FAMB is Hiring for 2023 Trail Crew

Job Title:
Trail Crew Member

About Us: 
Flathead Area Mountain Bikers, Inc. (FAMB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to preserve and advance mountain biking in the Flathead Valley of northwest Montana. We provide free mountain bike skills clinics to our members and organize volunteer trail-work events. We manage & maintain Spencer Mountain Freeride Trails in Whitefish as well as Whitefish’s pump track in Armory Park. FAMB’s Flathead Trail Crew (FTC) is a county-wide trail crew that works on multi-use trails on public lands. Multi-use trails include trails open to bikers, hikers, motorbikes, dogs, and horses. The FTC’s work season is primarily funded by donations from the community during the Great Fish Community Challenge as well as funding granted through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) in partnership with the USFS Flathead National Forest.

Responsibilities: 
Reporting to FAMB’s Trail Crew Leader (TCL), each crew member will help carry out projects on public trails that are recognized as valuable to the mountain biking community:

• Learn and understand trail maintenance tasks on each project, including clearing downed trees, brushing, tread repairs/improvements, and effective drainage.
• Perform trail work independently and as a team under the guidance of the TCL while working directly with the USFS on trail improvements.
• Comply with trail standards & regulations in cooperation with partners & land managers. 
• Assist in maintenance of FAMB tools & equipment (chainsaw and brusher cleaning/sharpening, hand tool sharpening, etc).
• Act as an ambassador for FAMB on trail, educating others about us and our mission.

Qualifications:
Can perform duties safely under the guidance of TCL and without constant direct supervision:

• Previous trail crew or chainsaw experience is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work and be comfortable hiking with tools & heavy packs in various weather conditions.
• Strong teamwork & communication skills.
• Familiarity with trail design & building techniques is preferred, but not required. 

Certifications:

• Minimum of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification & CPR is required (FAMB can assist in getting you this certificate if you don't already have it)

Expectations:

• Attend Forest Service Chainsaw Certification class at beginning of the summer season. Date TBD. This allows us to have multiple independent chainsaw crews spread over a long trail or multiple trails if needed. 
• Ability to hike +/- 4 miles with 40-60 lbs every day.
• Possible 2-3 night camping trips 2x/month.
• Time off communicated at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Sick days communicated at least 1 day in advance.
• Ability to submit daily timesheets to record work done.
• Possession of tent/hammock, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and 20-40L backpack.

Compensation & Schedule:  
This is a seasonal position where scheduling can vary significantly, generally ranging from 20-40 hours per week. Trail work is inherently prone to scheduling changes depending on seasonal conditions and weather (timing of snow thaw & accumulation, fire restrictions & air quality, extreme temperatures). 40 hrs/wk is not guaranteed, some trails require a difference in travel/hike to projects, some require more or less maintenance. 
FAMB is devoted to the recognition of our employees and appreciates the commitment to work through the entire season and/or communicate one’s employment timeframe in advance.

• Starting wages at $16.00 - $19.00 per hour depending on qualifications. 
• Potential for performance-based wage increases.
• This position will likely begin in late-April/early-May and continue into mid-October. 
• Scheduling is flexible given communication & advance-notice with the TCL.

To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter to Ron Brandt, FAMB’s Executive Director, at [email protected]. 
FAMB is committed to diversity & inclusion in fair-hiring practices.