Laborer (Trails) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Gatlinburg, TN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Laborer performs very heavy physical labor in the maintenance and construction of a park unit’s trail system. Work includes trail upkeep and construction, clearing vegetation and fallen timber, building or repairing drainage and trail structures, and performing road and surface repairs. Work is primarily outdoors in all kinds of weather, often in remote backcountry camps for extended periods. The position is seasonal, with a typical entry-on-duty period of March through November that may vary based on weather, project needs, or funding. Anticipated entry on duty is March–May 2027. Some positions may be covered by a union. Employment may be terminated at any time due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be at least 18 years old, or meet one of the stated exceptions for applicants who are 16 or 17 years old.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Must be physically fit and able to perform very heavy physical labor, including routinely lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying 50 pounds and, with assistance, up to 150 pounds or more.
• Must demonstrate sufficient ability to do the work without more than normal supervision and meet the stated job-element assessment thresholds.
• Must demonstrate ability to interpret instructions and specifications, use and maintain tools and equipment, maintain orderly work practices, and work with dexterity and safety.
• No specific length of experience is required; qualifications are evaluated based on the quality of experience rather than its duration.
• A valid driver's license is required if operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties.
• Must meet Selective Service registration requirements if applicable.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Must complete required background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle or government vehicle.
• May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Must be able to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work if required.
• Must describe relevant experience and training in the application and resume; the resume must support assessment questionnaire responses.

Responsibilities

• Perform trail maintenance and construction as assigned by the trails maintenance work leader or designee.
• Clear brush and fallen logs from trail corridors.
• Clean, repair, and construct log or rock drains; install log or rock retainer bars and steps; and check or construct foot and stock bridges from native materials.
• Dig ditches and trenches with picks and shovels in hard, compact soil and grade or slope the ground.
• Break up pavement, soil, or concrete; mix and pour concrete, asphalt, and hot- or cold-mix materials; and fill and level holes in damaged roads.
• Cut heavy trees with an ax or chainsaw and stack heavy logs, lumber, and sacks of cement.
• Follow safety procedures and use standard safety equipment to avoid hazards and injuries.
• Live cooperatively in remote camps, practice minimum-impact camping and proper food storage, and maintain personal and camp hygiene.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available, subject to position type and benefits eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed