Roads Crew Member or Trainee

JOB TITLE: Roads Crew Member (trainee or crew member)

JOB CLASS: Trainee: $18.25 - $20.25 

Crew Member: $20.50 - $22.75

Seasonal, Hourly, Full time (40 hrs/week)

About the Watershed Research and Training Center

The Watershed Research and Training Center (WRTC) sustains healthy lands and healthy communities. What started in the early 1990s as a local project to re-train displaced loggers and mill workers in Trinity County, CA is now a vibrant nonprofit organization working locally, statewide and nationally on a host of landscape conservation and community development issues. In addition to putting dozens of our community members back to work in the woods each year, we lead several forest and watershed conservation programs, coordinate state biomass and fire management partnerships, and have played an influential role in state and federal policy-making and program direction. 

Job Summary

The WRTC is seeking a full time Roads Program Associate Tech or Trainee to assist with the implementation of a variety of watershed restoration projects in the Trinity and South Fork Trinity River watersheds.  This position will work under the direction of the Roads Division Manager and in support of Program Associates in multiple programs.  Key goals for this position will include: 1) conduct road inventories, assist equipment operator, and assist in the implementation of road treatments to reduce the sediment discharge into waterways and improve fish passage, 2) provide support during design, layout, construction, and revegetation of road-related projects, 3) Work closely with all personnel in the Watershed Stewardship program to support future and current projects.  This position will mainly be located out of the WRTC’s Weaverville office but will require frequent travel in Trinity County in a company vehicle. A valid California driver’s license will be required.

While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to hike and navigate difficult terrain in inclement, hot, or smoky weather, and often near or around water. They must be able to drive on remote Forest Service roads, use electronic devices such as computers, tablets, phones, and GPS, and will occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Job Duties and Core Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly and effectively with co-workers and supervisors and follow direction from project managers and supervisors.
• Interact positively and professionally with colleagues, landowners, managers, partners, and contractors.

Data Collection and Inventories:

• Data collection, photos, and analysis including ArcGIS Pro data curation and map making.
• Identify sites to reduce road-sourced sediment.
• Road improvement implementation planning including creation of work plans (MS Excel) and maps. 
• Performs related work as assigned.

Road Maintenance, Upgrades, and Decommissioning Projects:

• Perform field crew duties such as inventorying roads, staking and painting of project sites, implementing treatments, stocking of materials (mulch/culverts/drainage materials), implementation of BMPs, installing live water diversions, shoveling, raking, finish work, and stabilization/revegetation (seeding and mulching) of work sites.
• Assist heavy equipment operators by working as a ground person.  This includes shoveling, chaining, and moving fire suppression tools. 
• Using power tools to install signs, modify culverts, and mulch finished worksites.
• Support other Watershed Stewardship Program projects by collecting data, implementation, and documentation for future and current projects.

Other key functions:

• Help facilitate the maintenance of the Roads Division vehicles and equipment with the assistance of the Roads Division Manager and the Fleet Manager. 
• Assist other staff within the Watershed Stewardship Program with project tasks.

Salary:

• Trainees (people who have no prior fieldwork experience) earn between $18.25 - $20.25 per hour.
• Crew members (people who have prior relevant experience) earn between $20.50-$22.75 per hour.

Locations:

• Office (5%): Hayfork, CA and/or Weaverville, CA
• Remote field work (95%): Field work can occur across the entire Trinity River watershed, working in remote locations in the South Fork Trinity River and upper Trinity River.

Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• Ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly in a single day.
• Lift and load heavy tools and equipment into vehicles and equipment.
• A strong work ethic and enthusiasm for conducting fieldwork.
• Possess a general understanding of, or interest in, fisheries, aquatic ecosystems, or hydrology.
• Natural resource background preferred.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive 4WD vehicles in all types of weather.
• Must be able to navigate, drive, and traverse rugged terrain with all needed gear and tools to accomplish the job or task.
• Ability to navigate off road using a compass, GPS and USGS topographic maps;
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and be punctual.

Additional Information 

This is a seasonal position for the 2026 field season. A typical season is May through October.  An extended season or additional employment opportunities may be available. This position’s regular work schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm (four 10-hour days). While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer, phone, or tablet. Willingness to camp is required for this position, field work may require overnight camping.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on March 30, 2026. The job will remain open until filled. Interested parties should send a cover letter, resumé, and a list of references to Cindy Buxton: cbuxton@thewatershedcenter.com

*Please format your resumé and cover letter in PDF form and rename the file with your name included*

**Please include the job title of the position you are applying for in the email subject line**

The Watershed Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran or marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected status entitled under federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws.