Assignment as group leader:in

Dedicated people with an interest in forestry work and the mountain forest as well as a desire for charitable and ecological commitment can train as group leaders in a one-week training week. Working as a group leader is intensive, varied and instructive - ideal for anyone who wants to gain practical experience in forestry work and working with people.

Your role

Group leaders actively accompany the volunteers during the forest work, guide them and support the responsible project leaders in organizing the projects.

Group leaders are outside all day, help to carry out the projects and work at project locations throughout Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Montafon. This task can also be completed as part of community service or an internship.

  • Participation in the training week for group leaders
  • Minimum age 18 years
  • Decision on assignment and responsibility lies with the Bergwaldprojekt
  • For interns: in training or studying in the field of forestry or environment
  • For civilians: assignment agreement required
  • Practical experience in forest work and leading groups
  • Experiences in nature and in-depth knowledge of the mountain forest
  • Insight into the project organization of the Bergwaldprojekt
  • Participation in the training week for group leaders:inside
  • Documents for group leaders:inside with specialist literature, supported by CODOC
  • Support from experienced project leaders:inside
  • Annual further training opportunities
  • Support with forest-specific further training (e.g. B. Chainsaw course) for repeated assignments by arrangement
  • Certificate of assignment for CV
  • Travel allowance of CHF 50.- per project week (only for volunteers, from 2026)
  • Small gift of appreciation at the end of the project season
  • Invitation to the team party at the end of the season

The training week prepares prospective group leaders for their tasks in the Bergwaldprojekt. It offers an intensive but rewarding experience and deepens their understanding of the mountain forest and the work of the Bergwaldprojekt. Together with like-minded people, the prospective group leaders learn about the organizational, technical, professional and human requirements that are needed in day-to-day project work.

The 5+5 concept is used to teach basic skills and practical forestry work during the training week:

Skills

  • Organization of workplace, tools, catering, Breaks and accommodation
  • Emergency organization and safety in the field
  • Group leadership and communication
  • Driving minibuses
  • Planning and implementation of forestry work

Forestry work

  • Fence construction
  • Planting
  • Path construction
  • Forest maintenance
  • Clearing

Next dates

  • 22.03.2026 - 28.03.2026
  • 26.07.2026 - 01.08.2026
  • Experience in the Bergwaldprojekt as a volunteer and recommendation by a project manager (except civilian service and interns)
  • Motivation, sense of responsibility and willingness to get involved
  • Open-mindedness in dealing with people
  • Without or with forestry experience; manual skills and outdoor experience an advantage
  • Cat B vehicle license desired
Freiwillige Jugendliche

Volunteer group leader:in

Volunteer group leaders are usually recruited from former volunteers of the Bergwaldprojekt. The prerequisite is previous participation in a project week as a volunteer and a recommendation from a project leader.
The activity is unpaid and offers the opportunity to contribute personal commitment and gain valuable experience at the same time.

Civilian service as a group leader

The Bergwaldprojekt offers young adults the opportunity to do their community service as group leaders. During their assignment, they gain practical experience in forest work, guiding volunteers and organizing projects.

Framework conditions:

  • Term: March to December
  • Duration: min. 3 months; for shorter assignments, repetition required in subsequent years
  • Participation in the training week for group leaders (will be counted as days of service)
  • Assignment agreement required
Zivildienst
Freiwillige Gruppen Erwachsene

Internship as group leader

The Bergwaldprojekt offers internships for prospective or enrolled students as well as recent graduates in the field of forestry and environmental sciences. The internship combines practice-oriented forestry work with project organization and team management - a valuable addition to theoretical training.

Framework conditions:

  • Period: March to December
  • Duration: ideally 4-6 months
  • Participation in the training week for group leaders
  • Internship contract and appropriate compensation
  • Written work in the form of a project report
  • Prerequisite: training or studies in the field of forestry or environment

Interested?

Yes, I would like to become a volunteer group leader for the Bergwaldprojekt.

Yes, I am already a group leader and would like to help out with a project.

Contact:

Nina Pfaff, Head of Projects

E E-Mail: npfaff@bergwaldprojekt.ch

Telephone: +41 81 650 40 40