Maintenance Worker (Trails-MVO) (Seasonal)

National Park Service; California; On-site; USD 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service in Yosemite National Park, California, seeks a Seasonal Maintenance Worker (Trails-MVO) to lead trail maintenance, repair and construction projects, including heavy lifting and operating equipment.

You will work outdoors in backcountry environments, up to high elevations, with long hikes and extreme conditions; must live and work outdoors on projects. Seasonal period April–May; 150 openings or until 10/26/2026.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Direct and instruct a group of laborers, trail workers, California Conservation Corp, Youth Conservation Corp, and volunteers on trail maintenance, repair and construction projects.
• Remove windfalls, fell trees, and use block, tackle, and winches for moving and placing heavy objects.
• Dry and wet stone masonry trail construction, bridge construction, and rigging tasks; animal packing.
• Operate trail cats, snow plows and other equipment; perform small engine repair; heavy physical effort required.
• Frequently lift and carry objects over 100 pounds; hike up to 20 miles daily with backpack and tools; outdoor living in backcountry.

Job description

Maintenance Worker (Trails-MVO) (Seasonal)

• Location: Yosemite National Park, California

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Seasonal Staffing Office-Yosemite National Park is April - May, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Open to the first 150 applicants or until 10/26/2026 whichever comes first.

Key Responsibilities

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Will direct and instruct a group of laborers, trail workers, California Conservation Corp, Youth Conservation Corp, and volunteers Trail maintenance, repair and construction projects; removing windfalls, felling trees, and utilizing block, tackle, and winches for moving and placing heavy objects.

Dry and wet stone masonry trail construction, bridge construction, and rigging tasks; animal packing. Operating trail cats, snow plows and other equipment, small engine repair. Camp maintenance Physical effort: Heavy physical effort is required in bending, lifting, and using hand and power tools in trail work.

Frequently lifts and carries objects weighing over 100 pounds, must carry and roll rocks and logs, move rocks of serval 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 and tools. Work conditions: Must have the ability to live and work effectively in the backcountry in close contact with groups of people for extended periods of time.

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, and working around explosives, falling and bucking trees and working around machinery.

Area Information: Yosemite National Park, California, known worldwide for its spectacular natural beauty is the backdrop for this position. Sitting astride the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park covers 1,182 square miles of varied wilderness ecosystems, from river valleys to alpine meadows to lofty 13,000 foot high peaks. Yosemite Valley is located 208 miles from San Francisco, 81 miles from Merced, and 94 miles from Fresno.

Shopping, medical, postal and laundry services are available in the park. Elevation at the Valley floor is approximately 4,000 feet and 2,200 feet in El Portal. The park is open year-round with the majority of activities occurring during the busy season March through October.

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 $25.42 – $29.66/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-26.

Who is eligible to apply?

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