Maintenance Worker Leader (Trails) (Seasonal)

National Park Service; Mineral (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Park Service seeks a Maintenance Worker Leader (Trails) for a seasonal role. The typical defined season spans May–October and may vary by weather, project needs, or funding.

Entry on duty anticipated May 2027; 3 openings announced with closing date 11/16/2026. Responsibilities include leading trail crews, performing journeyman trail maintenance and construction, designing simple trail projects, and operating mid‑duty equipment while managing camp tasks and safety in backcountry

Qualifications

• Experience leading crews on trails projects.
• Ability to perform heavy physical work and operate hand/power tools.
• Willingness to live and work in backcountry environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a trail maintenance crew across multiple projects with supervision.
• Perform journeyman level work in trail maintenance and construction tasks.
• Design simple trail projects and prepare labor/material estimates.
• Transport and operate mid‑duty equipment (skid steer, mini excavators, backhoes).

Skills

Leadership

Trail maintenance

Camp management

Estimating labor

Tools

Skid steer tractors

Mini excavators

Backhoe loaders

Job description

Maintenance Worker Leader (Trails) (Seasonal)

The typical defined season is not to exceed 6 months between May - October but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2027. Open to the first 50 applicants or until 11/16/2026, whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Key Responsibilities

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Leads of a trail maintenance crew providing leadership and guidance on multiple projects happening at the same time. Perform journeyman level work in trail maintenance, dry and wet stone masonry, trail construction, bridge construction and rigging tasks and provide direction, oversight and supervision to employees.

Perform camp maintenance and management tasks including camp layout and all aspects of camp moves and setup. Design simple trail projects, prepare estimates for labor, supplies, materials and contracted services. Transport and operate mid-duty equipment such as skid steer tractors, mini excavators and backhoe loaders. Physical Demands: Heavy physical effort is required in bending, lifting and using hand and power tools in trail work.

Examples of typical strenuous activities include Frequently lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds, must carry and roll rocks and logs, move rocks weighing up to a ton with rock bars, use hammers to crush or shape rock and use a shovel for extended periods of Frequently hikes up to 20 miles daily. Must be able to do so while carrying a backpack, power and/or hand tools.

Work Environment: 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 terrains, at elevations of sea level to 11,000 feet above sea level, and in 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, working around machinery, and working around helicopters. Incumbent may be required to work long hours, hike, or ride stock for long distances in lough terrain.

May be required to make stream crossings in cold swift water and build boardwalks in hot geothermal areas with volcanic gases. Winter snow and ice removal requires knowledge Of walking and driving safely on snow and ice. Incumbent must know how to dress and work in frigid winter conditions.

Requirements & Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $31.92 - $37.2/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-16.

How many openings are available?

There are 3 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.