Forestry and Trails Crew

Position Title: Forestry Management and Trails Program Crew Member

WLS Level: 3               Position Code: 

Contract Hours:  As defined by the status form and/or the grade level descriptions

Current Revision Year: 2025

The Work-Learning-Service (WLS) Levels reflect a student’s growth in responsibility, skill, and autonomy within their campus role. WLS 1 is the entry level, assigned to most first-year students or those performing structured, routine tasks under close supervision. WLS 2 introduces more variety and independence. WLS 3 involves skilled work with minimal supervision, independent judgment, and training others. WLS 4 adds supervisory responsibilities and greater departmental impact. WLS 5, a management-level role requiring 15 hours weekly, is for student managers or highly technical roles, emphasizing leadership, communication, and departmental oversight. WLS 6, the director level, requires students to serve as role models while managing other student leaders or technical staff. WLS UC (Unclassified) applies to major campus leadership positions like SGA President and Student Directors, representing the highest levels of autonomy and responsibility. 

The Labor Program Office reviews all levels and works collaboratively with pathway educators to develop and refine positions that support student learning and departmental needs.

1. WLS Level Justification

This position is assigned at a WLS Level 3 due to its responsibilities, independently managing tasks, and working with a team. This student demonstrates knowledge and experience in forest management and has an understanding of land mapping, cutting and labeling new trails, and creating a new site map for staff and guests to use by the end of the summer.

II.   Description Of Duties For This Position

Provide a clear and structured summary of responsibilities associated with this position.

1. Communication

• In direct communication with the Facilities Manager and Trails Manager on tasks and responsibilities
• Able to give direction to peers and make sure work is done safely

1. Teamwork and Collaboration

• Give weekly reports to the Facilities manager and executive personnel
• Attend monthly Property Team meetings to give a report on progress
• Meet twice daily with peer team – each morning on objectives, at the end of the day on accomplishments and next steps

1. Tree work, Ground Clearing, Mapping, Trail Making & Marking

• Cut trees around camp structures, climbing trees if needed
• Clear brush on trails – assist in removing Mountain Laurel
• Use current maps and mapping technology to pinpoint current trails
• With guidance from Camp staff, identify and cut new trails
• Color mark trails and post clear signage

            III.    Learning Opportunities For This Position:

List how this position will support student learning through daily responsibilities and intentional reflection. Supervisors are encouraged to reference specific Learning Goals (1–7) and describe how these goals show up in the work.

1. Time Management – Practice prioritizing and completing multiple tasks efficiently. Work independently with peers. Learn to assume responsibility for timely arrival at work site and full preparation for the work day. (Aligned with: Goal 1 and 5)

1. Problem Solving – Address real-time problems independently in the field, including trail rerouting, safe decision making regarding brush removal, and adequate tool maintenance. (Aligned with: Goal 3)

1. Communication and Customer Service – Represent the organization to the best of their ability and ensure the satisfaction of campers and parents in the program. (Aligned with: Goal 2)

1. Creativity and Innovation – Design new trails, trail maps, and interpretive signage that is both informative and sensitive to the ecology of the area. (Aligned with: Goals 1, 2, 6, and 7)

1. Ethics and Confidentiality – Learn to manage sensitive information responsibly, including camper medical and personal information. Learn what is appropriate information to share in a child-centered environment. (Aligned with: Goal 1)

1. Team Collaboration – Develop workplace relationships that emphasize shared goals and peer support. Recognize that work at Koinonia is in service of all members of our community, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic privilege. (Aligned with: Goal 6)

  IV.     Qualifications Needed For This Position

List the baseline skills or attributes a student should have to be successful in this role, while ensuring equity and accessibility.

1. Ability to function independently and complete unsupervised tasks.
2. Ability to train and direct less experienced staff.