Temporary Trail Crew Worker - Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Trail Crew Worker.

About the Opportunity

This position will develop trails through the building and maintenance of natural surface hiking and biking trails on WVU’s Morgantown campus. The Trail Crew will assist with building and maintaining natural surface hiking and biking trails on WVU’s Morgantown campus. Trail crew staff will receive training in modern trail construction and maintenance techniques for crafting and improving trails.

What You'll Do

• Trail development work involving activities related to trail work including, but not limited to, tread building, feature construction, rustic masonry, carpentry, erosion control, trimming vegetation, trail analysis, materials transport, and the proper and safe use of tools, materials, and other equipment.
• Volunteer engagement is an important part of the WVU trails effort and the trail crew will often be working with, leading, or training student and community volunteers. This is ideal experience for students looking at a career involving natural lands management.
• Applicants need to be physically fit, comfortable working outside all day, and able to work effectively in small teams. The work requires extensive physical effort and endurance.  
• Trail tread construction; including vegetation clearing, excavation, rustic masonry, carpentry and landscaping.
• Use of hand tools to build and maintain natural surface trails.
• Use of small gas-powered equipment; including powered wheelbarrows, blowers, and brushers.
• Function outside all day and be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions.
• Manage, train, and inspire volunteers during trail work events.
• Work within a team to achieve goals and operate a safe jobsite.

Pay Grade: 9

Length of Assignment: 8.5 months (targeting mid-March through end of November 2026), 37.5 hours per week

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• A minimum of six (6) months of related experience OR equivalent education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to communicate well and work with a variety of constituencies.
• Ability and desire to learn practical outdoor and trail construction skills.  
• A desire to be outside and to share the joy of outdoor recreation with others.
• Comfortable in the outdoors and natural landscapes
• Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Chainsaw certification is desirable but not required.
• Trail running, hiking or mountain biking experience is desirable but not required.
• Backcountry living or trail crew experience is desirable but not required.
• Understanding stormwater and forest hydrology is useful but not required.