VOLUNTEER TRAILBUILDER
POSITION
DESCRIPTION

FREYJA FOUNDATION

VOLUNTEER TRAILS CREW POSITION DESCRIPTION:  

 

Volunteer crew members will have the exciting opportunity to work alongside professional and local trailbuilders to help construct the new trail system in Parque Patagonia Argentina while developing sustainable trail skills. 

Crew members will work Monday - Friday (8hrs/day) for the duration of their 6-week work commitment, completing various types of trail work that will be instrumental to the infrastructure of a future national park.

 

VOLUNTEER POSITION REQUIREMENTS/ROLES:

 

• Volunteer in a crew member role as part of a building team under the supervision of the crew leaders who will be made up of professional trailbuilders.

 

• Participate in an initial orientation which will include the layout for the weekly structure as well as tool and trailbuilding instruction as determined based on the experience of the group and individuals.

 

• Complete trailbuilding projects daily Monday - Friday (8hrs/day) with an included lunch break.

 

• Construct sustainable trails and structures in collaboration with the team and under the supervision of professional trailbuilders.

 

• Commit to the full 6-week (approximately 240-hour) trailwork schedule in addition to traveling to and from the project.

 

• Willing to work and camp outside in all weather conditions, particularly in high winds.

 

• Physically able to carry up to 50 lbs over rough terrain.

 

• Able to work safely and effectively with all trail tools provided and follow directions from the crew leaders.

 

• Abide by any restrictions regarding sensitive species and sensitive areas.

 

• Agree to the guidelines for residing in the project-provided housing.

 

• Be able to provide personal camping equipment as well as appropriate and enough work attire including boots (tools and base camp gear will be provided).

 

• Complete any pre-trip paperwork, including a background check and a current passport with an expiration date later than 6 months from the anticipated departure date.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

• Multiple seasons of previous trails experience preferred.

 

• Able to lift and carry 50 lbs over rough terrain.

 

• Desire to contribute to a shared community environment.

 

• Willing to live and work with fellow crew members.

 

• Ability to communicate effectively with fellow crew members, crew leaders, park staff, etc.

 

BENEFITS:

 

• Ability to gain valuable experience and skills in sustainable trailbuilding alongside professional trailbuilders.

 

• Travel to and from the project site as well as food and lodging during the 6-week work commitment are provided.

• (*Any weekend travel expenses would be the responsibility of the volunteer)

• Opportunity to work and live in the beautiful Patagonia Park.

 

• Skills training and experience, including technical trail skills, stone splitting, shaping and pinning, wooden step construction, bridge building, proper tool use, and more.

 

• Ability to spend *weekends exploring the beautiful park with the option of extending your stay for further travel after your 6-week work commitment

• (*Weekend and post 6-week work commitment travel costs are the responsibility of the volunteer and cannot exceed 3 months in total for time in the country.  For a later departure date, the crew member would be required to arrange departure plans and dates with the Freyja Foundation when the initial flights are booked).

 

• Opportunity to learn or enhance Spanish-speaking language skills.

 

• Opportunity to be an integral part in building the trails system within beautiful Patagonia Park (Parque Patagonia Argentina, Portal Cañadón Pinturas).

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• Opportunity to learn from the Rewilding Argentina Team about their efforts to restore the local flora and fauna in the park.

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• Opportunity to tour Cueva de las Manos (the Cave of the Hands), a UNESCO world heritage site located within the park boundaries.

 

Any failure to follow the above guidelines can and will result in the volunteer being released from the crew and as such incurring any associated expenses with their return travels including, but not limited to, arranging and paying for their return flight.