Trail Steward

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Located along the beautiful Cumberland Mountains, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park stretches across three states: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. With over 85 miles of hiking trails, historical sites, overlooks, camping, and guided tours, Cumberland Gap provides opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Do you love to hike ? Hate seeing loose trash when you're out in nature? Want to help protect and improve natural spaces while serving your community ?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, volunteering as a Trail Steward might be the perfect fit for you!

Main Duties

• Pick up and properly dispose of litter left in areas of the park frequented by the public including trails, walkways, roadsides, overlooks, landmarks, picnic areas, and campsites.
• Survey the areas mentioned above for any issues or potential safety hazards (such as downed or leaning trees/limbs, damaged park signage, loose steps, damaged fences, and so on), note down coordinates and/or take photos, and report them to IEVS staff in a timely manner.
• Positively interact and engage with members of the public and any other passersby encountered during performance of volunteer duties.
• Carry and use trash grabbers, trash bags, and gloves (available at the visitor center) when picking up trash. Carry a park radio and bear spray (available at the visitor center) when hiking in the backcountry.
• Respectfully use, and safely return, any park-issued items or equipment borrowed to perform volunteer duties.
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Safely walk or hike for extended periods over varying terrain.
• Follow directions and perform work both alone and as a member of a team.
• Behave in a professional, courteous, and safe manner while representing the National Park Service, especially when in the presence of park visitors.
• Arrive ON TIME at the proper location for volunteer duties, as agreed upon ahead of time by the Volunteer Coordinator(s) and/or Supervisor(s).
• Respect the park’s equipment and to use it properly, as demonstrated during training/orientation.

Please note: Government housing/RV pads are NOT available for this position.

Start Date - 2023-03-13

End Date - 2024-03-12

Activities include: Trail/Campground Maintenance

Difficulty_Level: Average

Hosts Housing Amenities: No Housing/Amenities Available