Foothills Steward Lead Role
Launched in 2024, the Foothills Stewardship Program offers trail users the opportunity to give back by caring for the Foothills trails they know and love.
Foothills Steward Leads play an important role in preserving and enhancing the health, beauty, and accessibility of our foothills trails and natural areas. This volunteer position supports the Public Lands Division’s efforts to maintain trails, manage invasive species, and foster a sense of stewardship within the community.
Please read thoroughly before completing the application.
Program Goals
Salt Lake City’s Foothills trail system requires consistent maintenance and care especially as Salt Lake City’s population grows. Committed Foothills Stewards will help our team’s efforts to:
- Sustainably expand the maintenance and care of the Foothills Natural Area & Trail System.
- Model proper trail use and be a voice for conservation of the Foothills in the community.
- Create a community leadership program model that empowers trail users to care for our natural spaces while developing specific skill sets.
What You’ll Do
Stewards support the Public Lands Department’s efforts to maintain trails, manage invasive species, and foster a sense of collaboration within the community.
Trail Maintenance
Learn proper techniques for erosion control, clearing debris, repairing trail surfaces, and reporting trail hazards. Tasks could include rock raking, minor trail surface repairs, and removal of hazardous branches across the trail.
Invasive Weed Removal
Learn to identify and safely remove invasive plant species to support native habitat restoration. Examples of invasive weeds that are prevalent in the Foothills include Puncturevine, Dyer’s Woad, myrtle spurge, invasive thistles, and more.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
Act as an ambassador to educate trail users about Be WILD principles and the importance of preservation in the foothills. Build and maintain healthy relationships with community members and community-based groups to facilitate volunteer participation and proper trail stewardship.
Trail Monitoring & Reporting
Make regular trail condition reports to Public Lands staff throughout the year. Monitor conditions and report issues such as trail damage, muddy conditions, erosion, downed trees, illegal trail building, or safety concerns.
What are the qualifications of a Steward Lead?
- Be passionate about outdoor stewardship and preserving natural spaces.
- Be physically able to hike trails and perform light to moderate manual labor.
- Have strong communication skills and a willingness to engage with the public.
- Be reliable and able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Prior experience with trail maintenance or invasive species management is a plus, but training will be provided.
Our Team Provides:
- Comprehensive training in trail maintenance, invasive weed identification and removal, and safety protocols.
- Access to tools, equipment, and materials needed for volunteer tasks.
- Ongoing support and guidance from the Public Lands Department and experienced stewards.
Application
In order to apply, complete the form linked below.
Next, you will need to participate in a brief interview with our team. If selected, you will need to attend a two hour orientation with our team and a two hour orientation in the field.
Finally, you will co lead your very first volunteer event with our staff!
We can all be good stewards of our public spaces! For more tips on how to Be W.I.L.D. – Welcoming, Inclusive, Limit Your Impact, and Do What You Can – visit slcbewild.com.