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.