Launch Your Career with the National Park Service: Seasonal Trail Maintenance

Are you looking for a career that takes you out of the office and into the heart of America's most beautiful landscapes? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently seeking hardworking, physically fit individuals to join the team at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a Seasonal Maintenance Worker (Trails). This role is perfect for those who love manual labor, enjoy the outdoors, and want to contribute to the preservation of our public lands.

Job Responsibilities

As a Maintenance Worker, you will be the backbone of the park’s trail infrastructure. Your primary duties will involve:

Clearing trails of fallen trees, debris, and rockfall.
Building and repairing trail structures like cribbing, retainer walls, and water bars.
Improving tread surfaces in heavily eroded areas.
Maintaining and operating hand and power tools safely.
Performing general utility and building maintenance tasks as required.

Requirements

This position is physically demanding and requires a high level of fitness. Below is a comparison of expectations:

Feature	Expectation
Physical Effort	High: Lifting 100+ lbs, extensive hiking, heavy manual labor
Work Environment	Backcountry, adverse weather, rugged terrain
Travel	Occasional, may include remote work sites
Schedule	Variable, may include weekends and holidays

All applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, and be capable of working in challenging, isolated environments for extended periods.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $21.77 to $25.43 per hour. In addition to pay, employees are provided a uniform allowance and the invaluable experience of working within a premier federal agency. While government housing is not guaranteed, it may be available depending on the specific site requirements.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal job can be competitive. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:

Focus Your Resume: Limit your document to exactly two pages. Highlight your hands-on experience with tools and physical labor.
Be Specific: Use clear examples of how you have maintained equipment or worked on construction-style projects.
Meet Deadlines: Ensure all components are submitted before the November 10, 2026, closing date.

If you have a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors, a seasonal position with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect opportunity. You will contribute to the preservation of some of the most visited trails in the U.S. and gain experience that can jumpstart your career in the public sector. Apply today!

Why This Maintenance Worker (Trails) (Seasonal) Job Matters

Launch your career in the great outdoors with the National Park Service! Join our team at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a seasonal Maintenance Worker and help preserve the trails that millions explore every year.

Maintenance Worker (Trails) (Seasonal) Job Overview

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking dedicated individuals for seasonal Maintenance Worker positions. In this role, you will perform essential upkeep, building maintenance, and trail operations to ensure the safety and beauty of the park. This is a temporary, high-impact role perfect for those who thrive in physically demanding environments and are passionate about public lands conservation. You will work under the guidance of skilled journeymen, gaining valuable experience in trail construction and infrastructure maintenance.

Requirements for Maintenance Worker (Trails) (Seasonal)

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Ability to perform heavy physical labor, including lifting over 100 pounds.
Willingness to live and work in backcountry or remote outdoor settings.
Ability to work in all weather conditions and handle strenuous activity such as hiking up to 20 miles daily.
Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation.
Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Possession of a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications for Maintenance Worker (Trails) (Seasonal)

Experience using power and hand tools for construction or landscaping.
Ability to read and interpret technical blueprints or project specifications.
Prior experience working in trail maintenance or similar conservation-based roles.
Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with measuring instruments.
Technical proficiency in building maintenance and site improvement tasks.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly federal pay.
✓Uniform allowance provided.
✓Valuable experience in federal land management.
✓Potential for career networking within the Department of the Interior.
✓Opportunities to work in premier natural environments.

💡 How to Apply Maintenance Worker (Trails) (Seasonal) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Maintenance Worker (Trails) (Seasonal) Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS carefully.
Prepare a federal-style resume (maximum of 2 pages).
Gather any supporting documents such as veteran preference papers if applicable.
Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the deadline on November 10, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; excess content will not be read.
Ensure your resume specifically addresses the job elements and your ability to perform the work.
Be honest in your self-assessment; overstating qualifications can lead to disqualification.
Avoid using generic descriptions; focus on your concrete experience with tools and manual labor.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected start date for this position?

The anticipated entry-on-duty period is between March and April 2027, though this may vary based on weather and funding.

Is government housing provided?

Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. You should contact the park directly for specific information.

Can I submit more than one resume?

No, you may only submit one resume, and only the latest submission will be reviewed.

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary seasonal position with a limit of 1039 hours.

Job from National Park Service

The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Park Service are committed to protecting the nation's natural resources and cultural heritage. Working with the NPS means becoming part of a legacy that spans generations, ensuring that parks remain beautiful and accessible for all visitors. You will be part of a team dedicated to stewardship, safety, and excellence in land management.