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Trail Maintenance Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Take a journey through our extensive multi-use trail system or tour the oldest continuously working ... In this key leadership role, you will oversee all maintenance activities to support plant ...

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Trail Maintenance information

See Wisconsin salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do trail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail maintenance in Wisconsin is $31.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $38.56 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 Wisconsin?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Trail Maintenance jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Trail Maintenance job openings:

Infographic showing various Trail Maintenance job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,276 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Advanced Seasonal Park Worker - Trail Crew

mkecounty

Milwaukee, WI โ€ข On-site

$15.91 - $23.87/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Advanced Seasonal Park Worker โ€“ Trail Crew

Milwaukee County Parks

Hourly Pay:ย $20.66

Parks Equity Statement: Milwaukee County Parks is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. Milwaukee County Parks leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

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Job Summary:ย The trail crew maintains and improves hiking, mountain biking, and the Oak Leaf trails through trimming back brush, mowing, installing signs, addressing erosion issues, removing fallen logs, and other trail maintenance and planning as needed. This position will average 24 โ€“ 32 hours per week.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Maintain soft and hard surface trails by trimming, mowing, clearing dead fall, installing signs, removing graffiti, picking up trash, planting trees, controlling invasive species, and constructing trails.
  • Use GIS and other software to plan for trail reroutes, inventory existing and proposed signs, and plan for trail closures or expansions.ย 
  • Work and collaborate with volunteers, other parks divisions, and outside organizations.ย ย 
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:ยญยญยญยญยญยญยญ

  • Authorized to work in the United States.
  • Possession of a valid United States Driverโ€™s License, able to be maintained throughout employment.
  • At least 16 years old at the time of application.
  • Able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Willing and able to obtain a Category 6.0 Pesticide Certification within six (6) months of start date.
  • Willing and able to complete SAWW Level One Training within six (6) months of start date.
  • Willing and able to complete the Trail Master Certification Course within six (6) months of start date.

Preferred Qualifications:ยญยญยญยญยญยญยญ

  • At least 18 years old at the time of application.
  • Previous Landscape, Park Maintenance, or Natural Resource Management experience.

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NOTE:ย  This original application is open to permanent residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in the state of Wisconsin within six months of start date and maintain such residency during incumbency. In accordance withย Section 11, Ruleย 3 of theย Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Hourly Pay Range: $15.91 - $23.87