Crew Leader Training ~ Description

V-O-Cal Crew Leader Training is an excellent opportunity to gain skills to lead volunteers and learn about safety, tools, trail construction, habitat restoration and more. We know you are busy, so Crew Leader Training is designed to make the best use of your time.

Generally, volunteers wishing to become crew leaders will take 2 half-day classes, Courses 1A & 1B described below, as the minimum preparation to lead a crew on a V-O-Cal project. Check out the Training Dates here.

V-O-Cal Crew Leader Orientation (Course 1A)

V-O-Cal Crew Leader Orientation is an introductory four-hour session, held in a classroom environment. This course is required for all Crew Leaders. Topics include: volunteer leadership basics (leading people who don't have to do what you tell them!), the V-O-Cal approach to large-scale projects, , teamwork, and an overview of trail stewardship projects.

V-O-Cal Trails 101 (Course 1B)

Trails 101 is a four-hour outdoor applied leadership training and hands-on orientation to trail construction and maintenance. This course is required for all Crew Leaders who have not had previous experience working on trails and is a foundation for more in-depth training. Pre-req: 1A.

V-O-Cal Trail Construction 201

Trail Construction 201 is an outdoor hands-on four-hour course covering trail planning and design, new trail construction methods, crew management and commonly used technical skills. Pre-req: 1A, 1B.

V-O-Cal Trail Maintenance 202

Trail Maintenance 202 is an outdoor hands-on four-hour course on maintenance and rehabilitation of existing trails. Topics include: addressing drainage, degraded trail tread, vegetation management, and techniques for reducing user conflicts. Pre-req: 1A, 1B.

V-O-Cal Habitat Restoration 203

Habitat Restoration 203 is an outdoor hands-on four-hour course on protecting and restoring natural habitats. Topics include: techniques for protecting sensitive habitats, mitigating human impacts, controlling invasive non-native plants and enhancing habitat for wildlife. Pre-req: 1A.

V-O-Cal Volunteer Leadership 204

Volunteer Leadership 204 is an four-hour interactive session for Crew Leaders who want to increase their effectiveness. Topics include: communication, team development, motivating volunteers, project management, common challenges and crew care. Pre-req: previous project experience.

V-O-Cal Advanced Training Modules

Advanced Training modules are weekend long courses and include both classroom and fieldwork. Pre-req: approval by Projects Director. Courses include: Chainsaw 301, Rigging 302, Rock and Timber 303, Power Tools 304, Herbicides 305, Bridge Construction 305.