Trail Volunteer

The volunteer(s) serve as an OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) volunteer. Primary duties involve assisting with the operation of the District’s OHV recreation areas and trails.  Duties include OHV trail maintenance, trailhead staffing, visitor education, and the promotion of responsible use of off highway vehicles. Volunteers must successfully complete the SVIA (Safety Vehicle Institute of America) course provided by certified Forest Service (FS) personnel prior to operating any ATV for the accomplishment of FS duties. Volunteers may also be certified on a variety of other types of equipment (tractors, trail rake, SWECO bulldozer, etc) that are used to maintain the trails. This position involves physically demanding field at times and requires that the volunteer work in a variety of weather conditions (extreme hot, cold, rain, etc). There are also a variety of stinging/biting insects that may be encountered while working as well as the potential for encountering various wildlife species, including black bears.

The major function of this position involves monitoring the OHV trailhead/trail system rules. Volunteers may be required to monitor the visitors and address minor compliance issues such as failure to pay, trail behavior, registration, etc. Volunteers are expected to back away from any situation that they are uncomfortable with or feel threatened by and call for FS enforcement personnel or Marion County Sheriff’s Office assistance. In most cases the volunteer will be able to handle situations, as they are minor incidents.

This position does not require on site residence but full hook-up sites are available for the volunteer provided RV. The FS will provide an orientation to each volunteer and host. This will include the review of some written material as well as shadowing veteran hosts, other volunteers, and/or FS employees.

OHV volunteers will typically be required to work Friday- Sunday evenings and on holidays or other busy times, however, hours are be flexible and most maintenance of the trails are conducted during the week days.