Trail Members - Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

EPIC • Middlesboro, KY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (CUGA), is recruiting two Trail Members for a trails maintenance project alongside National Park Service staff. The position is based at CUGA in Middlesboro, Kentucky. The park spans 24,000 acres at the junction of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, and has approximately 70 miles of hiking trails, mountains, streams, and caves.

Trail Members help maintain the park’s trail system and preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Work includes installing, repairing, and replacing water diversion bars, cribbing, and retaining walls; removing fallen trees, rockslides, and other trail debris; maintaining trail corridors; and repairing wooden bridges and creek crossings. Members use hand and power tools, including chainsaws and pole saws, as well as non-powered tools such as crosscut saws, hand saws, and shovels. Duties also include mowing, weeding, restroom custodial work, and trash pickup. Some assignments require hiking to remote areas and carrying heavy loads into the backcountry.

This individual service placement is intended to support professional development through exposure to land-management agencies, networking with professionals, and opportunities to gain experience in conservation fields or shadow other work groups. Members are expected to contribute approximately 40 hours per week. The scheduled workweek is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., though hours may change to match workload. The estimated start date is January 25, 2027, or as soon as possible, and the estimated end date is 26 weeks after the start date. A minimum 26-week commitment is required.

ACE provides position-specific training and orientation. Housing is the member’s responsibility and is not provided by ACE or NPS. Members may receive up to $200 in reimbursable boot costs. A vehicle and required tools will be provided by NPS or ACE if needed for the duties; required personal protective equipment is typically provided by NPS.

Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States; ACE does not sponsor employment visas.
• Must be willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization professionally, positively, and enthusiastically.
• Must be able to work independently and contribute positively as part of a group.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have an insurable driving record; documentation may be requested.
• Must be at least 21 years old to drive under ACE insurance and liability requirements.
• Must undergo and pass required criminal history checks.
• Must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must comply with the Member Service Agreement and may not participate in prohibited activities.
• Must complete required member timesheets and evaluations.
• Must be able and willing to perform the physical duties described, including frequent hiking over uneven terrain and steep slopes, carrying equipment and supplies, and working outdoors in varied weather and terrain.
• Must follow NPS and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Holding or pursuing a degree in any subject, and/or having relevant experience in areas such as biology or outdoor recreation.
• Knowledge of hand tools; chainsaw experience is a plus.
• Ability and willingness to perform rigorous trail work and hike up to 12 miles per day.
• Strong interest in outdoor activities such as hiking, trail building, and wilderness training.
• Valid chainsaw or crosscut certification; chainsaw use is not allowed without certification obtained before use.

Responsibilities

• Maintain park trails by installing, repairing, and replacing water diversion bars, cribbing, and retaining walls.
• Remove fallen trees, rockslides, and other debris from trails.
• Perform routine carpentry and maintain or repair wooden bridges and creek crossings, including installing stepping stones.
• Mow, weed, and maintain trail corridors using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Use chainsaws or pole saws for hazardous tree removal and brush clearing, subject to required certification.
• Clear and repair trails with non-powered tools such as crosscut saws, hand saws, and shovels.
• Perform custodial duties in park restrooms and pick up trash.
• Hike to remote park areas and, when necessary, carry heavy loads into the backcountry.
• Complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning- and end-of-term feedback or evaluation forms, and a mid-term evaluation for longer terms.
• Follow ACE and NPS safety protocols and use required personal protective equipment.

Benefits

• Living allowance of $650 per week before taxes, paid bi-weekly, to offset food and incidental expenses.
• Potential eligibility for Public Land Corps federal hiring authority after completing the term and 640 hours of service, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Up to $200 in reimbursable boot allowance for new boots.
• Position-specific training and orientation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed