Trail Crew Member (Hurricane Helene Recovery)

Position Overview

Wild South is seeking motivated, hardworking, and team-oriented outdoor professionals to fill multiple field-based Crew Member positions within the Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. These positions are primarily centered around trail construction, trail rehabilitation, natural resource stewardship, and hurricane recovery operations in remote and rugged environments. Employees will work closely with Wild South leadership, United States Forest Service (USFS) personnel, partner organizations, and volunteer groups to complete high-priority conservation and recreation infrastructure projects throughout the forest.

Projected start dates are anticipated in mid-June, with some flexibility depending on applicant availability and project needs. Strike Team positions are funded through a multi-year Hurricane Helene recovery initiative expected to continue for approximately 4–5 years. Additional seasonal opportunities may become available as funding allows, including future positions associated with invasive species management and continued trail restoration efforts.

While most projects do not require overnight camping or “hitch” work, some employees may choose to camp near project areas to reduce commute times depending on assignment locations and personal preference.

Wild South crews are frequently tasked by the USFS with completing technically demanding, labor-intensive, and logistically complex projects in challenging terrain. As a result, employees are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism, safety awareness, craftsmanship, productivity, and teamwork. At the same time, Wild South is committed to investing in employee development and, when funding permits, provides opportunities for additional certifications, technical training, skill development, and professional growth within the conservation and outdoor stewardship field.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Physically capable of performing strenuous manual labor for up to 10 hours per day in remote outdoor environments and variable weather conditions.
• Ability to hike to and from project locations while carrying tools, equipment, and supplies that may exceed 50 pounds over uneven terrain and steep grades.
• Self-motivated with the ability to maintain a strong work ethic and positive attitude in physically demanding field environments.
• Willingness to learn new technical skills and work collaboratively as part of a close-knit team.
• Must be available and willing to participate in a field interview at a project site within the Linville Gorge area prior to hiring. The purpose of the field interview is to evaluate physical work aptitude, teamwork, and overall suitability for the position while also allowing applicants to experience the type of work expected on the crew.
• Previous experience in trail construction and maintenance, invasive species management, forestry, landscaping, conservation work, outdoor labor, or related land management fields is preferred but not required for Crew Member positions.

Grandfather Ranger District Crew Member – 2 Vacancies

This crew operates primarily within the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, with work areas extending from approximately Marion to Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Major project areas include the Linville Gorge Wilderness, Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor, Harper Creek Wilderness Study Area, and Lost Cove Wilderness Study Area.

The official duty station is located in Nebo, North Carolina; however, depending on project location and operational needs, crew members may report directly to field sites.

Schedule

• Four 10-hour shifts per week
• Monday through Thursday

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform debris removal and restoration work within the Wilson Creek and Linville River systems following hurricane-related impacts.
• Assist with trail construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and reroutes on both wilderness and frontcountry trail systems.
• Utilize hand tools, crosscut saws, chainsaws, griphoist systems, and other trail construction equipment to complete assigned projects safely and effectively.
• Construct and repair trail tread, drainage systems, retaining walls, stone staircases, timber structures, and trail corridor improvements.
• Conduct brush clearing and corridor maintenance to maintain safe and sustainable trail access.
• Assist with rigging operations and movement of large materials, supplies, and debris in remote terrain.
• Coordinate and work alongside volunteers, partner organizations, and USFS personnel during project implementation.
• Maintain high standards of safety, project quality, environmental stewardship, and professionalism in all work areas.

Appalachian Ranger District Strike Team Crew Member – 2 Vacancies

This position operates primarily within the Appalachian Ranger District based out of Mars Hill, North Carolina. Initial project work will focus heavily within the Big Ivy area near Barnardsville, NC, though assignments may occur throughout the district as operational needs evolve.

This crew is more heavily focused on trail restoration and trail infrastructure projects but may also assist with debris removal and storm recovery operations within river systems impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Schedule

• Four 10-hour shifts per week
• Monday through Thursday

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform trail construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance work on wilderness and frontcountry trails throughout the district.
• Operate hand tools, crosscut saws, chainsaws, griphoist systems, and other field equipment in accordance with safety standards and project objectives.
• Construct and repair trail tread, retaining structures, drainage systems, stone and timber staircases, and trail corridor improvements.
• Conduct brushing, corridor clearing, hazard removal, and storm damage mitigation along recreational trail systems.
• Assist with implementation of hurricane recovery projects in partnership with the United States Forest Service and cooperating organizations.
• Participate in volunteer coordination efforts and assist in maintaining productive and professional working relationships with agency partners and the public.
• Work effectively in rugged, remote, and physically demanding outdoor environments while maintaining attention to safety, communication, and project quality.

NOTE: An in-person, field-based interview will be scheduled in the event of a successful remote interview