Sawyer Apprentice (Swamper)

Description

SAWYER APPRENTICE (SWAMPER)

Reports to:   Forestry Supervisor

Department: Forestry

Status:  Full-Time Seasonal

Posting Date: May 4, 2026

Position Summary:  The Sawyer Apprentice (Swamper) is responsible for the cutting and clearing of trees, brush and debris as assigned.  Includes fire watch for burn piles, assisting with maintenance of downhill and cross-country bike trails, and other trail work as assigned.

Requirements

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Adhere meticulously to all safety training and policies
• Use power tools such as chainsaws and brush saws to clear trees, saplings and blowdowns from trails (chainsaw training and certification available)
• Use drills and other power tools for rock work, timber construction and light carpentry projects
• Use a variety of rigging, typically using a grip hoist and/or a rope winch to move rocks, logs, soil and other heavy materials on project sites
• Operate small equipment such as power wheelbarrows as needed under the direction of the supervisor
• Ahere to all applicable OSHA, VOSHA and FPR safety guidelines while working
• Remove and clear trees, pick up and remove rocks and other debris from bike and ski trails
• Build water diversion structures and maintain existing drainages
• Fall trees and perform sawyer work as required for trail maintenance
• Assist with trail maintenance for community trail systems
• Assist in trail improvements for ski runs, including but not limited to, revegetation, water bar improvements, boundary post placements, and other summer trail improvements

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as a positive, professional role model, adhering to all company policies and hospitality standards
• Maintain an exceptional level of guest service in all interaction with guests, fellow employees, and management
• Assist and support other departments for races, special events, and operations on high-volume days

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of various trail maintenance and construction standards
• Ability and willingness to care for, maintain, and safely use chainsaws, hand tools and power tools
• Basic trail maintenance and construction skills, or similar experience in property maintenance, forestry, construction or landscaping
• Knowledge & experience with basic carpentry skills (training will be provided on technical skills such as milling lumber with chainsaws, etc.)
• Knowledge of rockwork, including proper contact, understanding methods of dry-stacking rocks, along with quarrying and moving rocks
• Understanding of the forces which affect trail surfaces such as surface water movement associated with varying topographies

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Previous outdoors work is required
• Must possess a valid drivers' license and pass a motor vehicle record check
• Must be able to speak, read, write and communicate effectively in the English language
• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred
• Previous trail building work is preferred
• Experience operating a skid steer is preferred
• Chainsaw, ax, and/or crosscut saw experience preferred (opportunities for training will be available)
• Standard first aid, CPR certification, and Wilderness First Aid certifications are preferred
• Current NWCG S-112/212 Certification or equivalent is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Position requires physically demanding tasks be completed outdoors at high altitude throughout a 10-hour shift, including core and arm strength to handle chainsaw, spud bar, pick, shovel, etc.
• Ability to carry 50 pounds and/or tools over rough, uneven terrain under varied weather conditions
• Dexterity for handling tools such as shovel, rake, pick, spud bar, chainsaw 
• Must be able to stand and walk/hike for duration of 10-hour shift
• Work requires reaching, bending, sitting, standing, carrying, lifting and using ladders
• Verbal and auditory abilities necessary for communication with others
• Workweek consists of four (4) 10-hour days; must be available to work weekends as required.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities associated with the job.