Job Title: Backcountry Stonemasons
Position Start Date: May 5, 2025 - flexible
Position End Date: December 1, 2024 - flexible
Hiring Schedule: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
Position Description:
In addition to many types of stonework, Backcountry Masons are expected to have a diverse skill set and be willing to learn about all facets of trail maintenance and construction, both mechanized and hand built.
2025 season projects will include trail maintenance in the White Mountains, wilderness trail reconstruction, stone staircases in non-wilderness areas, accessible trail construction, steel bridge construction, meticulous stonework including notched and pinned steps, tightly fit stone paving, etc. There may be late fall and winter opportunities in Patagonia. All US projects are expected to be within a four hour drive of the headquarters in Turner, Maine where crew housing is available in a beautiful setting with access to garden space and trails.
Typical masonry duties include:
- Splitting rock with rock drills, feathers and wedges, sierra blasters and rifting hammers
- Shaping rock with carbide hammers, chisels, rock saws and other specialized tools
- Operation of mechanized equipment and hand powered rigging systems to set stone in various settings
- Quarrying and transporting stone from on site sources
- Shaping and laying tightly fitting stone pavers
- Setting rock steps and gargoyles in hand crushed and soil bases
- Building dry laid retaining walls with native and imported stone
- Teaching backcountry masonry skills and facilitating other crews
Team members typically work 40 hours a week. The schedule is either four 10 hour days followed by three days off or eight 10 hour days followed by six days off. The schedule is subject to change with notice, project dependent. Project sites will be located in Maine and New Hampshire. Members work with and report to company owner Jed Talbot and the Project Supervisor. Crew structure is somewhat project dependent- members can expect to either work together as one crew or split into multiple crews with occasional solo work and frequent collaboration with other crews.
Position Requirements and Qualifications Include:
- Minimum 5 years experience with varied trail construction and masonry techniques, and/or relevant manual labor
- Experience with machine operation: skid steer loaders, mini-excavators, tracked dump trucks, compactors, etc.
- Ability to lay out masonry projects including dry laid retaining walls, paving, armoring, and staircases
- Experience shaping and splitting stone with drills, feathers and wedges, carbide hammers, rifting hammers, etc.
- Ability and willingness to work safely, efficiently, and unsupervised while outside in all weather conditions
- Physical ability to carry a 50 pack for 10 miles over rough terrain
- Physical ability to sustain long days of intensive manual labor
- Experience and comfort with being in the woods for long periods of time, sometimes alone
- Flexibility with work schedule
- History of safe working practices
- Reliable personal vehicle for transportation to/from project sites
- Personal camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, bag, headlamp, etc.)
- High level of self motivation and discipline
- Ability to execute a high standard of work while being mindful of production rates
- Capacity to take direction and constructive criticism
- Ability to communicate effectively with crew members, supervisor, and owner
- Desire to contribute to a shared community environment
- Capacity to act as a respectful, professional representative of OBP to clients and partners
- Wilderness medical training
- Chainsaw safety training
Benefits:
- Competitive hourly rate based on experience and commitment
- Compensation for driving and hiking time
- Shared company vehicle provided
- End of season bonus, based on combined weekly and seasonal commitment
- On site housing provided during work weeks- some projects require camping (OBP provides base camp gear)
- Reduced rate crew housing available for non work time
- Company attire (short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, hats, hoodies, etc.)
- Wilderness First Aid and USFS Sawyer Certification opportunities
- Skills training and experience, including technical trail skills, equipment operation, rigging, stone splitting, shaping and pinning, chainsaw safety and operation, accessible trail design and layout, etc.
- Opportunity to travel, work, and explore beautiful areas such as the White Mountains of NH, the coast of Maine, and the the North Maine Woods.
To apply:
Applicants should email a cover letter stating reasons for seeking employment with OBP, a résumé, and contact information for a minimum of three references to Jed@obptrailworks.com
Please feel free to contact us with any questions. For more information on OBP Trailworks, email us or visit our website at www.obptrailworks.com.
