Recreation Coordinator
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Position Title: Recreation Coordinator
Position Duration: Year-round, not to exceed 5 years
Position Start: 5/12/2025
Status: Regular/Full Time
Compensation: $20-24/hr
Position Supervisor: Field Crew Manager
Location: Appalachian Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest
Application Deadline: 4/25/2025
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborate heavily with US Forest Service staff and partners on project work.
Collect and record trail assessment data, recording conditions of trails or areas needing maintenance
Engage with visitors by providing education on: Leave No Trace principles, bear safety and proper canister use, landscape orientation and navigation, general safety awareness.
Craft and curate media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation.
Practice and teach Leave No Trace principles in the field.
Maintain a positive working environment in challenging conditions.
Follow SAWS policies and procedures and attend all SAWS staff events.
Assist in oversight of trail operations district-wide by joining/leading work crews (day trips and 8-day overnights) with an interest in teaching/developing technical skills in others (volunteers, partner crews, USFS staff).
Plan/oversee trail layout and design adhering to USFS specifications and standards using traditional tools, other hand tools, power tools, and small equipment.
Maintain positive and supportive group morale while leading a variety of crews, including by mediating conflict.
Ensure workday safety, lead tailgate safety briefings, and debrief safety incidents.
Perform and lead groups in basic trail maintenance, including: clearing downed trees with chainsaws and crosscut saws, brushing trail corridors, and removing trash.
Teach and use dry stone masonry techniques.
Construction of a variety of trail structures with wood and rock (stairs, check steps, box steps, rolling grade dips, etc.)
Teach and use rigging equipment including griphoists, wire rope, slings, shackles, blocks, and maasdams.
Lead the construction of trail bridges across the district (front & backcountry, native timber & dimensional lumber).
Record project accomplishments and assist with accomplishment reporting for partner crews.
Hike long distances in steep terrain with heavy gear and tools.
Monitor for and maintain high standards for project completion.
Create a work schedule while adjusting to changing priorities and last-minute needs.
Operate a UTV on unpaved USFS roads.
The Recreation Coordinator will attend SAWS orientation and 2 weeks of the Wilderness Skills Institute.
Crosscut, chainsaw, first aid, and UTV driving certifications will be provided.
Training and Work
Benefits
USFS Crosscut saw certification
First Aid and CPR certification
Opportunities for professional development and network growth
Opportunities for pro-rated gear deals
Health, dental, vision insurance (Health: Employee pays 20% of monthly premium, 50% of premium for dependents. Dental & Vision: Employee pays 100% of premiums)
Life and disability insurance
Paid vacation and holidays
Sick leave accrual
Paid parental leave
Qualifications
In addition to enthusiasm for the SAWS mission, applicants should have the following:
Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain for up to 10 miles per day while carrying 60lbs. or more.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
Ability and desire to create a safe and productive work culture.
Knowledge about group dynamics and conflict resolution preferred.
Comfortable navigating and hiking independently in the backcountry with a pack over rough terrain in areas with no or limited cell coverage.
At least 18 months of trail work experience ideally with a variety of projects (logging out, rockwork, rigging, brushing, trail design, timber work).
Ability to certify at a B-bucking chainsaw and crosscut saw level at start of position. Willingness to upcert to a B-felling level once established in position.
Ability to gain a First Aid and CPR certification.
Must have and be able to maintain a valid driver’s license and can drive a saws vehicle and UTV.
Must be able to speak, understand, read, and write English and have strong communication skills both verbal and written.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Ability to pass a federal background check
Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
About Us
Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) sets standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild landscapes. We provide stewardship to protected public lands in the Southern Appalachian region, including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Founded in 2010, SAWS partners with federal agencies, including the Forest Service, to supplement existing stewardship efforts and provide additional support for training, skill-building, and community engagement. SAWS works to support safe access to public lands, preserve natural resources, and develop the next generation of conservation stewards. SAWS is headquartered in Asheville, NC with an office in Roanoke, VA.
SAWS is an equal opportunity employer and provides a drug-free workplace. SAWS values a safe work environment, free from discrimination of any kind.
Learn more about SAWS and what we do on our website www.wildernessstewards.org.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume at the bottom of this webpage. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Questions regarding the application may be submitted via email to Rebekah Morrisson, Program Director at rebekahmorrisson@wildernessstewards.org
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
SAWS is an equal opportunity employer and provides a drug-free workplace. SAWS values a safe, inclusive work environment, free from discrimination of any kind.