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Seasonal Maintenance Worker (Trails)

nps.gov, Bismarck, North Dakota, United States

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Seasonal Maintenance Worker (Trails)

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Summary The incumbent works primarily on the backcountry and front‑country trails. The primary purpose of the position is to assist journeyman level tradesmen in all areas of trails maintenance in the park unit.

Duties

Help perform work in the maintenance and construction of trails, trail drainage, trail bridges, and water diversion bars.

Remove debris from trails and rebuild tread surfaces.

Perform brush clearing of trails.

Work on the maintenance and construction of boundary fence and fence water crossing areas.

May perform other tasks such as routine painting, carpentry, janitorial work, trash pick‑up, grounds keeping, and transportation of materials and supplies in the park.

Area Information Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the badlands of western North Dakota and includes the Theodore Roosevelt Wilderness Area. The park consists of three separate units: South Unit, Elkhorn Ranch Unit, and North Unit. The colorful Little Missouri River badlands provide a scenic backdrop to the park, which is home to a variety of plants and abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, wild horses, long‑horn steers, and bighorn sheep.

The park headquarters is located in Medora, North Dakota. Limited medical facilities, shopping, and schools (grades K‑12) are located nearby. Complete services and a college are located in Dickinson, 42 miles east of Medora. The North Unit is 70 miles north by road from the South Unit and park headquarters. Medora is a seasonal town with a variety of services available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Summers are warm and sunny with temperatures occasionally reaching 100 °F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winters are invigorating, with temperatures sometimes reaching –35 °F. Skies are usually sunny. Snow is sporadic in the relatively dry climate, but heavy snow and blizzards are possible.

Cut‑Off Dates This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are collected over several months and have multiple cut‑off dates. Applications received by the initial cut‑off date will be considered first. **INITIAL CUT OFF IS Monday, January 12, 2026**. Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement; however, additional referral certificates will only be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificates and/or additional vacancies need to be filled.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required.

Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.

Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.

Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.

Driver's License: You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You must also submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record, and all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses.

Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.

Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old and have graduated from high school (or equivalent), have completed a formal vocational training program, have received a statement from school authorities, or be currently enrolled in a secondary school and work part‑time under a formal student employment program.

Government Housing: Housing may be available.

Qualifications

Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision (SCREEN OUT).

Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading).

Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.

Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, repair, etc.

Knowledge of materials.

Technical practices (theoretical precise, artistic).

Use of measuring instruments.

SCREEN OUT – Minimum Qualifications Perform common maintenance work with one trade such as masonry, carpentry, painting and other trades appropriate for trail construction and maintenance. Utilize common hand tools to perform simple maintenance tasks in trail construction and rehabilitation work; operate motorized utility terrain vehicles (UTV), 4x4, and utility vehicles. Experience includes the use and maintenance of proper tools to complete the task. Perform the strenuous work required by this position such as carrying heavy objects weighing up to 100 pounds and hiking mountainous terrain up to 12 miles per day. Work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey‑level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to ensure proper performance.

If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration.

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.

Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.

Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Employment and Rehire Eligibility 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 1 040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service within their established service year. 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).

Physical Demands Heavy physical exertion is frequently required in bending, lifting, and using hand and power tools in trail work. Examples of typical strenuous activity include frequently lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 100 pounds, carrying and rolling rocks and logs, moving rocks of several tons with rock bars, using hammers to crush or shape rock, and using shovels extensively; frequently walks up to 20 miles daily; and must not have potential emergency medical problems that could complicate work in remote areas for extended periods of time.

Working Conditions Incumbent must have the ability to live and work effectively in isolated backcountry areas in close contact with small numbers of people. Must work out‑doors on projects including mountainous terrain up to 14 000 feet in elevation in all extremes of weather. Trail work is dusty and hazardous conditions may exist when moving rock, working in and around rockslide areas, working around explosives, falling and bucking trees, and working around machinery.

Benefits A federal employee has access to a range of benefits that are designed to make a federal career very rewarding. 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.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Temporary

Job Function

Management and Manufacturing

Government Administration

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