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Open: April 17, 2026 — Closes: May 8, 2026
Summary
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for these parks is April - October, but the season may be extended or reduced due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: June 28, 2026
Major Duties
Open to the first 100 applicants or until 05/08/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. Major Duties: This position is a working leader of 5 or more employees. The incumbent has a complete knowledge of trail maintenance and construction techniques and must be able to recognize existing and future maintenance problems. Incumbent is knowledgeable in the analysis of drainage patterns and the subsequent control methods. Trail work requires ingenuity and good judgement due to the mostly backcountry nature of the work. Incumbent provides input to supervisor on trail work priorities, personnel and training recommendations, and equipment or supply needs. Once projects have been prioritized for the work season, incumbent work with supervisor to schedule individual phases of special project or various district projects for the season. This may include scheduling materials procurement and delivery, coordinating vehicle and equipment use, and working with volunteer or youth corps groups. Incumbent is responsible for daily on-site decisions concerning workflow and assignment and distribution of work for their crew. Teaches and demonstrates trail maintenance and construction methods and techniques to employees and volunteers and sets the pace when working alongside them. Keeps crew informed on procedures, policies, written instructions, and other directives. Holds safety "tailgate sessions" whenever necessary, especially when initiating a new task or operating specialized equipment. Inspects all assigned equipment and vehicles on a regular, recurring basis to assure safe working conditions. Keeps supervisor informed on status and progress of work, causes of work delay, and any personnel issues. Incumbent may be responsible in leading diverse volunteers in assigned trail maintenance and construction projects. Performs and leads other trail crew workers in masonry work, primarily dry stone, in the construction, stabilization, and maintenance to historic and non-historic structures, mostly on the park trail system. Performs and leads carpentry work, primarily using heavy log and rough-sawn lumber, on trail structures such as log checks, footbridges, multi-use bridges, corrals, hitch rails, and boardwalks. Log work tasks involve the use of a chain saw to fell, buck, notch, and/or shape both native and pressure treated logs in the maintenance and construction of multi-use and foot bridges, water bars and retainer steps, crib walls and steps. Incumbent also extensively uses chain saws in clearing trails of down trees and brush. The incumbent of this position leads the trail maintenance and repair efforts at Cowpens National Battlefield in Gaffney, SC, Kings Mountain National Military Park in Blacksburg, SC, and Ninety Six National Historic Site in Ninety Six, SC. The incumbent must be self-directed and able to perform duties with minimum supervision. This is a working leader position which entails performing the duties associated with trail maintenance and repair, while directing and overseeing the work of trails maintenance workers and laborers. Work includes tasks associated with trails such as: Providing daily direction to a team of trails workers. Demonstrating proper work methods and pace. Ensuring plans, materials, supplies, tools, and equipment are available. Carpentry repairs using simple measurements and hand tools. Motor vehicle and equipment operation. Chainsaw operation to including limbing and bucking downed trees, and clearing trails. Using hand tools such as pick and shovel to repair tread of trail (natural, aggregate, and paved surfaces). The incumbent is a member of the parks group maintenance team reporting directly to the Superintendent. Location Information: The trails team will be duty stationed at Cowpens National Battlefield and dispersed to Kings Mountain National Military Park, and Ninety Six National Historic Site to perform work as needed on a daily basis. All basic services including schools, medical and shopping facilities are located within a short drive of each park. There is a full range of housing for sale or rent in the area and the cost of living is considered low to moderate. Temperatures for the area range from very hot and humid in the summer to cool and moderate in the winter. Cowpens National Battlefield, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Ninety Six National Historic Site, and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail are grouped administratively. Staff within the group of parks share subject matter expertise, and travel between the sites for training, shared work requirements, and for mutual support during activities such as such as special events.
