Trail Crew Member

Trail Crew Member

Department:
Activities

Reports To:

Recreation Manager

Employment Type:

Seasonal (April– October), with potential for extension

Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Non-Exempt (Hourly)

The Trail Crew Member is responsible for the stewardship of our extensive trail network, which caters to mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. This role involves maintaining existing routes and actively participating in the construction of new purpose-built singletrack and multi-use trails. The ideal candidate is a passionate outdoor professional who understands the nuances of sustainable trail building and can operate effectively in a high-end guest service environment.

• Act as a knowledgeable Ranch Ambassador; be prepared to offer trail recommendations, identify local flora/fauna, or provide directions with a warm, professional demeanor. You are often the  face of the ranch  in remote areas. When encountering guests on the trail, pause work to allow safe passage and engage in polite, knowledgeable conversation regarding the ranch and routes.
• Perform routine brushing, limbing, and removal of deadfall across 5,500 acres to ensure safe clearance for riders (equestrian and MTB) and hikers. Maintain tidy and professional work site(s), even mid-project, to preserve the ranch’s aesthetic.
• Identify and repair drainage issues, erosion, and braking bumps; perform frequent maintenance of grade reversals, knicks, and rolling dips.
• Regularly inspect trail features (berms, bridges, rock gardens) for structural integrity and safety; report hazards immediately to the Recreation Manager.
• Execute new trail builds based on flagged corridors using hand tools and/or mechanized equipment; work includes bench cutting, rock armoring, retaining wall construction, and finishing work.
• Assist in the creation of specific features including flow trail berms for mountain bikes and hardened stream crossings for horses.
• Navigate and work in challenging terrain, utilizing the natural landscape (canyons/gulches) to create engaging and sustainable trail alignments.
• Sharpen, clean, and maintain a fleet of hand tools (Pulaskis, McLeods, rogue hoes) and power tools (chainsaws, brush cutters).
• Safely operate 4x4 trucks and UTVs (Side-by-sides) to transport crew and gear to remote areas of the ranch.

• Minimum of 1–2 seasons of professional trail building or conservation corps experience.
• Understanding of sustainable trail guidelines (IMBA for bikes, USFS standards for stock/hiking).
• Proven experience with chainsaw operation and safety (sawyer certification preferred).
• Ability to hike 5+ miles daily over steep, uneven terrain while carrying a 40lb pack and tools. Ability to lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs. frequently.
• Ability to work long hours in variable Montana weather conditions (heat, rain, snow, bugs).
• Strong riding ability is highly preferred to test flow, speed management, and feature safety on bike-specific trails.
• Experience operating mini-excavators (e.g., Kubota U17/KX040) or skid steers for trail construction preferred.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification preferred.
• Experience with dry stone masonry or rock armoring preferred.

• Understands the difference between a "flow trail" for bikes and a robust, safe trail for horses; knows how to maintain both.
• Has an eye for the detail-oriented; in a luxury setting, the aesthetics of the trail (finish work) matter as much as the function.
• Is self-motivated and capable of working autonomously in remote areas of the ranch.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The Ranch at Rock Creek is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.