Seasonal Laborer; Trails

Overview

Seasonal Laborer (Trails) at National Park Service. Temporary seasonal position not to exceed 1039 work hours in a service year. The primary purpose is to perform heavy physical labor in maintenance and construction of the trails system in Shenandoah National Park. Responsibilities include routine trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction of graded foot and horse trails.

There is an early cut‑off date (see Duties). The first cut‑off date for early referral is January 11, 2026. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period.

• Building, repairing, and maintaining erosion control structures, retaining walls, tread surface and re‑blazing of trails.
• Park boundary line maintenance, removal of vegetation growth, fallen rock and tree obstructions from trails.
• Trails may include ADA‑accessible trails with special surfaces, trails in high visitor use areas, foot and horse use trails in remote back‑country areas and trails in designated Wilderness areas.
• Trail work performed with a variety of hand tools (shovels, picks, swing blades, McLeods, pulaskis, rock bars, cross‑cut saws, wheelbarrows, grip hoist, etc.) and small power equipment such as chainsaws, weed trimmers, rock drills and jack hammers.
• Requires frequent strenuous activity; selectees are required to hike up to 10 miles per day over steep, rough and uneven mountainous terrain while carrying work tools. At least 90% of work is performed outdoors.

Duty stationed at either Park Headquarters Maintenance Area near Luray, VA, or Big Meadows Maintenance Area near mile‑marker 51 on Skyline Drive.

Shenandoah National Park preserves and protects more than 300 square miles of nationally significant natural and cultural resources, scenic beauty, and congressionally designated wilderness within Virginia's northern Blue Ridge Mountains. The park provides visitors with opportunities to explore mountain peaks, hidden hollows, cascading streams, accessible wilderness, and stunning natural beauty. Approximately 40% of SNP is designated wilderness with over 500 miles of hiking trails and the iconic Skyline Drive.

The park is located within 90 miles of Washington D.C., attracting more than 2 million visitors annually.

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Participation in Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• Uniform required; allowance provided.
• Government housing may be available.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 years old with one of the following: graduated from high school or equivalent; completed a formal vocational training program; received a statement from school authorities agreeing to employment over continued education; or be currently enrolled in a secondary school and work only during school vacation periods or part‑time under a formal student employment program.
• Requires lifting/carrying 50 pounds.

• Ability to perform the work of the position without more than normal supervision (screen out).
• Work practices.
• Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
• Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc.
• Dexterity and safety.

Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection.

Volunteer experience, including paid and unpaid experience through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) or other organizations, is credited toward the required skill set.

The work performed requires very heavy physical effort. The incumbent routinely lifts, pushes, pulls, and carries items weighing 50 pounds. Work will routinely require walking several miles per day over park trails to and from job sites.

Almost all work will be outside in all kinds of weather conditions. Work frequently involves exposure to poisonous plants, bruises, muscle strains, cuts, scrapes, sunburn, and insect bites. The employee must follow proper safety procedures and use standard safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves, ear protectors, safety glasses, and steel‑toe shoes to avoid possible hazards and serious injuries.

Federal employees have access to a range of benefits designed to support a rewarding career. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position (full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent). Contact National Park Service for specific benefits information.