Maintenance Worker (Trails) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Cherokee, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Maintenance Worker (Trails) performs recurring maintenance and operation duties and assists journeymen and higher-graded maintenance workers. The work includes maintaining and constructing trails and trail structures. The anticipated entry-on-duty period is March–April 2027, though timing may vary with weather, project needs, or funding. The position may be covered by a union. It may be filled as a temporary seasonal appointment, not to exceed 1,560 hours rather than 1,039 hours, depending on the park and program. Employment may end at any time due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

The role requires heavy physical effort and the ability to live and work outdoors in backcountry areas for extended periods. Work may involve varied terrain up to 13,000 feet, adverse weather, dusty conditions, and hazards associated with rocks, logs, rockslides, stock, explosives, tree work, and machinery. The employee may need to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shifts; wear a uniform; complete training; and operate vehicles or other equipment as required.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Must meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
• Must be at least 18 years old, or meet one of the listed conditions for employment at age 16 or 17.
• Must be physically fit and able to perform heavy trail work, including frequently lifting and carrying over 100 pounds, moving rocks and logs, using tools, and hiking up to 20 miles daily while carrying a backpack and tools.
• Must demonstrate the ability to do the work without more than normal supervision and meet the stated job-element evaluation requirements.
• Must be able to interpret instructions and specifications, use and maintain tools and equipment, understand materials and technical practices, and use measuring instruments.
• Must provide a resume that documents relevant experience and training and supports responses to the assessment questionnaire.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• May be required to operate a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties; a valid driver's license is required in that case, and the employee must be at least 18 to operate government vehicles.
• May be required to complete training, including training to operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Must be able to live and work effectively outdoors in backcountry areas and in close contact with small groups for extended periods.
• Must comply with uniform standards if required to wear a uniform.

Responsibilities

• Safely and effectively use and properly maintain hand and power tools required for the job.
• Clear trails of windfallen trees, vegetation, rockfall, and other debris.
• Build up tread surfaces in eroded areas.
• Assist with installing and maintaining trail structures, including cribbing and retainer walls, water diversion bars, and steps.
• Maintain and construct graded and paved trails.
• Assist journeymen and higher-graded maintenance workers with maintenance and operation duties.

Benefits

• Uniform allowance provided if a uniform is required.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

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