Trail Strike Team Member
Position Overview

Wild South is seeking motivated, hardworking, and team-oriented outdoor professionals to fill multiple field-based Crew Member positions within the Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. These positions are primarily centered around trail construction, trail rehabilitation, natural resource stewardship, and hurricane recovery operations in remote and rugged environments. Employees will work closely with Wild South leadership, United States Forest Service (USFS) personnel, partner organizations, and volunteer groups to complete high-priority conservation and recreation infrastructure projects throughout the forest.

Strike Team positions are funded through a multi-year Hurricane Helene recovery initiative expected to continue for approximately 4-5 years. Additional seasonal opportunities may become available as funding allows, including future positions associated with invasive species management and continued trail restoration efforts.

While most projects do not require overnight camping or “hitch” work, some employees may choose to camp near project areas to reduce commute times depending on assignment locations and personal preference.

Wild South crews are frequently tasked by the USFS with completing technically demanding, labor-intensive, and logistically complex projects in challenging terrain. As a result, employees are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism, safety awareness, craftsmanship, productivity, and teamwork. At the same time, Wild South is committed to investing in employee development and, when funding permits, provides opportunities for additional certifications, technical training, skill development, and professional growth within the conservation and outdoor stewardship field.

These positions are ideal for individuals who enjoy physically demanding outdoor work, problem solving, trail craftsmanship, teamwork, and contributing to meaningful public land restoration and conservation efforts.

Schedule

• Four 10-hour shifts per week
• Monday through Thursday

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform debris removal and restoration work within the Wilson Creek and Linville River systems following hurricane-related impacts.
• Assist with trail construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and reroutes on both wilderness and frontcountry trail systems.
• Utilize hand tools, crosscut saws, chainsaws, griphoist systems, and other trail construction equipment to complete assigned projects safely and effectively.
• Construct and repair trail tread, drainage systems, retaining walls, stone staircases, timber structures, and trail corridor improvements.
• Conduct brush clearing and corridor maintenance to maintain safe and sustainable trail access.
• Assist with rigging operations and movement of large materials, supplies, and debris in remote terrain.
• Coordinate and work alongside volunteers, partner organizations, and USFS personnel during project implementation.
• Maintain high standards of safety, project quality, environmental stewardship, and professionalism in all work areas.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Physically capable of performing strenuous manual labor for up to 10 hours per day in remote outdoor environments and variable weather conditions.
• Ability to hike to and from project locations while carrying tools, equipment, and supplies that may exceed 50 pounds over uneven terrain and steep grades.
• Self-motivated with the ability to maintain a strong work ethic and positive attitude in physically demanding field environments.
• Willingness to learn new technical skills and work collaboratively as part of a close-knit team.
• Must be available and willing to participate in a field interview at a project site within the Linville Gorge area prior to hiring. The purpose of the field interview is to evaluate physical work aptitude, teamwork, and overall suitability for the position while also allowing applicants to experience the type of work expected on the crew.
• 1+ years of previous experience in trail construction and maintenance, invasive species management, forestry, landscaping, conservation work, outdoor labor, or related land management fields is preferred.

Benefits

• 7 paid holidays per year
• Medical, dental and vision insurance for employee and dependents, 75% costs covered by employer