8FMS: Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail Host

We are looking for an energetic individual or couple to join our volunteer team as OHV Trail Hosts. Help us greet and educate trail users on the Wambaw Cycle Trail, a 40 mile Off Highway Vehicle Trail near Charleston South Carolina. Additional activities include trail patrol and light trail maintenance. Specialized training and equipment (including ATV/UTV) provided.

This position is located on the Francis Marion Ranger District.  The cycle trail is a 40 mile, high use, off highway vehicle (OHV) trail designed for ATVs and motorcycles.  The trail is located in a remote location on the Francis Marion National Forest approximately 45 miles northeast of Charleston, South Carolina. The main purpose of the position is to provide information and education to OHV users at the designated trailhead and to assist with routine maintenance and monitoring of the trail system and trailhead facilities.

The basic functions of the OHV host can be summed up as follows:

• Public contact
• Patrol
• Observation
• Trail maintenance

Volunteer must be able to live on-site in their own RV or trailer. Housing is not provided; however, the host will have access to electric and water hookups at the trailhead campground during their time as OHV Host.

Host must have a fully self-contained RV or trailer in good condition (you will be required to provide a photo before acceptance).  No tents.

This site is located in a hurricane prone area, consequently, the host may be required to vacate the site as instructed by the District Ranger, Forest Supervisor, or other authorized officials in the event of a hurricane, lapse in government funding, or other unforeseen event. 

Host term shall not exceed six months in length. Volunteers in good standing may re-apply for subsequent terms following a break in service.

Major Duties:

• Greet visitors (public contact). Provide riders with information and education concerning responsible OHV use on public lands.
• Conduct routine trail patrols. Monitor trail for resource damage and user compliance with Forest Service rules and regulations. Report findings to Forest Service personnel.
• Perform routine trail maintenance including trail grooming, tree removal, signage repairs, and hazard identification.
• Operate off highway vehicles, in accordance with Forest Service policy, including UTVs and ATVs.
• Maintain required documentation including volunteer time sheets, incident reports, risk assessments, and load calculations.
• Conduct general cleanup of the trailhead and trailhead facilities, including the restroom and camping area.

Physical/Working Conditions: Service takes place in extremely remote environments. The service is performed outdoors in rugged terrain to include wet, muddy, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces; position requires physical exertions, such as, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. Individuals should be capable of working alone, or with other people, during all hours of the day. Must be comfortable operating ATV or UTV on primitive forest trails.