Trail Steward

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.

Trail Stewards: Hike park trails while picking up trash—and reporting to park staff any hazardous conditions encountered—in order to:

·      Help keep trails and surrounding areas clean, safe, and accessible to the public.

·      Help mitigate the negative effects of litter on local ecosystems.

Brief Description of Work to be Performed: Under the supervision and guidance of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services (IEVS) Division staff:

·      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.

Length of Commitment: The volunteer may serve for as long as desired but will be expected to commit to a regular weekly schedule. Although the Service Agreement is valid for a year at a time, the volunteer and/or the volunteer supervisor can terminate the volunteer’s service at any time.

Tools, Equipment, and Vehicles to be Operated: The volunteer can expect to use gloves, trash bags, trash grabbers, a reflective safety vest, a park radio, and bear spray. All these items will be available at the visitor center.

Location Where Work Will Be Performed: Work will be performed primarily outdoors in any area of the park that is readily accessible to the public. The volunteer will report to the main visitor center in Middlesboro to check out/return any equipment needed.

Qualifications: As a Trail Steward, you must be willing/able to do the following:

·      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.

Uniform Requirements: Wearing an official and current volunteer uniform shirt—provided by the park—is required while performing volunteer duties. Closed-toed, closed-heeled shoes, preferably with good tread and ankle support, are required and must be provided by the volunteer.

Benefits to the Volunteer: Benefits of volunteering as a Trail Steward for the National Park Service include:

·      The satisfaction of contributing regularly to the public enjoyment and environmental stewardship of a National Park site.

·      Networking with National Park Service staff, partners, and affiliates.

·      15% discount at the visitor center gift shop.

·      Record of volunteer hours with the National Park Service.

With 250 hours of volunteer service, volunteers are eligible for an America the Beautiful annual park pass.