Trail Specialist

Positions open for Nantahala Ranger District, Franklin, NC and Blue Ridge Ranger District, Blairsville, GA.

Trail Specialists will conduct trail maintenance and construction, assess trail needs, collect wilderness data, host volunteer workdays, and engage with visitors. Wilderness trail maintenance and construction may include assessing and repairing hurricane storm damage, corridor brushing, clearing downed trees, addressing drainage issues, repairing tread, stone and timber structure building, 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

• Collaborate daily with US Forest Service staff and partners on project work.
• Perform trail maintenance and construction, including but not limited to: clearing downed trees, brushing trail corridors, repairing tread, addressing drainage issues, building trail structures, assessing storm damage, and removing trash.
• Collect and record wilderness trail assessment and other data as required.
• 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.
• Perform duties during both day-trips and multi-day overnight trips depending on the demands of the work and USFS District.
• 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.
• Recruit volunteers and host monthly volunteer workdays.
• Complete daily data entry on project deliverables.

Benefits

• USFS crosscut saw certification
• Opportunities for professional development and network growth
• Opportunities for pro-deals on gear
• Health, dental, vision insurance (Health: Employee pays 20% of monthly premium, 50% of premium for dependents. Dental & Vision: Employee pays 100% of premiums)
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid holidays
• Sick leave and vacation accrual
• Paid parental leave
• Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 18 months of trail work or related field experience.
• Knowledge & Interest: Strong interest in federally designated wilderness areas, wilderness character, and natural resource management.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Independence: Proven ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Field Competence: Comfortable navigating and hiking independently in remote backcountry areas with a backpacking pack over rough terrain, including areas with limited or no cell coverage.
• Work Environment: Willingness and ability to live, work, and camp in remote, primitive, or challenging outdoor settings for extended periods.
• Public Engagement: Personable and comfortable interacting with the public and partner organizations in a professional and respectful manner.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Stewardship Practices: Knowledge and application of Leave No Trace principles and backcountry travel and camp ethics.

Technical Skills:

• Experience with traditional hand tools for trail construction and maintenance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel (or similar software).
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multiple agencies and partners on joint projects.

Additional Helpful Qualifications

• Crosscut or chainsaw sawyer certification.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• Bridge construction.
• 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.
• Personal backpacking and camping gear suitable for extended backcountry assignments.

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.