Into jobs, and sometimes back to Landforce as staff.

Based on the results of the Emerald Trail Corps, an early version of Landforce, crew members go on to employment opportunities they were prepared and trained for during their time on a crew.

Join the wait list
A smiling crew member in a green Landforce long-sleeve shirt and yellow hard hat on a wooded trail
92%
of crew members who finish the season walk directly into employment opportunities with other employers
landforcepgh.org, Join Our Crew
90%
of program finishers remain employed more than 12 months later
landforcepgh.org, Work With Us
75%
of Emerald Trail Corps crew members walked directly into employment in 2014
landforcepgh.org, Where Are Crew Members Now
4
members of today’s staff started as Crew Members
landforcepgh.org, Our Team
In their words

Crew Member comments after participating in Emerald Trail Corps

Crew Members frequently report an increase in self-confidence, self-worth, perseverance, and a sense of pride in improving community assets.

I hope I get to do something so good again.
Former Crew MemberEmerald Trail Corps
I used to destroy communities. Now I build them.
Former Crew MemberEmerald Trail Corps
This job is unlike any other job.
Former Crew MemberEmerald Trail Corps
Now I feel like a trail building expert and a leader.
Former Crew MemberEmerald Trail Corps
I surprised myself to find out I am such a people person.
Former Crew MemberEmerald Trail Corps
I really felt like a member of a team.
Former Crew MemberEmerald Trail Corps
I hate how hard building trails is, but I love turning around and seeing everything we’ve accomplished.
Former Crew MemberEmerald Trail Corps
I learned that I’m capable of doing anything I put my mind to.
Deron, 2016; AL, 2017; Mario, 2018; Nate, 2019; Lavelle, 2020; Rickey, 202010 Year Anniversary, landforcepgh.org

Crew stories are told only with consent: those stories belong to Crew Members alone.

Back as staff

From the crew to the team

Four members of today’s staff started as Crew Members. Three 2024 alumni were rehired in October 2025.

Portrait of Nicole Holmes, Administrative Coordinator
Nicole HolmesAdministrative CoordinatorFormer Crew Member 2023

Born and raised in Homewood. Certified Tree Tender, First Aid/CPR/AED and Game of Logging chainsaw safety; now studying to become an RN.

Portrait of Hakim Reed, Site Supervisor
Hakim ReedSite SupervisorFormer Crew Member 2023

Returned to Landforce in June 2024 as a Site Supervisor. Tree Tender, Flagger, forklift, Game of Logging, OSHA 10 and 40, First Aid/CPR/AED.

Portrait of Rickey Hebron Jr., Site Supervisor
Rickey Hebron Jr.Site SupervisorFormer Crew Member 2020

Worked his way from Laborer to Grass Foreman at a local landscaping company before returning to Landforce as a Site Supervisor in 2022.

Portrait of Lance Dempster, Site Supervisor
Lance DempsterSite SupervisorFormer Crew Member 2024

Developed a passion for trail maintenance on the crew; now leads crews with CPR, forklift, Game of Logging and Tree Tender certifications.

Meet the whole team