Trail Crew Member (Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps) - AmeriCorps

Ctwoodlands; Connecticut; On-site; USD 18,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Food budget bonus: $10/day

Biweekly $280 extra for returners

AmeriCorps Education Award eligible

Safety gear provided

Job summary

CWCC seeks Trail Crew Member to help build and maintain Connecticut’s Blue-Blazed Trail System. You will live and work with a small crew, camping in remote areas, and contributing to trail projects across the state.

The role is AmeriCorps-based, with a weekly stipend and additional benefits. Camping gear and safety equipment are provided, along with leadership and outdoor recreation training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a small, cohesive team.
• Overnight camping experience helpful but not required.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse groups.
• Appreciation for the natural world, conservation and outdoor recreation.
• Ability to hike up to five miles daily on varied terrain.
• Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Familiarity with operating hand and power tools encouraged.
• Reliable transportation to CFPA HQ.
• Strong commitment to CFPA’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Overnight camping while working in remote regions of Connecticut.
• Cooperatively living with other members and performing joint living tasks, including cooking and cleaning.
• Create or rehabilitate new trails and complete trail conservation projects.
• Contribute to tool maintenance and group gear cleaning.
• Work with volunteers inside and outside CFPA.
• Work in natural areas in Connecticut and appreciate their importance.
• Actively participate in work and educational opportunities.
• Represent CFPA positively in all interactions.
• Perform additional duties as needed.
• Follow CDC and State guidelines and protocols.

Skills

Teamwork

Overnight camping

Independent work

Nature appreciation

Hiking ability

Outdoor endurance

Tool familiarity

Reliable transport

Commitment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Trail Crew Member (CM) Position Description

Love being outside? Interested in being on a crew while working 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, $280/week additional benefit, Total: $680/Week Age Requirement: 18-25+ years old (must be 18+ as of start date)Terms of Service:

Summer - Fall: Early June 2026 - Late October 2026 (~20 weeks total)(675hr AmeriCorps Service Term)Summer Only: Early June 2026 - Mid August 2026 (~10 weeks total)Fall Only: Early Late August 2026 - Late October 2026 (~10 weeks total)(300hr 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

• Overnight camping while working in remote regions of Connecticut.
• Cooperatively living with other members and performing joint living tasks:
• Such as cooking, cleaning, and other camp chores.
• Create / rehabilitate new trails, and complete other trail conservation projects.
• Contribute to tool maintenance and group gear cleaning at the end of spikes.
• Openness to potentially work with a variety of volunteers inside and outside of CFPA.
• Work in beautiful natural areas in Connecticut and develop an appreciation for their importance.
• Actively participate in work and at the educational opportunities presented to the group.
• Positively represent CFPA in all interactions.
• Perform additional duties as needed.
• Follow all CDC and State-mandated guidelines and protocols.

Benefits & Additional Compensation

• Additional benefit: $280 paid biweekly ($300 paid biweekly for returners)
• Food: $10 per day per person while working added to crew food budget
• Possible student loan forbearance during service and interest payments as AmeriCorps alum
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award (if eligible and upon successful completion of program)

• Summer & Fall: 675 hours ($2,817.14 ED Award)
• Summer or Fall only: 300 hours ($1,565.08 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.
• Communal experience living and working with others while learning about trail conservation.
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye pro, and other necessary safety equipment is provided.
• Tents and group camping equipment provided.
• Workers compensation (if injured during work hours).
• Transportation from CFPA Headquarters worksites.
• 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

• Ability to work in a small, cohesive team.
• Overnight camping experience helpful but not required.
• Ability to work independently and in a small cohesive team. Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse race, age, gender, ability, and economic background.
• Appreciation for the natural world, conservation and outdoor recreation.
• Ability to hike up to five miles daily and perform work in sometimes steep and uneven terrain while carrying heavy tools and / or personal gear.
• Willing to work outside in hot or cold weather, while being exposed to sun, rain, insects, etc.
• Familiarity and/or desire to learn how to operate hand and power tools.
• 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.

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.