What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Maintenance Worker (Trails) position at National Park Service?
Summary
The primary purpose of the position is to perform advanced maintenance, repair, and construction of park trails at the sub-journey level. You may be required to live and work out of backcountry camps as part of a trail work crew.
These positions may be filled for a seasonal period, up to 1560 hours, but can vary due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2026.
Duties
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Performs new trail construction and maintenance including sustainable trail design, general trail maintenance practices, masonry, and log carpentry work. Work also includes moving a variety of materials (stone, logs, fill, etc.) to work sites, maintaining and (re)constructing trail tread, hauling materials, rehabilitating project sites, cleaning drainages, installing signs, transplanting vegetation, and brushing trail segments. Work on park-wide trail construction and maintenance projects. Projects include foot trails in wilderness, front country paths, footbridge construction and maintenance, re-vegetation work, and general maintenance and cleaning tasks. Recognize and report future and existing maintenance problems such as erosion control and drainage pattern issues. May lead (train) Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) employees, volunteers and conservation crews in new trail construction or maintenance projects in the front and back country. Will frequently lift and carry objects weighing over 100 lbs. Incumbent frequently hikes up to 20 miles daily. Work is performed in both front country and backcountry locations and may require living and working out of wilderness camps.
Physical Effort: Heavy physical effort is required in bending, lifting, and using hand and power tools in trail work. Examples of typical strenuous activity include:--Frequently lifts and carries objects weighing over 100 pounds, must carry and roll rocks and logs, move rocks of several tons with rock bars, use hammers to crush or shape rock, and use shovel extensively.--Frequently hikes up to 20 miles daily and must be able to do so while carrying a backpack, power and/or hand tools.
Working Conditions: Incumbent must have the ability to live and work effectively in backcountry areas in close contact with small numbers of people for extended periods of time. Incumbent must live and work out-of-doors on projects in various terrain up to 13,000 feet elevation in all extremes of adverse weather conditions. Trail work is dusty, and hazardous conditions may exist when moving rocks and logs, working in and around rockslide areas, working around stock, working around explosives, falling and bucking trees, and working around machinery.
Bandelier National Monument is comprised of over 32,817 acres, including a designated wilderness area of 23,267 acres and an 800-acre detached archeological section. The monument was created to preserve the numerous archeological and natural features that hold ancestral and traditional significance to 23 tribal nations. The monument's natural resources have been extensively surveyed and hold some of the most complete data sets for climate transition that exist in North America. Annual visitation exceeds 200,000. The monument is located 45 miles from Santa Fe, 32 miles from Espanola, and 12 miles from Los Alamos. Elevation ranges from 5,300 to 10,199 feet with headquarters located at 6,000 feet. Medical facilities, schools, and shopping are available in Los Alamos and White Rock. Los Alamos has one of the nation's best public-school systems. Cultural and recreational opportunities are abundant in Santa Fe and surrounding communities. Local cost of living is considered high.
Government housing may be available.
For more information, see the parks website: www.nps.gov/BAND
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
ICTAP/CTAP Statement: 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. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.
Additional information
Open to the first 30 applicants or the closing date of the announcement, whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
This job opportunity announcement will be used to fill one or more additional selections at any time without notification.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours, or 1560 hours if the position falls under the Exception to the General Time Limits for Temporary Seasonal positions, anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the appointment limit in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.
The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than the appointment limit.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The primary purpose of the position is to perform advanced maintenance, repair, and construction of park trails at the sub-journey level. You may be required to live and work out of backcountry camps as part of a trail work crew.
These positions may be filled for a seasonal period, up to 1560 hours, but can vary due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2026.
Duties
Help
Performs new trail construction and maintenance including sustainable trail design, general trail maintenance practices, masonry, and log carpentry work. Work also includes moving a variety of materials (stone, logs, fill, etc.) to work sites, maintaining and (re)constructing trail tread, hauling materials, rehabilitating project sites, cleaning drainages, installing signs, transplanting vegetation, and brushing trail segments. Work on park-wide trail construction and maintenance projects. Projects include foot trails in wilderness, front country paths, footbridge construction and maintenance, re-vegetation work, and general maintenance and cleaning tasks. Recognize and report future and existing maintenance problems such as erosion control and drainage pattern issues. May lead (train) Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) employees, volunteers and conservation crews in new trail construction or maintenance projects in the front and back country. Will frequently lift and carry objects weighing over 100 lbs. Incumbent frequently hikes up to 20 miles daily. Work is performed in both front country and backcountry locations and may require living and working out of wilderness camps.
Physical Effort: Heavy physical effort is required in bending, lifting, and using hand and power tools in trail work. Examples of typical strenuous activity include:--Frequently lifts and carries objects weighing over 100 pounds, must carry and roll rocks and logs, move rocks of several tons with rock bars, use hammers to crush or shape rock, and use shovel extensively.--Frequently hikes up to 20 miles daily and must be able to do so while carrying a backpack, power and/or hand tools.
Working Conditions: Incumbent must have the ability to live and work effectively in backcountry areas in close contact with small numbers of people for extended periods of time. Incumbent must live and work out-of-doors on projects in various terrain up to 13,000 feet elevation in all extremes of adverse weather conditions. Trail work is dusty, and hazardous conditions may exist when moving rocks and logs, working in and around rockslide areas, working around stock, working around explosives, falling and bucking trees, and working around machinery.
Bandelier National Monument is comprised of over 32,817 acres, including a designated wilderness area of 23,267 acres and an 800-acre detached archeological section. The monument was created to preserve the numerous archeological and natural features that hold ancestral and traditional significance to 23 tribal nations. The monument's natural resources have been extensively surveyed and hold some of the most complete data sets for climate transition that exist in North America. Annual visitation exceeds 200,000. The monument is located 45 miles from Santa Fe, 32 miles from Espanola, and 12 miles from Los Alamos. Elevation ranges from 5,300 to 10,199 feet with headquarters located at 6,000 feet. Medical facilities, schools, and shopping are available in Los Alamos and White Rock. Los Alamos has one of the nation's best public-school systems. Cultural and recreational opportunities are abundant in Santa Fe and surrounding communities. Local cost of living is considered high.
Government housing may be available.
For more information, see the parks website: www.nps.gov/BAND
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
- Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
- Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
- You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
- You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work.
- You may be required to travel overnight away from home occasionally.
- You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
- You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid state-issued driver's license.
- Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
- Ability to Perform the duties of a Maintenance Worker (Trails) WG-07 without more than normal supervision. Requires ability to perform the full range of work on my own initiative as a maintenance worker performing trail construction and maintenance projects such as water bars, rock steps, retaining walls, drainage structures, rip-rap tread, bridges and signs. This experience includes knowledge of carpentry, masonry, use of hand tools and equipment operation in a trail maintenance and construction capacity. I have worked on a professional trail crew (i.e., NPS, U.S. Forest Service, Private Trail Crew, Conservation Corps, etc.) I have assisted in the instruction of peers in trail and trail equipment maintenance, and the proper and safe use of tools and equipment. (SCREEN OUT)
- Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
- Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc.(other than blueprints)
- Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Knowledge of materials
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
ICTAP/CTAP Statement: 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. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.
Additional information
Open to the first 30 applicants or the closing date of the announcement, whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
This job opportunity announcement will be used to fill one or more additional selections at any time without notification.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours, or 1560 hours if the position falls under the Exception to the General Time Limits for Temporary Seasonal positions, anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the appointment limit in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.
The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than the appointment limit.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.