Maintenance Worker (Trails) (Seasonal)

National Park Service•Yankton, SD
•Onsite

About The Position

The Maintenance Worker (Trails) performs trail maintenance and construction work at Missouri National Recreational River. Duties include clearing trails of fallen trees, vegetation, rockfall, and other debris; repairing eroded tread surfaces; and assisting with the installation and maintenance of trail structures such as cribbing, retainer walls, water diversion bars, and steps. The work also includes maintenance and construction of graded and paved trails. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is March 2027, and the season typically runs from March to October, though timing can vary with weather, project needs, or funding. The position may be filled under a temporary seasonal appointment not to exceed 1,560 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, including frequent lifting and carrying of objects over 100 pounds, moving rocks and logs, extensive shovel use, and hiking up to 20 miles per day while carrying a backpack and tools. Work takes place outdoors in backcountry areas and varied terrain, potentially up to 13,000 feet elevation, and in adverse weather. Conditions may be dusty and hazardous, including work around rockslides, stock, explosives, falling and bucking trees, and machinery. The incumbent must be able to live and work effectively in backcountry areas in close contact with small groups for extended periods. Applicants must be physically fit and demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities. No specific length of experience is required; qualifications are evaluated based on the quality of relevant experience. Education cannot substitute for experience for Federal Wage System positions. Employment conditions include U.S. citizenship, a background investigation, and other federal employment requirements. A uniform may be required, with a uniform allowance provided; government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.

Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirements.
  • Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
  • Must be physically fit and able to perform the duties of the position.
  • Must demonstrate ability to do the work without more than normal supervision, interpret instructions and specifications, use and maintain tools and equipment, knowledge of materials and technical practices, and use measuring instruments.
  • Applicants must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and an average of at least 2 points on all job elements.
  • A detailed resume must document relevant experience and training and support responses to the assessment questionnaire.
  • Must meet the minimum age and education or other eligibility conditions stated in the announcement.
  • A valid driver's license is required if operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties; operators of government vehicles must be at least 18.
  • Must be able to complete any required training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle if required.
  • Must be able to perform strenuous physical work, including frequently lifting and carrying over 100 pounds and hiking up to 20 miles daily while carrying a backpack and tools.
  • Must be able to live and work outdoors in backcountry areas, varied terrain, and adverse weather conditions for extended periods.

Responsibilities

  • Safely and effectively use and properly maintain the hand and power tools required for trail work.
  • Clear trails of windfallen trees, vegetation, rockfall, and other debris.
  • Build up tread surfaces in eroded areas.
  • Assist with installation and maintenance of trail structures, including cribbing, retainer walls, water diversion bars, and steps.
  • Perform maintenance and construction of graded and paved trails.

Benefits

  • A uniform allowance will be provided if a uniform is required.
  • A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; specific eligibility and benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
  • Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
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