Adopt-A-Trail Maintenance

Hikers on the trail.

NPS photo/Eve West

 

Job Title:

Adopt-A-Trail Volunteer – Maintenance

Major Duties:

1. Patrol/maintain trail at least 4 times during adoption year
2. Pick up and bag litter
3. Clear trail of debris and brush back encroaching vegetation (hand tools only)
4. Inspect the condition of trail and trail signs
5. Clean water bars and drainage systems
6. Remove small fallen branches/trees (hand tools only)
7. Submit a completed trail report after each work day
8. Commit to program for at least 1 year
9. Report issues such as downed trees, landslides, resource damage, and/or vandalism to trail staff

Work Location:

Trails within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gauley River National Recreation Area
Bluestone National Scenic River

Work Environment and Physical Effort:

All work is performed in a natural outdoor environment where poisonous plants, stinging insects, and snakes are present. Weather can change quickly and exposure to rain and other inclement weather may occur. Heavy physical exertion is frequently required in bending, lifting, and using hand tools to perform trail work. Examples of typical strenuous activity include frequently lifting and carrying objects when clearing brush, rocks and logs as well as using hand tools extensively while maintaining drainage structures. Hiking multiple miles in steep, mountainous terrain is also required. Volunteers must not have potential emergency medical problems that could complicate work in remote areas. All tools and personal protective equipment will be supplied by the park.

Work Schedule:

At least 4 trail maintenance days during adoption year

Clothing:

Closed toed shoes required. Personal Protective Equipment required for the tasks per the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). Trail Volunteer Shirts or Hats must be worn while volunteering. Long pants and sleeves are recommended but not required unless otherwise specified.

Skill and qualifications needed:

Required: Willingness to commit to program for at least 1 year. Able to work safely and perform trail maintenance tasks to meet NPS standards. Possess and practice good communication skills. Able to track volunteer hours and submit trail reports to trails staff. Able to work

Desired: Knowledge of basic trail maintenance practices. Knowledge of the park and park resources.

Supervision:

Trails Volunteer Coordinator – Jeremy Browning 304-719-2488 – [e-mail]
Roads and Trails Supervisor – Morgan Hartsock 304-465-6548 – [e-mail]
Volunteer Coordinator – [e-mail]