EPHRAIM — Sanpete County residents looking for summer employment outdoors will soon have an opportunity to work close to home as the Manti-La Sal National Forest begins accepting applications for seasonal positions.

Forest officials announced Friday that applications opened Feb. 20 for recreation season jobs that support summer operations across the forest, including positions based in Ephraim and Ferron.

The seasonal employees play a key role in keeping some of Central Utah’s most popular outdoor destinations running smoothly during the busy summer months.

“Seasonal employees are the backbone of summer operations–keeping our campgrounds, trails and recreation sites open, safe and welcoming,” said Forest Supervisor Barbara Van Alstine. “These positions offer meaningful work and the chance to support public lands close to home.”

In Sanpete County, seasonal workers help maintain campgrounds, trail systems and recreation areas throughout the Manti Division of the forest, including areas along the Manti Skyline Drive, Maple Canyon, Twelve Mile Canyon and other popular local destinations that draw both residents and visitors each year.

A total of 13 seasonal positions are available across the forest, with duty stations in Ephraim, Ferron, Monticello and Moab. The Ephraim and Ferron positions will be of particular interest to Sanpete County residents seeking summer work without relocating.

Jobs may include campground and trail maintenance, visitor services, and resource management duties. Employees often assist with cleaning and maintaining facilities, repairing trails, providing information to visitors, and helping ensure recreation sites remain safe and accessible during peak use.

Manti-La Sal National Forest Recreation Manager Jeffs said the positions can serve multiple purposes for applicants.

“Seasonal jobs can be a first step into a natural resources career, a way to build experience, or simply a chance to spend the summer working outside,” Jeffs said. “We encourage anyone interested to apply.”

Forest Service officials note that seasonal work can provide valuable hands-on experience for students pursuing degrees in natural resources, environmental science, forestry, or related fields. At the same time, the jobs are open to individuals who simply enjoy working outdoors and contributing to the upkeep of public lands.

Applications must be submitted online through USAJOBS.gov. Positions in Ephraim and Ferron are listed under announcement number 26-TEMPSRT-NAT-3FS041-3DH. Applicants interested in Moab or Monticello positions can find those under a separate announcement number.

Application periods, qualifications and start dates vary by position. Forest officials encourage applicants to carefully review each job announcement for specific requirements, deadlines and required documents before submitting their applications.

The Manti-La Sal National Forest is a significant presence in Sanpete County, providing recreation opportunities, watershed protection and economic benefits tied to tourism and outdoor activities. During the summer months, areas along the Manti Skyline attract campers, ATV riders, hikers and families seeking relief from the valley heat.

By hiring seasonal staff locally, forest leaders aim to ensure recreation sites remain clean, safe and accessible throughout the busy season.

The USDA Forest Service, which manages the Manti-La Sal National Forest, has served communities nationwide for more than a century. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land and plays a role in the stewardship of hundreds of millions more acres of forestland across the country.

Those interested in learning more about careers with the Forest Service, including benefits and upcoming hiring events, can visit fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/careers.

For Sanpete County residents who enjoy the outdoors and want to contribute to maintaining local public lands, the upcoming recreation season may offer the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into a summer job.