The Pacific Crest Trail Association

UPDATES: Hiring!

Hiring:

To Apply: The deadline to apply is September 15, 2025.  Please e-mail resume and letter of interest to the hiring team at hr@pcta.org with the subject line “North Cascades Regional Manager.”

The Regional Manager serves as PCTA’s primary staff within their respective region, working closely with other staff, volunteers, nonprofit and agency partners. They develop and maintain the organization’s regional programs to ensure maintenance, management, and protection of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), related facilities, and the trail experience.  The Regional Manager facilitates the cooperative work of the land management agencies, partners, and volunteer groups responsible for the PCT experience, as established through the National Trail System Act. Through collaboration with trailwide staff, they develop and implement trail maintenance and management programs. The Regional Manager works with partners within the region to collect information, establish priorities, and develop strategies that allow partnerships to accomplish broad overall goals for the PCT found in PCTA’s Strategic Plan. The Regional Manager supervises volunteers and staff working in the region. 

Typical office equipment including laptop computer, necessary computer peripherals, and other standard office equipment. Field equipment used includes standard trail tools including hand tools such as Pulaskis, McLeods, pick mattocks, rock bars, sledgehammers, and shovels. Advanced tools including crosscut and chain saws, brush saws, and rigging systems. Regular overnight travel and an irregular work schedule that includes weekends and evening work is expected to attend trail projects, trainings, and various meetings. PCTA covers travel expenses.  

In this position, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Establish partnerships and coordinate with the land management agencies, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and communities located within the region 

• Develop productive working relationships with state and federal land management partners at various levels within the agencies responsible for the administration of the PCT (see regional addendum for specific agency units) 

• Collaborate with the volunteer programs staff to oversee the regional volunteer programs, including program development, recruitment, training, certification, safety, recognition, and tracking of volunteers and partners, as well as building alliances with other organizations to coordinate PCT projects 

• Cultivate volunteer leaders to develop their knowledge and skills  

• Provide volunteers and partner organizations with support, training opportunities, experience, and resources 

• Implement programs focused on fostering a welcoming culture where new volunteers are encouraged to join our work 

• Coordinate and execute a program of work with volunteers, corps crews, contractors, nonprofit and agency partners. The program of work may consist of trail and facility maintenance and reconstruction and trail relocations that affect the PCT experience 

• Identify, engage, and effectively respond to internal agency project proposals and/or externally proposed management projects that have potential to impact the PCT and surrounding landscapes apply relevant public lands management legislation and policy to PCT management 

• Coordinate across agency boundaries to bring about consistency with trail management activities  

• Collaborate with PCTA staff, agency partners, and other partners to execute visitor use management strategies to conserve natural resources and improve the trail experience 

• Support PCTA’s land acquisition efforts through collaborative work with PCTA’s Conservation Project Manager 

• Act as a spokesperson for the organization and the trail in a wide range of forums, including with agency partners, partner organizations, elected officials, and the public 

• Work closely with the PCTA Trail Information staff to provide information related to trail conditions, trail closures, and other public information  

• Manage regional budget and related reporting requirements 

• Work with PCTA leadership to develop resources resulting in new sources of volunteers, materials, and funding 

• Meet with local interest groups and decision-makers to address any actions that may affect the PCT, related facilities, and the user experience 

• Supervise regionally-based staff  

• Manage accurate data, records, and reports 

• Perform related duties as required to support PCTA’s mission, vision, and values   

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

What makes you a great fit for this position:  

Required 

• A minimum of 3 years relevant experience that could include natural resource or public lands management, outdoor recreation and trails management, planning, public administration, environmental education or related field 

• Ability to create a welcoming environment for all people 

• Experience working with public land management agencies  

• Trail design, construction, and maintenance skills and experience 

• Recruiting, training, and managing volunteers and corps crews 

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, on the phone and in-person.  

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and interact with people from varied backgrounds 

• Ability to track on competing priorities and meet commitments  

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team in changing circumstances 

• Proficiency using a computer, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and databases; comfortable learning new technology systems as needed 

• Possess a valid driver’s license  

Desirable 

• Experience with hiking and backcountry travel 

• Proficiency in technical trail construction skills, rigging, stock packing, etc. 

• Chain and crosscut saw certification 

• Wilderness medical training 

Typical Working Conditions and Travel: 

The Regional Manager reports to the Director of Trail Operations. They are expected to prioritize their work to effectively meet day-to-day demands and ongoing assignments independently. In addition, they are expected to communicate regularly on projects, seek advice on new or controversial aspects of the work, and collaborate with the Trail Operations team as needed. This position is office-based and works from a satellite office located in North Bend Washington. Regular overnight travel and an irregular work schedule that includes weekends and evening work is expected to attend trail projects, trainings, and various meetings. Travel within the region will often require the use of a personal vehicle.  

Typical office equipment including laptop computer, necessary computer peripherals, and other standard office equipment. Field equipment used includes standard trail tools including hand tools such as Pulaskis, McLeods, pick mattocks, rock bars, sledgehammers, and shovels. Advanced tools including crosscut and chain saws, brush saws, and rigging systems. Regular overnight travel and an irregular work schedule that includes weekends and evening work is expected to attend trail projects, trainings, and various meetings. PCTA covers travel expenses.  

