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Crew Lead – Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps
Bishop, CA
Salary: Starting at $25/hour
Become a Crew Lead and Discover the Range of Your Potential!
Applications open and reviewed in the order they are received.
Position: Crew Lead/ Supervisor
Program Dates: May 4, 2026 – September 25, 2026 + WFR Certification or Recert
Compensation: Starting at $4,320/month
Thank you for your interest in the Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps (ESCC)! We are a leadership development organization focused on creating a more diverse and inclusive outdoor community, with a commitment to providing transformative, immersive experiences for historically underrepresented groups. We seek candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, initiative, and a commitment to collaborative community living.
Program Overview
This application is for those interested in the Crew Lead positions with ESCC. Crew Supervisors play a vital role in supporting seasonal programs through administrative duties, logistical assistance, member support, and partner communications. As part of ESCC’s administrative team, Leads help cultivate a safe, inclusive, and high-performing environment. Supervisors report directly to the Coordinators and Director.
In this role, Supervisors lead, support, and guide a crew of 5-10 members, ages 18-30, on either Range or WILDlands Technical Trail Crews, which may include affinity-based teams. Crew Leads are responsible for setting performance standards, ensuring safety, and fostering overall crew well-being. Leads work closely with the ESCC admin team to implement policies outlined in the Crew Member Handbook and other operational guidelines.
This role is field-based, requiring you to work with crews in various remote California locations, sometimes up to 25 miles from the nearest road. You will encounter diverse environmental conditions, including rain, snow, extreme heat or cold, dry weather, lightning, high dust levels, wildfire smoke, and high elevations. Work conditions may include proximity to stock animals (e.g., horses, mules) and exposure to hazards like wildfires, avalanches, falling trees, and wildlife such as deer, insects, snakes, bears, and mountain lions. Safety protocols will be discussed in regular meetings and training sessions.
As a Crew Lead, you will model high work ethics and set the standard for productivity and quality in demanding manual labor, including all aspects of trail maintenance, design, and construction. Physical requirements include hiking 4 – 12 miles daily on rugged terrain, carrying tools and gear, lifting over 50 pounds unassisted, and performing manual tasks throughout the workday. We seek candidates with a commitment to integrity, both in their work and in their interactions with crew members. While the primary focus is trail building and maintenance, additional work may include habitat restoration, tree work, fence repair, and invasive species removal. Maintaining high standards for project quality, safety, and camp life is essential.
The position requires physical tasks, such as sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, and occasionally climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Use of office equipment, phones, and computers is necessary, and the ability to drive an organizational vehicle is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Daily work hours are generally 8 hours, 5 days per week, with the potential for tasks outside of standard hours, including after business hours and weekends. Overnight travel for the season’s duration is required.
Essential Responsibilities and Job Functions
– Uphold and fulfill ESCC’s mission with dedication and enthusiasm for conservation work.
– Work long hours in challenging conditions, often with minimal supervision and communicate effectively with state and federal partners, the public, and ESCC staff.
– Implement service projects per technical work specifications provided by sponsoring agencies and ESCC staff, ensuring high quality and productivity.
– Collaborate with ESCC staff to implement policies as outlined in the crew member handbook and other operational guidelines.
– Facilitate all aspects of crew support and member development throughout the season, including coordinating fieldwork and camp activities, trail training, and managing camp life (e.g., chores, Leave No Trace practices, meal planning, and cooking).
– Lead weekend recreation and the Leader of the Week program (for WILDlands Crews only).
– Implement and adapt ESCC’s core curriculum, training, and classes to meet each crew’s needs.
– Complete and submit required paperwork, including purchases, receipts, timekeeping, and corps member evaluations on a regular basis.
– Apply fair and effective discipline and behavior management as needed, and provide support for member health and safety, including addressing illnesses, workers’ compensation claims, and doctor visits, with transportation assistance as necessary.
– Support pre-season preparations and post-season tasks, including setting up and breaking down camps, maintaining vehicles and equipment, and completing necessary paperwork.
– Manage on-the-ground logistics, such as food shopping, re-supply, and content gathering for social media projects.
Preferred Qualifications
– Range Crew Lead: Minimum of 12 months supervisory experience.
– Range Crew Lead: Minimum of 12 months supervisory experience.
– WILDlands Crew Lead: Minimum of 24 months of supervisory experience, preferably with youth in service-oriented or leadership and development programs.
– Demonstrated experience in outdoor work projects, especially in trail building and maintenance.
– Extensive backcountry living and camping experience.
– Familiarity with a range of land management projects.
– High level of maturity and professionalism.
– Strong verbal and written communication skills.
– Strong verbal and written communication skills.
– Excellent time-management skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
– Flexibility and willingness to work a varying schedule.
– Proficiency with computer programs, databases, and relevant technology, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and mobile app tools.
– Flexibility and willingness to work a varying schedule.
– Proficiency with computer programs, databases, and relevant technology, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and mobile app tools.
– Experience guiding diverse groups of young adults, including Black, Indigenous, People of the Global Majority, Women, Women of Color, and LGBTQ+ communities.
– Relevant certifications, such as chainsaw and crosscut operation.
– Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
– Ability to pass a criminal history background check.
– Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification or higher, such as Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT.
How to Apply
Please upload a cover letter and your resume, including detailed employment history, technical trail work experience, and contact information for two supervisor references and at least one former corps member reference. Be prepared to answer a few essay questions as well. Ensure you have all required information and set aside enough time (approximately 2 hours) to complete the application in one sitting. The full application is provided below if you’d like to copy it and create a draft beforehand.
Please upload a cover letter and your resume, including detailed employment history, technical trail work experience, and contact information for two supervisor references and at least one former corps member reference. Be prepared to answer a few essay questions as well. Ensure you have all required information and set aside enough time (approximately 2 hours) to complete the application in one sitting. The full application is provided below if you’d like to copy it and create a draft beforehand.
For questions, please email us at info@easternsierracc.org.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
ESCC is dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender identity, or any other protected status.
Thank you for considering an opportunity to grow with us at ESCC!
