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Trail Maintenance Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Trail Crew

Twin Bridges, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Perform a variety of trail maintenance tasks, check trails for hazards, missing signs; put up signs and mark hazards; cut brush; pack down and shovel snow; put up fences and close trails when ...

AGUA CALIENTE

Canyon Maintenance (35523)

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Task may include, but not limited to fuels suppression, trail maintenance work, trash clean-up, etc. Must be able to lift at least 50 lb. to waist level and be able to walk carrying the weight. Will ...

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Trail Maintenance information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$55

How much do trail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail maintenance in California is $31.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is trail maintenance?

Trail maintenance refers to the ongoing work required to keep hiking, biking, and multi-use trails safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable. This can include clearing debris, repairing erosion, managing vegetation, maintaining signage, and ensuring proper drainage. Trail maintenance is essential for protecting natural resources, preventing trail damage, and enhancing the experience for all trail users. It is often carried out by park staff, volunteers, or specialized trail crews.

What are trail maintenance jobs?

Trail maintenance jobs are available with the U.S. Forest Service, state recreation organizations, and conservation groups, with titles like maintenance worker, recreation crew member, and trail builder. In these jobs, you restore hiking trails and paths by removing overgrown plants, pruning trees, and repairing damage caused by wildlife. Your responsibilities revolve around creating safe, enjoyable access to recreational sites, and to achieve this, you build steps and observation decks, clean up fallen brush, remove invasive species, and work with a team to promote conservation efforts. To perform your duties, you use hand tools, chainsaws, shovels, and axes while working outdoors, often in extreme weather.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in trail maintenance, and why are they important?

To thrive in Trail Maintenance, you need a solid understanding of trail construction, repair techniques, and basic environmental stewardship, often supported by experience or relevant training in outdoor work. Familiarity with hand tools, power equipment, GPS devices, and safety protocols is typically required. Physical stamina, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure trails are safely maintained, environmentally sustainable, and enjoyable for public use.

What are some common challenges faced by trail maintenance workers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Trail maintenance workers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the need to work with limited resources. Addressing these challenges involves thorough preparation, proper use of safety equipment, and effective teamwork. Workers regularly collaborate with park staff, volunteers, and environmental professionals to ensure trails remain safe and accessible while minimizing environmental impact. Strong communication and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving project goals.

What is the difference between Trail Maintenance vs Trail Construction?

AspectTrail MaintenanceTrail Construction
CertificationsOften requires basic outdoor safety and equipment operation certificationsMay require additional certifications in heavy machinery or construction safety
Work EnvironmentMaintains existing trails in parks, forests, and outdoor recreation areasBuilds new trails in similar outdoor settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by parks, conservation agencies, and outdoor recreation organizationsEmployed by construction firms, parks departments, and environmental agencies

Trail Maintenance focuses on preserving and repairing existing trails to ensure safety and sustainability, while Trail Construction involves designing and building new trails from scratch. Both roles require outdoor skills and certifications but differ mainly in scope and objectives.

More about Trail Maintenance jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Trail Maintenance jobs in California?

The most popular types of Trail Maintenance jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Trail Maintenance jobs in California?

For Trail Maintenance jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trail Maintenance jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Trail Maintenance jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Trail Maintenance jobs?

Cities in California with the most Trail Maintenance job openings:

Trail Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trail Maintenance job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,802 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Pacific Crest Trail Maintenance Volunteers - California

Pacific Crest Trail Assn

Sacramento, CA

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Join the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) for a day in the dirt, a weekend in the wilderness, or a stint in the backcountry!

Trail maintenance volunteers are a vital component in building, maintaining, and protecting the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the first trails designated as a National Scenic Trail through the National Trails System Act in 1968. Our volunteer crew leaders and PCTA staff lead new and seasoned volunteers across the trail, which stretches 2,650 miles from Campo, CA (near the US-Mexico border) to Manning Park, BC (near the Canada-US border). Our work is divided into 6 regions, which allows our staff to work closely with community members and local volunteer chapters - PCTA regions in California include Southern California (Mexico to Northern boundary of the Angeles National Forest), Southern Sierra (Northern boundary of Angeles National Forest through Yosemite National Park), Northern Sierra (Northern boundary of Yosemite National Park to southern boundary of McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park), and Northern California/Southern Oregon (Southern boundary of McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park to Windigo Pass).

Projects are dependent on the needs of the trail in a particular area. Volunteers in the mountainous terrain of the High Sierra may have a different experience than those in the desert landscapes of Southern California. Trail work may include:

  • Cutting and removing fallen trees to clear the trail corridor (trail corridor = like a tunnel through the woods, it includes all the elements of a trail affected by trail maintenance)
  • Brushing the trail (brushing = removal of overgown vegetation, saplings, and tree limbs to open the trail corridor)
  • Maintaining and improving the trail tread (tread = the area where people and stock walk)
  • Maintaining and constructing structures such as rock walls, steps, or bridges

Most PCTA projects do not require prior trail maintenance experience, and we encourage all levels of experience to get involved. You will receive a training session by the trail crew leaders before you begin working on a project, including proper techniques and appropriate tool use.

View upcoming projects and register to volunteer on PCTAConnect: https://connect.pcta.org/volunteer/s/project-schedule

Find answers to frequently asked questions on PCTA.org: https://www.pcta.org/volunteer/new-volunteers/

Apply