Salary and Benefits 

The salary range is $67,000 to $77,000. Starting salary is dependent on the level of experience. A relocation stipend is available for candidate who need to relocate to the region.  

Benefits package: 

• Full benefits package, including medical and mental health coverage 

• Paid life and long-term disability 

• Paid time off, including 12 holidays and 1 floating holiday 

• Flexible and generous time-off guidelines 

• 2 weeks’ vacation (amount increases with length of service) 

• 12 sick days per year 

• 2 hours of weekly wellness time 

• 5 additional days of paid personal time to enjoy time outside 

• Eligible for 401(k) plan after six months of employment 

• Fun, friendly work atmosphere 

• Discounts on many outdoor industry brands 

• Professional development opportunities 

To Apply

The deadline to apply is September 15, 2025.  Please e-mail resume and letter of interest to the hiring team at hr@pcta.org with the subject line “North Cascades Regional Manager.” Please include your name in each document (i.e., “jkooyman resume,” “jkooyman references”). First round of interviews will be held the week of September 29th by phone; second round will be held the week of October 14 by videoconference; and the final round will be held in person in  Sacramento, California on October 29th  and 30th . Travel costs will be covered by PCTA for candidates who move on to the in-person interviews if they are not local to the area. We hope to have candidates start in December, but we are flexible with the start date. A full job description for this position and more information about Pacific Crest Trail Association at www.pcta.org. For questions, contact Justin Kooyman at jkooyman@pcta.org.  

North Cascades Regional Office Addendum 

Office Location 

The North Cascades regional office is co-located with the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District office in North Bend, Washinghton. North Bend is located approximately 30 miles east of Seattle. The greater Seattle metropolitan area has a population of about 3.5 million people. Hiking, kayaking, biking, and skiing are some of the local outdoor activities available in the surrounding areas.  Additionally, the Seattle metropolitan area offers a variety of urban opportunities and amenities. 

Geographic Region and Agency Partners 

PCTA’s North Cascades region stretches roughly 402 trail miles from Potato Hill (Road 5603) north to the PCT’s northern terminus at Manning Park in British Columbia, Canada. It encompasses three National Forests and two National Parks: 

• National Forests:  

• Gifford Pinchot  

• Cowlitz Valley Ranger District  

• Okanogan-Wenatchee  

• Naches, Cle Elum, Wenatchee, Chelan, and Methow Valley Ranger Districts  

• Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie  

• Snoqualmie, Skykomish, and Darrington Ranger Districts  

• National Parks:  

• Mt Rainer  

• North Cascades Complex   

Trail and Corridor Management and Trail Maintenance Priorities  

Trail management and protection is an important aspect of PCTA’s work in the Region.  Regional PCTA staff serve as the primary local partner in the collaborative management of the PCT and the corridor to ensure that the PCT’s nature and purposes are sufficiently provided for.  PCTA works with the land management agencies on project proposals that may affect the PCT experience.  This includes vegetation management projects, travel management planning, trail relocations, campsite management projects, as well as Forest Plan revisions.  Regional staff may also work with PCTA’s Conservation Manager and external partners such as land trusts to acquire private parcels in the region.  PCTA’s visitor use management (VUM) program requires is active in the North Cascades.  Particularly, data and information collection near the northern terminus and management of the Crest Runner program are essential elements of the program. A top priority for PCTA and the U.S. Forest Service is to address the decades worth of deferred maintenance in Glacier Peak Wilderness.  In 2026, and succeeding years, the PCTA will contribute significant efforts to addressing these issues through hiring additional Field Project Specialists and coordinating “pro crews” to tackle the remote and technical work.   

Programs and Partners 

Coordination and support for local partners is a key part of accomplishing PCTA’s goals and mission.  Staff will provide training opportunities for different partner organizations that vary in background and experience.  Some of the groups include: 

• PCTA’s North 350 Blades 

• PCTA’s White Pass Chapter 

• Washington Trails Association (WTA)  

• Backcountry Horsemen and Women of Washington 

• Washington Conservation Corps (WCC)  

• Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA) 

• The Mountaineer 

Additional Information About The Pacific Crest Trail Association

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California,  Oregon, and Washington. One of America’s National Scenic Trails, the PCT reveals the beauty  of the desert, the glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, and the deep forests and  commanding vistas of the Cascade Range.  

The mission of the PCTA is to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic  Trail as a world-class experience for hikers and equestrians, and for all the values provided by  wild and scenic lands. PCTA’s many stakeholders include hikers, equestrians, volunteers,  members, donors, trail communities, public land managers, and many other partners. Our  dedicated team includes 40 staff members and 12 current board members. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – PCTA acknowledges systemic racism and other social  injustices and their impact on the PCT community. We have begun the journey of understanding  racism and injustice and their impacts on people of color and others. We are committed to  making change within our organization and to supporting change within the PCT community  towards a more just and equitable future. See our website for more information about our  commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

PCTA is an equal opportunity provider.