Update, April 16, 2024: The Great Divide Trail Association would like to thank everyone for their interest in this position. We are no longer accepting submissions for this position. We will be reaching out to applicants shortly.
The Great Divide Trail Association is looking for a motivated individual to work as our Field Work Coordinator during the summer of 2024. This is a short-term position, starting as early as May and concluding mid-August. The Field Work Coordinator will be expected to work up to 40 hours per week in
the summer months including overnight trips lasting 3 – 6 nights in length.
About The Great Divide Trail Association
The Great Divide Trail Association is dedicated to maintaining, protecting and promoting the
Great Divide Trail. The trail traverses the continental divide between Alberta and British
Columbia, through the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountains for more than 1100
kilometers. Each year, over 100 volunteers under the guidance of the GDTA, spend 3 to 6 days
as part of a trail crew, building new routes and performing maintenance on this historic trail.
Through these efforts, hikers and backpackers of all ages safely and responsibly explore one of
the most spectacular and challenging long-distance trails on the planet.
The Field Work Coordinator Role
This job is an excellent opportunity for a passionate outdoors enthusiast who wants to provide
others with the opportunity to experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains while building and
maintaining an iconic trail. It is also a great opportunity to work with like-minded individuals
and volunteers.
The Field Work Coordinator is in the field with volunteers and/or assisting the Trip Managers
behind the scenes. This role is critical in creating a positive, rewarding experience for the
volunteers and ensuring the success of the program. Through effective volunteer
communication, equipment coordination, organization, support and the timely resolution of
issues, the Field Work Coordinator enables Trip Managers to focus on leadership, safety, and
quality assurance. The Field Work Coordinator is involved in many aspects of the program
cycle, from communication with the various Trip Managers, equipment coordination,
maintenance & delivery, assisting on the trips themselves, leading trail assessment, trips to
post-trip documentation and review. This position reports to the Executive Director and works
with the Trail Building & Maintenance Committee Chair, the Equipment Manager, Trip
Coordinator, and Trip Managers.
The Field Work Coordinator is a short-term position, starting as early as May and concluding
mid-August. The Field Work Coordinator will be expected to work up to 40 hours per week in
the summer months including overnight trips lasting 3 – 6 nights in length. The most significant
amount of time will be required July to mid-August, which is when most of the trail building and
maintenance trips occur.
Responsibilities
Field Work
- Following through on pre and post trip logistics; transport of tools and equipment
- Trail repair and maintenance following required trail standards
- Providing support to Trip Managers by helping volunteers learn trail maintenance skills &
camp tasks - Preforming simple equipment maintenance, keeping equipment organized
- Assist Trip Managers in scouting, flagging and designing trails
- Educate volunteers about environmental stewardship, leave no trace, and GDT history
- Assist Trip Managers with safety briefing, and creating a culture of safety
- Participate in trail maintenance training
Communication and Coordination with Trip Coordinator, Trip Managers & Equipment Team - Consult with Trip Leaders (Trip Managers, Equipment Managers) to ensure that equipment
needs are understood and delivered. - Assisting Trip Managers with the trip coordination and planning through regular email and
personal correspondence and periodic Trail Building and Maintenance Committee meetings, - Assisting Trip Managers with organizing volunteers, equipment, tools and consumables
transportation - Assist Trip Coordinator in contacting volunteers in order to prepare them for trail trips
- Obtain safety and contact list from Trip Coordinators
- Ensure the GDTA Safety Plan is understood and clearly communicated to volunteers
- During trips, verifying volunteers have safely reached camp and home
- Helping Trip Managers complete post-trip reports and paperwork
Communication and Coordination with GDTA - Coordinating with the GDTA Outreach Committee regarding social media content
newsletter articles - Working with the Safety Sub-committee to ensure that GDTA Safety Plan and relevant
safety procedures
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Physically fit and capable of carrying out designated responsibilities
- Able to communicate effectively, orally and in written form, with volunteers, supervisors
and the general public - A personal vehicle is required to travel to trail networks/trail access points
- Comfortable driving a truck and side by side
- Self-directed, ability to work independently
- Ability to work outdoors in variety of weather conditions
- Minimum Level 1 first aid certificate required; wilderness first aid certification is an
asset (or willing to obtain) - Ability to carry out minor repairs to small equipment and tools
- Possess skills, knowledge, and experience in operating and maintaining a wide variety of
equipment, including chainsaws; brush saws; is an asset - Sound working knowledge of trails surfacing, drainage, erosion and slope stability as
they relate to trail maintenance is an asset - Any additional outdoor leadership training is an asset
Time Commitment:
Duration: May 15 – September 4, 2024* – requires overnight trips up to 6 days in length.
Pay: $25-$30/hour plus mileage for use of personal vehicle
Location: Base in Calgary, Alberta, and field work will largely be located in (but not limited to) the Crowsnest Pass area.
* dates are subject to change based on funding
