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Temporary Trail Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal work involves temporary employment tied to specific times of the year * Schedule: May ... forth by the trail crew foreman. Job Responsibilities: * Builds and maintains trails to ...

Seasonal work involves temporary employment tied to specific times of the year * Schedule: May ... concerns to the Trail Crew Foreman. * Assist with bike park operations or events as needed.

Job Title: Base Crew Level 1 Job Status: Seasonal Compensation and Benefits: * Compensation ... Ski trail names and locations * Maintain, as directed, all permanent and temporary signs located in ...

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Temporary Trail Crew information

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$10

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$32

How much do temporary trail crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary trail crew in the United States is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary trail crew?

Temporary Trail Crew positions are seasonal jobs where individuals work on maintaining, repairing, and building trails in parks, forests, or other natural areas. These crews are typically hired for a few months during peak seasons, such as spring and summer. Duties often include clearing debris, constructing or reinforcing trail surfaces, installing signs, and ensuring trails are safe and accessible for the public. The work is physically demanding and usually takes place outdoors in various weather conditions. Temporary Trail Crew members often gain valuable experience in conservation, teamwork, and land management.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a temporary trail crew member?

To thrive as a Temporary Trail Crew member, you need physical fitness, knowledge of trail maintenance techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and possibly certifications in first aid or wilderness safety is common. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help members work efficiently in remote and challenging outdoor environments. These skills ensure safe, effective trail construction and maintenance, preserving access and safety for public land users.

What challenges do temporary trail crew members face during a typical work season?

Temporary Trail Crew members often encounter physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting, operating hand tools, and working in remote outdoor locations, sometimes in challenging weather conditions. Navigating rough terrain and maintaining safety while building or repairing trails require stamina and attention to detail. Additionally, crew members may live and work closely with teammates for extended periods, which highlights the importance of strong communication and teamwork skills. Adapting to changing priorities and schedules is also a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Temporary Trail Crew vs Trail Maintenance Worker?

AspectTemporary Trail CrewTrail Maintenance Worker
CredentialsNone typically required; some roles may prefer basic outdoor or safety certificationsOften requires similar certifications or experience in trail work
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, seasonal projects, often in national or state parksOutdoor, ongoing or seasonal trail upkeep in parks, forests, or recreation areas
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, conservation groups, seasonal contractorsPublic agencies, parks departments, conservation organizations
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for seasonal trail work roles

The main difference is that Temporary Trail Crew positions are typically seasonal, short-term roles focused on specific trail projects, while Trail Maintenance Workers may have ongoing responsibilities for trail upkeep. Both roles involve outdoor work in similar environments and may require comparable certifications. Temporary Trail Crew jobs are ideal for those seeking seasonal outdoor work, whereas Trail Maintenance Workers often have more continuous employment in trail preservation.

More about Temporary Trail Crew jobs

What cities are hiring for Temporary Trail Crew jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary Trail Crew job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Trail Crew jobs?

The most popular types of Trail Crew jobs are:

What states have the most Temporary Trail Crew jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary Trail Crew jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Trail Crew jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Trail Crew jobs are:

Infographic showing various Temporary Trail Crew job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,261 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Temporary Trail Crew Worker - Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV • On-site

Temporary

Posted 4 days ago


West Virginia University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

462nd of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
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: Approximately 8.5 month
Work Hours: 37.5
Qualifications
  • 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.

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination
  • Sufficient endurance and strength to engage in physical activity for an entire shift.
  • Able to hike or walk up to 5 miles a day with a 25lb pack
  • Able to repeatedly lift and carry 35lbs
  • Able to be trained in the use of hand tools; including shovels, rakes, loppers, hand saws, picks, pulaskis, mcleods, and more.

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