9WM: Trailhead Steward - Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR)

Trailhead Steward - Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR)

The White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) is a recreation destination for hikers around the world. With over 1200 miles of trails, the WMNF sees 5 to 6 million visitors a year, and numbers are on the rise! This rise in visitation has also brought an uptick in the number of search and rescue incidents as more and more unprepared hikers hit the trail. This program seeks to combat this issue through its mission.

The Trailhead Steward Program encourages outdoor safety and conservation in the WMNF by interacting with hikers, backpackers and climbers at trailheads to promote responsible enjoyment and protection of public land.    

Responsibilities:

• Choose one of five busy trailheads to staff on weekends—typical shift is 4-5 hrs, two shifts required.  This program runs from mid-May through mid-October.
• This is a HIKER SAFETY program! Provide safety, weather and leave no trace information to forest visitors at trailheads before they begin their trip
• Ability to approach forest visitors and educate on outdoor safety while representing the WMNF in a volunteer uniform

Desired Qualifications:

• Good communication skills!
• Knowledge of White Mountain trails and fluency in French a plus
• Ability to work in a team setting and independently if desired

Training:

• Required annual classroom training provided every spring - April 4th, 2020
• On the job training is provided through Lead Volunteer Stewards
• Enjoy other training offered throughout the year; First Aid/CPR/AED, defensive drivers training, sign installation training, etc.  

Benefits:

• This position provides an opportunity to offer advice to fellow hikers and to prevent costly search and rescue by advising those who are under prepared
• Volunteer uniform provided; Safety orange Tshirt, hat, uniform shirt
• Be part of a tight-knit volunteer community with opportunities to socialize and hike with other volunteers
• Choose your own hours and shifts through an easy to use online signup system.  There are many shifts to choose from, May - October, which can accommodate the busiest schedules!  
• Ability to get involved in a wide variety of volunteer programs once you get your feet wet; backcountry steward, woodshop volunteer, fairs and special events, etc. 
• WMNF Annual Recreation Pass-16 hours of service
• America the Beautiful Volunteer Pass (your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites) after 250 hours of service