Trails Strike Team Member
Permanent, Year-round, Full-Time Starting October 2025
Wild South is a nonprofit organization providing National Forest communities with volunteer and career opportunities in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the South. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the local outdoor recreation economy has suffered a severe downturn due to storm impacts on National Forest rivers and trails. Members of the Wild South Trails Strike Team will initially focus on trail repairs and reroutes in the Linville Gorge Wilderness of Burke County, NC. In 2026, work will expand into Avery and Caldwell Counties. A second strike team will form to serve Mitchell and Yancey Counties.
This is year-round outdoor work in rugged terrain, sometimes in inclement weather, occasionally responding to extreme weather situations. All projects will be hand-built trail, not machine-built. Most will be in designated wilderness areas without power tools, although some will be outside wilderness and could include power tools, especially chainsaws. The work is very physical -- involving sawing, chopping, digging, heavy lifting, transporting tools, difficult hikes, & other physically demanding tasks.
Projects will be challenging, requiring the team to work together, support each other, and adapt to changing conditions. This is a close-knit team that values safety, a rewarding work experience, and a strong work ethic. Continuous training and the building of new skills are a critical part of the team culture. Trainings cover a wide variety of topics – including tool trainings like crosscut saw, chainsaw, and rigging, as well as operational trainings like incident command, wildland fire, medical emergency response. Team members eligible for Public Land Corps participation (age 18-30, 640 hours on the job) will have access to a Hiring Authority Certificate.
Previous trail work experience is not essential, but the equivalent of at least one season of work in an outdoor field is a must. Both volunteer and professional experience are valued. References required.
Tasks involved (and experience preferred) include:
● Construction and maintenance of hand-built trail
- ○ Brushing
- ○ Benching
- ○ Drainage
- ○ Rock & wood structures (steps, cribbing, ...)
- ○ Rigging (drags and highlines)
- ○ Tool maintenance (sharpening, hanging, ...)
- Limbing, bucking and falling trees
- ○ Axe
- ○ Crosscut saw
- ○ Chainsaw
● Driving on forest roads
- ○ Single-lane gravel roads
- ○ Trucks, vans, 4WD
- ○ Towing trailers
- ○ UTV
This is primarily a day crew, working 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday. There may be occasional overnight camping at remote worksites.
Compensation is $19-$20/hour, depending on experience. Per diem paid when overnight camping. Mileage reimbursed when personal vehicle used. Position includes paid time off and holidays.
Driving and criminal background checks will be performed as part of the review process. Please email inquiries to Kevin Massey, [email protected] .
Recommended Jobs
Accounting Assistant
Job Summary: The Accounting Assistant supports daily financial operations by processing accounts payable and receivable, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with invoice reconciliation and…
Synthetic Turf Installer
Job Description Job Description Benefits/Perks Competitive Compensation Paid Holidays Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary Artificial Turf Products, Inc., Charlotte’s oldes…
Attorney-Employment and Labor Partner
THE POSITION Goldberg Segalla LLP, a national law firm with more than 20 offices in 10 states, has an immediate opportunity for a Employment and Labor partner to join us in our North Carolina offic…
Regional General Manager
EATS2SEATS Regional General Manager: Mid-Atlantic Location: Mid-Atlantic Region | Chapel Hill, NC Reports to: Founder & President Compensation: $150K – $250K, performance-based upside …
Pastor
West Lumberton Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in Lumberton, NC, prayerfully seeks a Pastor to shepherd our church family and lead us in fulfilling the Great Commission through pre…
Research Associate
Job details Posted 16 October 2025 Salary Grade 7: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum LocationGlasgow Job Type Research and Teaching Reference184633 Expiry 13 November 2025 at 23:45 Job Description R…
Kitchen Manager
Responsible for food production and operating the Back-of-the-House using Golden Corral products, recipes, procedures and company systems to ensure that the standards for quality food, recipes, and c…
Veterinary Assistant
The veterinary assistant is the entire team's primary support. Every department relies on their significant role in aiding with a variety of services to provide excellent client and patient care. …