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Crest Runner (2 positions available)

Crest Runner (2 positions...

Seasonal Employment Opportunity - Crest Runners (Two positions available)

Position Description:

Protecting the PCT experience and natural resources along the trail is largely dependent upon having well-informed, safe, and responsible trail users, providing real-time conditions, and collecting high-quality visitor use information data. One of the most effective ways to do this is through in-person contacts on the trail.

The Crest Runner serves as a key member of the PCT team, providing information and education to trail users while also collecting key visitor use data and information. The Crest Runner authentically engages with and supports trail users by providing information about the PCT and PCTA, local regulations, safe and responsible trail use and trail conditions. They also compile, collect, and report on visitor use data.

To accomplish this work, in Southern California the Crest Runners will spend most of their time hosting an information table at the Southern Terminus while also spending time hiking on the trail and interacting with trail users. In the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains, the Crest Runners will spend the majority of their time hiking and backpacking on the PCT between Kennedy Meadows and Mammoth Lakes, CA, sharing safe & responsible use information and collecting visitor use and permit data. The Crest Runner season is from mid-February through mid-August with a regional transition typically occurring in May.

In this position, you will have the opportunity:

Welcome PCT users to the PCT's Southern Terminus to provide trail information and encourage safe & responsible use of the trail through tactics such as

Campsite selection, human waste disposal and dry camping considerations

Provide information about the PCT including fire closures, snow levels, and local conditions

Collect and report on visitor use data using standard protocols

Conduct voluntary permit checks to collect information related to visitor use management and distribute PCT hang tags

Work closely with PCTA staff, agency partners, and volunteers to understand visitor use management issues and develop strategies to reduce visitor use impact

Effectively communicate visitor use management issues and strategies to local, national, and international users

Day-hike and backpack along beautiful stretches of the PCT, often for multiple days at a time, interacting with and providing education to trail users

See full job description on our website at: https://www.pcta.org/about-us/jobs/

What makes you a great fit for this position?

Minimum of one year of professional experience in a field that could include education, relationship building, interpretation, outdoor recreation, or other related fields

Experience with backcountry travel, backpacking and, ideally, long-distance hiking

Experience and ability to camp self-reliantly in the backcountry

Experience providing education and interacting with the public

Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to effectively communicate and interact with a wide range of people

Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing conditions in the field. A few specific considerations that may affect the duties of this position include environmental conditions such as snow and wildfires, among others.

Ability to create a welcoming environment for all people

Strong organizational skills and experience with data collection

Ability to work as part of a small team

Ability to work independently and be self-motivated

Physical Requirements:

Ability to day-hike and backpack up to 15 miles per day on the PCT and side trails, while carrying backpacking equipment and food for multiple days at a time

Ability to lift and carry a 30-pound backpack while walking on trail

Comfortable working in front and backcountry settings, at high elevations, and in inclement weather

Ability to operate a motor vehicle for multiple hours at a time

Ability to work at a computer for several hours at a time

Other Requirements:

Must have a reliable personal vehicle for travel to and from trailheads and other work locations, with potential for travel on rough roads.

Have or can acquire own personal camping and backpacking equipment like a shelter, sleeping bag and pad, cooking/eating kit and stove, backpack, other necessary overnight gear as necessitated by conditions.

Typical Working Conditions, Duty Stations, and Travel:

The Crest Runner works from a satellite location within the region under the direct supervision of PCTA's Regional Manager with support from the local agency staff and PCTA staff. Regular backcountry travel with substantial time overnight in the field is to be expected as well as weekends, possible early mornings, and some evenings. The Crest Runner is expected to communicate regularly with their PCTA supervisor between scheduled field time and as needed. PCTA will reimburse for work travel expenses.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time hourly seasonal staff position. Hourly pay is $22 and Crest Runners will work approximately 40 hours per week and are eligible for overtime pay. PCTA reimburses for mileage at the IRS rate. Housing is typically not provided; however, a car-camping tent will be offered for the season. Administrative campsites provided by the USFS will be available for the Crest Runners to use during work and off time. Gear stipend of up to $300 is provided. Benefits include paid holidays, vacation, and sick time, health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability.

To Apply:

The deadline to apply is November 2, 2025. E-mail resume and letter of interest to hr@pcta.org with the subject line "Crest Runner." Please include your name in each document (i.e., "akass resume," "akass references"). We anticipate the first round of interviews will be held the week of November 10th and, if needed, the second round of interviews will be held the week of November 17th with a start date the week of Feb 16th. All interviews will be conducted either via phone or video chat (Zoom or Teams). For questions, contact Anitra Kass at akass@pcta.org.

Posted Online 4 weeks ago

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Getches-Wilkinson Center Water Law Fellow

Getches-Wilkinson Center Water...

Program Overview

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment (GWC) at the University of Colorado Law School invites applications for the next GWC Water Law Fellow - an early-career attorney eager to make a difference in the field of water law and policy.

The Water Law Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work on today's most pressing water law reform challenges. Fellows are mentored by leading faculty and practitioners and partner with decision-makers from the nonprofit, government, and private sectors.

Water Law Fellows will be expected to draft at least one paper for publications in the first year and to assist with organizing conferences, workshops, public education events, and other GWC events. Fellows may also publish white papers on current topics, attend conferences on water-related topics, draft blog posts and other communications on emerging issues, and work on other projects that develop in-depth expertise in water law.

Key benefits include:

Personalized research agenda and drafting original scholarship for publication supported by GWC staff and Colorado Law Faculty, focused on real-world water law challenges in the American West, including Colorado River management, interstate water governance, groundwater management, and Tribal water rights.
Mentorship from faculty, GWC staff, and practicing attorneys - opportunities to work alongside GWC's Executive and Assistant Directors, the Director of GWC's Western Water Policy Program, and access to GWC's network of leaders on the Advisory Council.
Opportunities to collaborate with leaders in NGOs, government agencies, Tribes, and private practice.
The freedom to explore creative, multidisciplinary solutions to water challenges in the West.
Travel support to represent GWC at professional gatherings, conferences and networking events.
Organization and participation in workshops, public events and conferences at Colorado Law.

Terms, Salary, and Benefits:

Start date: Flexible between January 1 and September 1, 2026.
Duration: One year, with the option to extend for a second year.
Salary: $75,000/year, plus travel and training support.
Location: Boulder, CO
Benefits: Excellent medical, dental, and transit benefits (ECO Pass) through the University of Colorado Boulder

What we require:

J.D.
At least one year of relevant professional experience or a demonstrated commitment to water issues during law school (judicial clerks encouraged to apply).
Excellent research and writing skills.

What we would like you to have:

Strong academic record.
Background in water or natural resources law.
Experience in environmental research.
Commitment to equity and service to underrepresented communities.
Collaborative, team-oriented approach.

Application Instructions:

Submit the following as a single PDF to Annie Carlozzi (annie.carlozzi@colorado.edu) by Monday, November 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Cover letter explaining your interest in water law and the Fellowship.
Resume (max 2 pages)
Law school transcript (unofficial accepted)
Writing sample (max 10 pages)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

The Water Law Fellowship is open to individuals regardless of race, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender. We encourage individuals from groups historically underrepresented in environmental conservation to apply.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Annie Carlozzi, GWC Assistant Director, at annie.carlozzi@colorado.edu

Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment advances the truly sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, with a focus on the American West, by:

Influencing natural resources law and policy, including issues of water, land, climate change, and the rights of Tribes and Indigenous Peoples; and

Educating, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of committed lawyers and advocates devoted to justice and equity.

Posted Online 1 week ago

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