日本語

Trail Maintenance Crew

📸 Agustin Villalba

Position Details

Term

1st May - 31st October

Working hours

8 hrs a day / 4-5 days a week

Status

Open

Location

Niseko, Japan and surrounding areas

Remuneration

¥1,800 per hour

Performance Bonus

¥50,000 performance bonus upon a satisfactory completion of the contract period

Staff bike

Free use NAMBA's staff bikes

Training

Training provided at full pay

Subsidized accommodation

Available in Niseko Hirafu

Click here to apply

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.

2024 saw further growth, with an additional ~4.8km of trails added in Twin Peaks and ~1.5km in Grand Hirafu, progressing towards the long-term goal of connecting the two bike parks.

Building on this success, 2025 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 Maintenance Crew Role:

As part of the Trail Maintenance 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 Maintenance Crew receives is well deserved, this team works on the Twin Peaks Bike Park and on other regional projects as needed. Trail Maintenance Crew members will build and maintain trails as assigned and overseen by NAMBA’s Operations Manager, and relevant members of NAMBA’s Subcommittees.

NAMBA Trail Maintenance Crew members are to report to their 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:

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

  • Ensure work is performed according to objectives and standards.

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

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

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

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

  • Instruct and supervise volunteers as needed.

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

  • 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 Maintenance Crew members will work under the supervision of NAMBA Operations 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 Maintenance 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 Maintenance 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!