About NAMBA:

The Niseko Area Mountain Bike Association (NAMBA) is Japan’s premier trails organization and the leading advocate for mountain biking in the Niseko area. Established in 2021 by local mountain biking enthusiasts, NAMBA is dedicated to enhancing the mountain biking infrastructure and promoting the sport in the region – and having a damn good time while doing it!

In 2022, NAMBA achieved significant milestones, including official nonprofit status in Japan and the groundbreaking of the Twin Peaks Bike Park in partnership with Allegra. The park, located in Hirafu, offers free access to approximately 30 kilometers of interconnected trails suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels.

2023 marked the Grand Opening of the Twin Peaks Bike Park, featuring ~9.5km of trails, and strengthened partnerships with local resorts, stakeholders, and leading mountain bike brands. By the end of the building season, NAMBA had completed over 14 kilometers of trails within the park.

Building on this success, 2024 promises further expansion of the Twin Peaks Bike Park and other exciting plans, making it an exciting time to join NAMBA and contribute to our vision for the area.

About the Trail Crew Role:

As part of the Trail Crew, you will be a local legend – beloved at the bar & the bike shop, at the trailhead, and by all of us at NAMBA. These folks are the ones out there shaping trails and the community!

The love our Trail Crew receives is well deserved, this team works on the Twin Peaks Bike Park and on other regional projects as needed. With 14+ kilometers built so far, and much more planned for 2024, the NAMBA Trail Crew members will be split into the Trail Building team and into the Trail Maintenance team, with rotation between these two teams as required.

When working on the Trail Building team, the Trail Crew member will primarily work in two man teams alongside a world caliber, experienced Trail Builder and Machine Operator. Trail Crew members will build and maintain trails as assigned and overseen by the Project Manager on site, and as overseen by NAMBA’s Operations Manager, and relevant members of NAMBA’s Subcommittees.

NAMBA Trail Crew members are to report to their Machine Operator, NAMBA Trail Crew Supervisor, NAMBA Operations Manager and the Project Manager, and are to adhere to their guidance and instructions.

Perks:

• Chance to leave your positive mark on Japan’s leading trails association, and Asia’s fastest growing bike park

• Be a part of a “get shit done and have fun” culture – the NAMBA team works hard, but we are known for crew group rides, team BBQs and other weekend shenanigans

• Access to NAMBA’s Trail Crew bikes, sponsored by Specialized Japan

• Community events, ride days – don’t just be a part of the community, you get to help shape it!

• Reasonably priced accommodation nearby the trails if required

• Possibility to use NAMBA vehicles for grocery runs, and to familiarize yourself with the region’s recreational offerings

Responsibilities:

Trail Building crew:

• Assist Trail Builder (machine operator), NAMBA Operations Manager and Project Manager with all trail construction activities

• Ensure work is performed according to objectives and standards

• Ensure hand tools are stocked, organized and in good working order

• Help manage equipment, tools and personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Follow the rules and regulations set out by NAMBA, Kutchan Town and other stakeholders when operating in their land

• Instruct and supervise volunteers as needed

• Represent NAMBA, and the sport of mountain biking in a positive, professional manner at all times

Trail Maintenance crew:

• Proactively maintain, repair, and improve trails and facilities as required and as instructed by the Operations Manager and other superiors.

• Report to, and coordinate with, other members of the team to address any issues or repairs promptly and efficiently.

• Maintain inventory of equipment and supplies, and coordinate procurement and/or maintenance as needed.

• Perform other duties as reasonably required.

Assist Events:

• Assist NAMBA’s Operations Manager and Events Subcommittee for the running of special events such as group rides, and community maintenance days, and other activities to enhance the park’s offerings and attract visitors

Qualifications:

• Adequate physical fitness and physical wellbeing. Work will be outside using shovels, rakes and other implements to build and maintain trails.

• Ability and desire to work hard and with minimal oversight

• Passion for growing the sport of mountain biking and summer scene in Niseko

• Ability to work in a team environment

• Conversational English language ability required, and Japanese language skills are a strong plus

• Experience in trail building or landscaping and using tools such as of brush cutters or chainsaws is a plus, but is not strictly required

• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record are desired but not necessarily essential

The Trail Crew members will work under the supervision of the Machine Operator, NAMBA Trail Builder Supervisor, and Project Manager. They will also collaborate with other members of the NAMBA team, including volunteers, to ensure that trail construction and maintenance activities are carried out efficiently and according to standards. While the Trail Crew will primarily report to their immediate supervisors, there may be instances where they are required to communicate with other stakeholders, such as NAMBA Board members or contractors.

If you are a motivated individual with a love for mountain biking and a desire to contribute to the growth of the sport in Niseko, we want you on our team! Join us and be part of creating unforgettable experiences for mountain bike enthusiasts from around the world. We are committed to developing our Trail Crew members and, for the right candidates, there may be opportunities for extended seasonal positions. Apply now and be a part of our exciting journey!