National Park Service
Seasonal Laborer (Trails-Motor Vehicle Operator)
National Park Service, Olympia, Washington, United States
Seasonal Laborer (Trails-Motor Vehicle Operator)
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Seasonal Laborer (Trails-Motor Vehicle Operator)
role at
National Park Service
Summary This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants will be referred throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement. The last cut-off date is 11:59 pm (EST),
January 30, 2026 . Please see the “NEXT STEPS” section for additional cut off dates.
Duty Locations, Seasonal timeframes & Government Housing The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April through October but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2026.
North Cascades National Park:
Stehekin WA & Marblemount, WA
Olympic National Park:
Port Angeles, WA
Mount Rainier National Park:
Carbonado, Enumclaw, Longmire, and Packwood, WA
DUTIES These positions support trail maintenance and rehabilitation projects throughout the back country and front country trails in the park. The work consists of trail brushing; removal debris and wind fall from the trail corridor, as well as construction and repair of trail bridges. Reconditioning trail drainage systems and culvert replacement is completed to keep sustainable tread life. Front country trail work involves culvert replacement, trail grading and asphalt preparatory tasks. Back country toilet facilities are maintained and cleaned.
Physical Effort Considerable physical effort is usually part of the job, such as when operating chainsaws, rock drills, moving rocks and logs from the trail. Much walking, bending and heavy lifting is required. This job requires excellent physical and mental stamina. Will lift loads of 100 lbs. and will carry loads up to 50 lbs. for several miles. May hike 18 miles of mountain trails in a day.
Working Conditions Incumbent will be working outdoors and at times in extreme weather conditions. Employee is required to work in cold, rainy, dirty, dusty, hot conditions. There may be occasions that the incumbent will work in heavy rain, falling snow or even blizzard conditions. Employee will be working in rough, steep, mountainous terrain and around hazardous conditions, subject to falls, sprains, cuts, sunburn, biting and stinging insects. Incumbent may be subject to exposure to poisonous plants. Occasionally will work around helicopters, hooking, loading and unloading nets, subject to rotor air blast. Will camp out in backcountry areas often for at least 7 nights. Exposure to excessive noise, vibration, noxious gases from equipment such as chainsaws, rock drills, etc.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Some positions will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided if required.
Travel will be required overnight away from home.
This position requires regular and recurring work and camping in rugged mountainous backcountry at high elevations for extended periods of time. Selectee(s) must be able to hike by foot in the backcountry at high altitude for extended periods of time while carrying backpacks, tools and supplies of at least 50 lbs, and be able to camp for several days at a time.
Will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of official duties; a valid driver's license is required. Must also submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record and all certified driving records from all States.
Travel, transportation and relocation expenses will not be paid. Relocation expenses will be the employee's responsibility.
May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old and: a) Have graduated from high school or equivalent; b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing education; 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.
Qualifications
Ability to do the work of a Laborer (Trails-MVO) WG-3502-4 without more than normal supervision. (Screen out).
Trail crew work in remote areas; use shovels, picks, rakes and saws to perform landscaping or construction type work.
Digging trenches, clearing water drainages and cutting and bucking timber.
Ability to hike on foot for several miles at a time with a backpack weighing at least 50 pounds, perform work at high elevation and camp in the backcountry for extended periods of time.
Additional information on the specific qualification requirements for this position are found in the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations. It is available for review on OPM's website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=WG-3500.
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. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.
Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.
Additional information For questions about this position please contact:
Olympic NP: Kelly Sutton Email: Kelly_Sutton@nps.gov Phone: 360-565-3179
North Cascades NP: Scott Swenson Email: Scott_Swenson@nps.gov Phone: 360-854-7280
Mount Rainier NP: James Montgomery Email: James_Montgomery@nps.gov Phone: 360-569-6636
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Temporary
Job function
Other
Industries
Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Seasonal Laborer (Trails-Motor Vehicle Operator)
role at
National Park Service
Summary This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants will be referred throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement. The last cut-off date is 11:59 pm (EST),
January 30, 2026 . Please see the “NEXT STEPS” section for additional cut off dates.
Duty Locations, Seasonal timeframes & Government Housing The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April through October but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2026.
North Cascades National Park:
Stehekin WA & Marblemount, WA
Olympic National Park:
Port Angeles, WA
Mount Rainier National Park:
Carbonado, Enumclaw, Longmire, and Packwood, WA
DUTIES These positions support trail maintenance and rehabilitation projects throughout the back country and front country trails in the park. The work consists of trail brushing; removal debris and wind fall from the trail corridor, as well as construction and repair of trail bridges. Reconditioning trail drainage systems and culvert replacement is completed to keep sustainable tread life. Front country trail work involves culvert replacement, trail grading and asphalt preparatory tasks. Back country toilet facilities are maintained and cleaned.
Physical Effort Considerable physical effort is usually part of the job, such as when operating chainsaws, rock drills, moving rocks and logs from the trail. Much walking, bending and heavy lifting is required. This job requires excellent physical and mental stamina. Will lift loads of 100 lbs. and will carry loads up to 50 lbs. for several miles. May hike 18 miles of mountain trails in a day.
Working Conditions Incumbent will be working outdoors and at times in extreme weather conditions. Employee is required to work in cold, rainy, dirty, dusty, hot conditions. There may be occasions that the incumbent will work in heavy rain, falling snow or even blizzard conditions. Employee will be working in rough, steep, mountainous terrain and around hazardous conditions, subject to falls, sprains, cuts, sunburn, biting and stinging insects. Incumbent may be subject to exposure to poisonous plants. Occasionally will work around helicopters, hooking, loading and unloading nets, subject to rotor air blast. Will camp out in backcountry areas often for at least 7 nights. Exposure to excessive noise, vibration, noxious gases from equipment such as chainsaws, rock drills, etc.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Some positions will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided if required.
Travel will be required overnight away from home.
This position requires regular and recurring work and camping in rugged mountainous backcountry at high elevations for extended periods of time. Selectee(s) must be able to hike by foot in the backcountry at high altitude for extended periods of time while carrying backpacks, tools and supplies of at least 50 lbs, and be able to camp for several days at a time.
Will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of official duties; a valid driver's license is required. Must also submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record and all certified driving records from all States.
Travel, transportation and relocation expenses will not be paid. Relocation expenses will be the employee's responsibility.
May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old and: a) Have graduated from high school or equivalent; b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing education; 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.
Qualifications
Ability to do the work of a Laborer (Trails-MVO) WG-3502-4 without more than normal supervision. (Screen out).
Trail crew work in remote areas; use shovels, picks, rakes and saws to perform landscaping or construction type work.
Digging trenches, clearing water drainages and cutting and bucking timber.
Ability to hike on foot for several miles at a time with a backpack weighing at least 50 pounds, perform work at high elevation and camp in the backcountry for extended periods of time.
Additional information on the specific qualification requirements for this position are found in the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations. It is available for review on OPM's website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=WG-3500.
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. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.
Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.
Additional information For questions about this position please contact:
Olympic NP: Kelly Sutton Email: Kelly_Sutton@nps.gov Phone: 360-565-3179
North Cascades NP: Scott Swenson Email: Scott_Swenson@nps.gov Phone: 360-854-7280
Mount Rainier NP: James Montgomery Email: James_Montgomery@nps.gov Phone: 360-569-6636
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Temporary
Job function
Other
Industries
Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr