Trail Crew Leader (Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps) - AmeriCorps

Ctwoodlands; Connecticut; On-site; USD 18,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Biweekly stipend

Food budget

Education Award

Uniforms provided

Safety gear provided

Job summary

CWCC in Connecticut seeks an AmeriCorps Crew Leader to mentor 3-4 crew members on trail projects, including repairs, new construction, and tool maintenance, while upholding safety and CFPA standards in outdoor settings.

Typical duties include coordinating logistics, leading groups at camp, and ensuring health and safety guidelines are followed; benefits include a weekly stipend, an education award, and gear provided for field service across the CT Blue-Blazed Trail System.

Qualifications

• Experience serving in outdoor settings and camping.
• Ability to hike up to five miles daily on uneven terrain.
• Strong leadership and teamwork in diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and lead 3-4 crew members to complete trail projects safely.
• Oversee camp preparations and load supplies.
• Coordinate projects and logistics with staff.
• Ensure CFPA standards and safe operations.
• Report incidents affecting safety and health.
• Follow CDC and state public health guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Outdoor experience

Camping experience

Hiking five miles daily

Interpersonal skills

Project logistics

Emergency management

Valid driver’s license

Wilderness First Aid

Chainsaw use

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Wilderness First Aid

Chainsaw use

Job description

Love being outside? Interested in leading a crew while serving outdoors, traveling, and camping in a small tight-knit group? If this sounds appealing to you, then CWCC is the place to gain hands‑on experience in the trail conservation and outdoor recreation fields. Serve as an AmeriCorps member to build and maintain Connecticut's 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System

Compensation: $400/week living stipend, $390/week additional benefit, Total: $790/WeekAge Requirement: 21-28+ years old as of late May 2026Terms of Service:

Summer - Fall: Late April, 2026 - Late October, 2026 (~28 weeks total)(900hr AmeriCorps Service term)

Summer Only: Late April, 2026 - Mid August, 2026 (~15 weeks total)(450hr AmeriCorps Service term)

Schedule

Typical schedule is 8 (9- hour) days and 1 (8-hour) day for derig with 5 days off in between.

Occasionally schedules may differ due to program requirements. Camping overnight during spikes: tents and group camping equipment provided.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Mentor, motivate and lead 3-4 crew members and the assistant leader to complete a variety of trail projects in a safe manner including repairs, new construction and tool maintenance.
• Positively establish a safe, fun and inclusive environment for the crew at project site and at camp.
• Oversee camp preparations and ensure all required material / supplies are loaded.
• Support and encourage an environment in which members thrive.
• Coordinate projects and logistics with staff.
• Create clear objectives for project service and clarify to the crew or volunteers.
• Complete full assessment of the project and determine if it was successful.
• Report all incidents affecting the safety, health, and well‑being of volunteers or crew members.
• Ensure all projects are up to CFPA standards and positively represent CFPA in all interactions.
• Perform additional duties as needed.
• Follow all CDC and State-mandated public health guidelines and protocols.

Additional Benefits

• Additional Benefit: $390 paid biweekly
• Food: $10 per day per person while serving added to crew food budget.
• Possible student loan forbearance during service and interest payments as an AmeriCorps alum.
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award (if eligible and upon successful completion of program)
• Summer & Fall: 900 hours ($3,679.50 ED Award)
• Summer: 450 hours ($1,956.35 ED Award)

What CWCC Can Offer You

• Strong experience for a career in outdoor recreation, conservation, or land management.
• Educational workshops in land conservation and environmental education.
• Assistance with independent study or internship credit possible.
• Serve in beautiful natural areas in Connecticut and develop an appreciation for their importance.
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment is provided.
• Tents and group camping equipment provided.
• Workers compensation (if injured during service hours).
• Transportation from CFPA Headquarters service sites.

Training and Skills Provided

• Wilderness First Aid / Chainsaw use
• Defensive driving with trailer
• Leave No Trace
• Hand & power tool safety / use
• Bridge building
• Rough carpentry
• Leadership skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience serving in an outdoor setting and camping experience.
• Ability to maintain productivity independently.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with people of diverse race, age, gender, ability, and economic background.
• Experience managing project logistics.
• Strong interpersonal skills to ensure a fun, safe and quality crew experience.
• Demonstrated skills in trail maintenance and construction.
• Ability to remain calm and manage emergency situations.
• Ability to hike up to five miles daily and perform in sometimes steep and uneven terrain.
• Willing to serve outside in hot or cold weather, while being exposed to sun, rain, insects, etc.
• Valid driver's license and dependable transportation to and from CFPA Headquarters.
• A strong commitment to CFPA's mission.

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• At least 17 years of age (Please see CFPA/CWCC age requirements).
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

Crew Leader will not include disciplinary action, evaluating crew members, or creating the crew budget.

Headquarters located at: 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, CT 06481

CFPA is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. CFPA does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color,

religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.