety records, evaluations, and project tracking. Maintain crew and equipment records, manage state‑issued vehicles and tools, and ensure everything is used safely and responsibly. Stay organized and communicate clearly with program staff and agency partners.

Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Participate in training and activities that support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Foster a crew culture where all members feel valued and have equal opportunities to grow and succeed.

Special Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Housing - Primarily Camping
• Meals/Food Assistance

Requirements

• Supervisor Experience – Minimum of two years (24 mos.) of experiencein organizing, instructing, supervising, and evaluating six or more people, ages 16-26 in an organization requiring specific accomplishments or completion of specific tasks. Such experience must include direct responsibility for discipline, direction, and welfare of the persons involved.
• Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Pre-employment Drug Test – In accordance with the Federal Highway Administration regulations (49 CFR, Part 382), persons hired to a class requiring a commercial driver license must take and pass a pre‑employment drug test.
• Background Investigation – Undergo fingerprinting and successfully pass a Criminal Offender Record Information check completed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) which may or may not also include a background check through the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Pass a National Sex Offender Public Registry check.
• Medical Exam – A medical clearance exam is required for this position.
• Trail Work Experience – Experience performing trail construction, repair, and maintenance, and experience training/teaching others to perform this work.

Why work here

The Backcountry Trails Camp Supervisor (BCTCS) is, above all else, a leader of young people (18-25), whose duties go far beyond the mere supervision of corps members. The BCTCS is responsible for the personal and professional development of each corps member as they experience everything that comes with living and working with a diverse group of people in remote, isolated backcountry locations for six continuous months while performing rigorous work. The BCTCS must mentor, counsel, train, and direct corps members through an incredibly difficult work/wilderness/cohort experience while ensuring their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing is being looked after.

• Managing, directing, and supervising a backcountry trail crew.
• Facilitating individual development of corps members and the development of a crew community.
• Training corps members in trail repair, maintenance, construction, wilderness living, wilderness navigation, spike camp set‑up and operations.
• Development and implementation of season-long curriculum plan.
• Managing trail projects and supervising a crew performing trail work.
• Performing a variety of administrative duties and functions as operational, departmental, program, and public land management agency needs dictate.