Lead a field team in Oregon and Washington National Forests

The Trail Team Leader position is often described as the hardest job you will ever love. It requires the ability to work well with people, the aptitude to learn and teach new skills and the willingness to put the needs of the group ahead of your own.

The Mt. Adams Center (MAC) employs a co-leader model with two leaders on every seven person team. Leaders are responsible for creating a strong and collaborative team that can complete projects in a safe and efficient manner. Leaders must be able to communicate well and be capable of creating respectful relationships with peers. Given that teams live and work together for the duration of the season, leaders must also be able to uphold the standards of the program at all times.

The Trail Team Leader position is an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth. The initial 3 months of the program is dedicated to training and preparation for the main project season (June - October). Leaders participate in trainings on Wilderness Advanced First Aid, defensive driving, outdoor living skills, team management and professional communication amongst others. They also spend 6 weeks in southern California learning logistics of trail maintenance.

By the end of the training period, leaders will be assigned a partner and a project for the season. The next 6 months of service include training members on your team, implementing projects and providing oversight . During this period, the team will operate independently.

Mt. Adams field teams are composed of five members and two Team Leaders. Teams will be engaged primarily in trail restoration projects but may also participate in additional projects which may include campground maintenance, native habitat restoration and forest fuel reduction. Teams work and travel throughout Washington, Oregon and California over the course of their term. Successful leaders enter the program with an open mind and eagerness to learn. Below are examples of field teams:

The Pacific Crest Trail Team works from southern California to northern Washington doing trail work exclusively on the PCT. Throughout the season, the team hosts volunteers and works with them on the trail.

The Mt. Hood Team works in the Zig Zag Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest. The team lives in a historic Forest Service cabin and works on a variety of trails in a front country setting.

The Gifford Pinchot (GP) Team split its time between the Mt. Adams District and the St. Helens National Volcanic Monument of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The GP team works on trails in both the front and back country settings.

Teams are either based out of the Mt. Adams Center in Trout Lake, Washington or at other satellite locations. Satellite teams will spend the majority of their term away from the Mt Adams Center, either camping at project sites for weeks at a time or living in housing located near their project site for the entire term. These teams may stay at the Mt Adams Center intermittently during training days or between projects.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

1. Provide leadership and direction while serving along side team members on projects.

2. Serve as a vital communication link between the Mt. Adams Center staff, project sponsors and field team members.

3. Troubleshoot logistical and personnel challenges with the support of the Mt. Adams Center staff.

4. Coordinate project and spike camp logistics with the support of the Mt. Adams Center staff.

5. Organize project related paperwork, including time sheets, project reports and receipts.

6. Encourage and empower team members' personal and professional growth through their service and member development activities.

7. Communicate program policies and procedures to members as needed and assist with program evaluation and development.

8. Facilitate and participate in regular meetings and trainings with team members and Mt. Adams Center staff.

9. Promote a sense of community, collaboration and cohesion among team members.

10. Develop, participate in, and motivate a diverse, hardworking team.

11. Assist in the planning and coordination of Mt. Adams Center events and service days.

12. Analyze projects and train members in appropriate safety practices.

13. Assist with residential chores such as meal preparation, cleaning and recycling, both at the center and at camping sites.

14. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

15. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.

16. Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements:

1. Capable of handling physical nature of the projects, from lifting up to 50 pounds to working on your feet outdoors in rugged terrain for 8+ hours a day.

2. Capable of safely driving a four-wheel drive vehicle with a trailer.

3. Ability to work, communicate and interact well with people in a positive professional manner with various populations.

4. Open minded and eager to learn and teach a wide array of skills and procedures.

5. Participate in all aspects of the residential program, including living at the established site(s), completing household chores and helping create a positive, healthy living environment.

6. 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.

7. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.

8. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.

9. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.

10. Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency.

11. Regular and reliable attendance.

12. Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Valid driver's license, with a clean driving record.

2. Demonstrated leadership ability.

3. Evidence of successful experience with similar programs and/or job functions. These may include: working with groups of youth or adults, facilitating programs of outdoor education, recreation, experiential learning, volunteer service or environmental issues.

4. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of people.

5. Desire to gain outdoor recreation and leadership skills.

6. Highly motivated self starter.

Member Benefits Include:

1. A total taxable living allowance (before taxes) of $11,400. Please note: each month a program fee of $476.00 is deducted from this amount to cover food, training and Natural History Trip.

2. Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $4,725.

3. Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).

4. Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).

5. Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification.

6. Chain saw Certification (class A and B).

7. Pro-deals on outdoor gear.

Service Dates: 2/23/2009 - 11/23/2009

How to apply:

1. Complete all of the application materials found on the "How To Apply" page at www.nwserviceacademy.org/apply.cfm

2. Send application materials and resume` to [email protected]  OR you may mail them to: Stephanie Ludlow NWSA 2453 HWY 141 Trout Lake WA 98650

Questions? Please contact Stephanie at 509-395-3465 or [email protected]