Trail Specialist - Grandfather Ranger District, NC
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Position Title: Trail Specialist
Positions Open: 1
Position Duration: 5 year term
Start date: May 12, 2025
Status: Regular, full time
Compensation: $19-22/hr
Position Supervisor: Wilderness Program Manager
Location: Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest
Application Deadline: Open until filled, immediate hire opportunity
The Grandfather Ranger District Trail Specialist will conduct trail maintenance, assess trail needs, collect wilderness data, and engage with visitors. Wilderness trail maintenance will include assessing and repairing hurricane storm damage, corridor brushing, clearing downed trees, maintaining water bars, repairing tread, and removing trash from the trails to ensure they conform to Forest Service standards. Trail specialists regularly engage with visitors on topics such as wilderness ethics and Leave No Trace education, bear safety and canister use, landscape orientation, and general safety awareness. Throughout the season, the Trail Specialist will develop and maintain a strong, positive relationship with the U.S. Forest Service, nearby partner organizations, and local businesses on behalf of SAWS.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Duties
Collaborate with US Forest Service staff and partners on project work.
Perform trail maintenance, including but not limited to:clearing downed trees, brushing trail corridors, repairing tread, clearing waterbars, assessing storm damage, removing trash.
Collect and record wilderness trail assesment data.
Engage with visitors by providing education on: wilderness ethics and Leave No Trace principles, bear safety and proper canister use, landscape orientation and navigation, general safety awareness.
Craft and curate media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation.
Practice and teach Leave No Trace principles in the field.
Follow SAWS policies and procedures in the field.
Maintain high standards for project completion.
Training and support provided:
Crosscut Saw Certification
Wilderness 101 course
Job Resources Include
Personal protective gear (gloves, hardhat, basic eye protection, first aid kit)
Tools and equipment
SAWS uniforms
Training and Work
Benefits
Opportunities for professional networking
Sick time
Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
·Employer-sponsored coverage options for medical, dental, vision, and disability/life insurance as well as 11 paid federal holidays and vacation.
Qualifications
Backcountry trail work experience.
Strong desire to learn about federally designated wilderness, wilderness character, and natural resource management.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to complete deliverables with minimal supervision.
Comfortable navigating and hiking independently in the backcountry with a pack over rough terrain in areas with no or limited cell coverage.
Ability and desire to work and camp in a remote and primitive setting.
Personable and comfortable talking to the public.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and backpacking/camping gear.
Current First aid and CPR Certification or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
Ability to travel and camp to attend training May 12- 30.
Additional Helpful Qualifications
Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles including backcountry camp and travel practices.
Experience with traditional tool use.
Crosscut Sawyer Certification.
Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience collecting data in the backcountry.
Experience with ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, and ArcGIS software.
College degree or professional experience in environmental studies, natural resources, outdoor recreation, or a related field.
Knowledge of natural resources of the region.
About Us
Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) is an award-winning conservation non-profit organization setting standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild landscapes. Founded in 2010, SAWS was born from a need for stewardship across the southeast. In just over a decade, SAWS has grown to be a leader in wilderness stewardship, training, and education, not only in the south, but across the nation.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume together as one combined document using the following naming format: Lastname_GrandfatherRD_2025