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Trail Maintenance Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger- West Lake Park

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$59K - $66K/yr

... trail maintenance and erosion control, pesticide applications and hazardous materials handling. Provides input in the areas of natural resources and recreational management to blend park usage with ...

Dental Assistant

Grimes, IA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Dental Assistant Dental Experience Required Trail Ridge Dental Care is looking for a Dental ... As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both team members and ...

COTA - Travel Contract

Sac City, IA ยท On-site

$27.25 - $36.25/hr

... while maintaining job security in diverse settings nationwide. Choose from a variety of career ... Black Hawk Lake is located in Sac City and provides boating, fishing, and a lakeside trail system ...

Customer Service Representative

Nevada, IA

$15 - $20.50/hr

... and concise audit trail. * Actively participate in cross training and group training sessions to maximize team efficiency and maintain or exceed service standards. * Communicate openly with ...

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Showing results 1-20

Trail Maintenance information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$29

$52

How much do trail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail maintenance in Iowa is $29.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $35.91 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Trail Maintenance jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Trail Maintenance job openings:

Infographic showing various Trail Maintenance job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,674 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Part-Time Temporary Trail Point Aquatics Fitness Instructor

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA โ€ข On-site

$22 - $33/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Job Title
Part-Time Temporary Trail Point Aquatics Fitness Instructor
Campus
Ankeny Campus, IA
Job Number
27-T11
Employment Date
As soon as possible
Job Category
Part-time Temporary Staff Positions
Application & Position Information Call
Emily Lauer at ejlauer@dmacc.edu.
Posting Detail Information
Salary Information
$22.00 - $33.00 per hour based on experience.
Job Summary
Plans and instructs group fitness and/or related classes, following Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness standards and guidelines. Coordinates activities which are culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate. Ensure that Trail Point offers the best aquatics classes for all members at all levels and abilities.
Essential Functions
Plan and conduct high quality classes in the aquatics area.
Maintain proper aquatics teaching formats and Trail Point records.
Provide customer service to all members.
Assist in maintaining the cleanliness, safety and order of the aquatics
facilities.
Required Qualifications
Nationally Recognized Group Fitness or Aqua Certification and/or one year fitness instructor work experience.
Ability to complete adult and pediatric CPR/first aid/AED including hands on training within 60 days of hire. Upon review, current certification may be deemed acceptable.
Desired Qualifications
Work Schedule
To be determined.
Posting Date
07/15/2026
Deadline for Submitting Applications
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
DMACC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Individuals with disabilities desiring a reasonable accommodation in the application process should notify Human Resources at 515-964-6479 or by email jobs@dmacc.edu.
THIS VACANCY REQUIRES: 1) A complete DMACC Employment Application in English (personal information, educational history, employment history, and supplemental questions). Incomplete applications and commenting "See Resume" will not be accepted. The application form will be used to screen applicants for required qualifications. 2) Attachment of transcripts to your electronic application (if required). Transcripts must include the applicant's name and degrees conferred. Scanned copies are acceptable.
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Quick Link
https://jobs.dmacc.edu/postings/15114