Field Coordinator

Help steward a 740-mile water trail that traverses New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine!

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is seeking a Field Coordinator for the 2023 field season. The field coordinator will work with three Stewardship Interns and community volunteers to complete a variety of river access, campsite, and portage trail development projects along our 740 mile water trail.

The Field Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing crew operations by fostering leadership and team development, ensuring adherence to safety guidelines, and facilitating stewardship projects. This is a unique opportunity to cultivate mentoring and facilitation skills while overseeing meaningful trail projects that improve access to our waterways.

Applicants should have prior trail crew experience, competence in both timber and stone techniques, strong outdoor skills; experience operating chainsaws and power tools, experience working in a team environment, confidence with flatwater paddling, and training in wilderness first aid. The Field Coordinator will have additional opportunities to participate in the intern recruitment process and the development of training materials and project plans. There are also opportunities for additional field projects in May and after the summer field season.

Position Details

  • Duration:
    • March-May: 10-40 hours (as available) for intern hiring, season planning, and pre-season projects.
    • June 1st—August 12th: Full-time, field-based (40 hours/week).
    • September-October: As available, assist with post-season field projects
  • $18-$21 per hour compensation, plus food
  • Reimbursement for work-related travel in personal vehicles
  • Base camp in Waitsfield, VT for days off, with a communal kitchen, loft, tent space
  • Opportunity for additional work during the fall and future seasons

Minimum Qualifications

  • Prior trail crew experience; competence in both timber and stone construction techniques.
  • Strong outdoor skills; ability to live and work in remote settings
  • Experience operating various types of equipment, including chainsaws and power tools
  • Experience working in a team environment
  • Confidence with flat water paddling
  • Enthusiasm for physical work, outdoor living, and mentoring
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Prior Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder training

Desired Qualifications

  • Prior trail crew leader experience
  • Experience leading and instructing others in a field setting
  • Experience working with volunteers
  • Chainsaw certification
  • College degree in applicable field

Note: this is a roving, field-based position. The crew camps at rotating project sites. To accommodate volunteers and our waterway work trips, the crew typically works a Wednesday-Sunday schedule. During days off, the crew typically explores the unique recreational opportunities the region offers or returns to a simple home base in Waitsfield, Vermont.

How To Apply

Send cover letter and resume to Noah Pollock at [email protected]. Please include your name in the email subject line followed by “Field Coordinator Position”

Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning January 25th.  The position will remain open until filled.