Helene Recovery Trail Data Steward (2 Positions Available)

Job Category Conservation , AmeriCorps Employee Type AmeriCorps Overview

Position Title:

Helene Recovery Trail Data Steward– AmeriCorps Site Location:

Pisgah National Forest-Grandfather Ranger District Terms of Service: Start Date:

January 2026 End Date:

December 2026/January 2027 AmeriCorps Slot Classification : 1700 Hours Purpose: Organizational Summary Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) partners with public land managers to engage youth, young adults, and veterans in meaningful conservation service projects. Through hands-on work in the field, CCNC members develop skills in natural resource management, outdoor leadership, and community engagement while improving trails, restoring habitats, and enhancing recreation areas. CCNC is an AmeriCorps-affiliated program dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders through service, education, and teamwork. Position Summary : The Trail Data Steward Individual Placement will serve with the U.S. Forest Service on either the Appalachian or Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. These AmeriCorps positions will support ongoing disaster recovery from Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread trail damage, and contribute to long-term sustainable recreation management. The Trail Data Stewards will conduct field-based trail assessments, collect geospatial data, and help prioritize maintenance and restoration needs across the districts. Data will directly inform USFS trail planning, safety mitigation, and funding allocation for high-priority projects. This position has the option to be extended for multiple terms, as funding is currently secured for up to three years. Please note that while the position itself may be extended, AmeriCorps members are only eligible to receive a Segal Education Award for up to two terms of service. Additionally, subsequent terms of service would be stationed on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. Description of Duties

Fieldwork Conduct systematic trail condition assessments to evaluate tread, drainage, signage, accessibility, and safety hazards. Monitor trailheads, bridges, culverts, and other infrastructure for storm-related damage. Track and document Hurricane Helene impacts to trails and support disaster recovery planning. Occasionally assist with volunteer or agency trail maintenance days to understand and ground-truth data findings. Data Collection & Analysis Collect GPS and GIS-based field data to support digital trail inventories. Enter, clean, and manage trail data in agency databases and spreadsheets. Assist with mapping and analysis in ArcGIS or other geospatial tools. Produce summary maps, graphics, and reports for district staff and partner presentations. Help prioritize maintenance projects by rating condition severity and safety risks. Identify reroute opportunities to improve trail sustainability and reduce erosion. Contribute to evaluating trail accessibility (grades, surfaces, barriers) to inform ADA compliance improvements. Support grant compliance by preparing site monitoring documentation and condition reports. Provide data summaries to inform volunteer trail work projects and support partner coordination. Collaborate with partner groups (e.g., local trail clubs, nonprofits) by sharing findings that guide work priorities. Occasionally assist with volunteer trail days, gathering field data or guiding project priorities. Public Contact & Education Interact with trail users in the field to share information on closures, hazards, or reroutes. Support development of educational materials such as updated maps, signage, or condition reports for public distribution. Represent CCNC and the U.S. Forest Service professionally in all interactions with the public and partners. Schedule and Working Conditions

Typically 40 hours per week; some weekend or holiday work during peak seasons. Frequent field days with hiking over uneven terrain while carrying tools/equipment; exposure to heat/cold, precipitation, insects, and remote settings. Government/CCNC vehicles may be used for field travel; valid license and insurability required. Qualifications

United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien At least 17 years of age Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check. Interest in conservation, public land stewardship, and outdoor recreation management. Valid driver’s license; insurable for agency/CCNC vehicles. Ability to work outdoors in rugged conditions and inclement weather. Strong communication skills and professional public contact. Self-motivated; able to work independently while following safety guidelines. Preferred

USFS B Sawyer certification (or ability to obtain) for hazard-tree work. Wilderness First Aid/CPR. Experience with hand tools, trail maintenance, or outdoor labor. Familiarity with GPS/mobile data collection; GIS exposure a plus. Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. Time Requirements

Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service. Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term. Orientation and Training

Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395 Living Allowance of $480 per week. Additional Benefit of $320 per week. Loan forbearance if Eligible Interest Payments if Eligible Reimbursement of up to $150 for medical certification (First/Aid CPR or above). On-the-job training provided - including obtaining US Forest Service Chainsaw Certification. Evaluation and Reporting

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service. Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking. Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

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