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Trail Maintenance Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Engineer

Cary, NC

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

... trail. This position will be assigned work both Saturday and Sunday each week. Primary Duties: * Assist in maintaining a quality, inviting environment for the Umstead property * Conduct turf ...

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Trail Maintenance information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$30

$54

How much do trail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail maintenance in Raleigh, NC is $30.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.45 and $37.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Trail Maintenance jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Trail Maintenance jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Trail Maintenance jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Trail Maintenance jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trail Maintenance jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Trail Maintenance jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Trail Maintenance jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Trail Maintenance job openings:
Infographic showing various Trail Maintenance job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,825 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
South Campus Grounds Manager

South Campus Grounds Manager

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Department Grounds-Administration-244001 Career Area Other Posting Open Date 07/23/2026 Application Deadline 08/06/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title South Campus Grounds Manager Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 00054924 Vacancy ID NF0009914 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Proposed Start Date 09/07/2026
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Grounds Services maintains approximately 758 acres of managed campus grounds and more than 700 acres of forest land/trails. Services provided by Grounds include the following: Landscape Maintenance, Irrigation, Integrated Pest Management, Landscape Installation, Stormwater Management, Forest Management and Trail Maintenance, Parking Lot Maintenance and Arboriculture.
Position Summary
The Grounds South Campus Manager supervises a crew of employees who manage all aspects of landscape maintenance and installation for assigned areas of campus. The crews provide year-round maintenance of lawns, shrubs, ornamental trees, walkways, parking lots and natural areas using a wide range of equipment and techniques. The crews also receive assistance from and collaborate with campus-wide crews in forestry, irrigation, Integrated Pest Management (IPM,) capital projects and facilities projects to accomplish work in their assigned areas and throughout campus. Reads and executes landscape plans for landscape installations and renovations. Actively participates in human resources management, preventive maintenance of assigned equipment, set-up for special events, and the department's adverse weather response.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and four years of experience in the area of assignment, of which two years are supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require certification or eligibility for certification.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Considerable knowledge of horticultural principles and practices applicable to landscape maintenance. 
Ability to supervise and direct crews in landscape management services. Ability to supervise an effective program in preventive maintenance for a full range of equipment used in grounds upkeep. Ability to work as a leader and team player in a workforce that operates in a productive, customer-oriented environment. Experience operating and performing preventive maintenance on a wide range of grounds management equipment. 
Familiarity with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. 
A valid NC Driver's License or ability to obtain one prior to start date. 
Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential (mandatory) University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions, including, but not limited to a public health emergency, may require the university to close.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Completion of a two-year degree or above in ornamental horticulture or related degree/experience. 
NC Pesticide Application License or ability to obtain one within one year of hire. 
Prior experience in safety and training coordination.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Ability to work in all weather conditions and temperatures. Frequent exposure to dust, dirt, grease, grime, chemicals, pesticides, native animals, and outdoor insects. Good hand/eye coordination and frequent use of hands, arms, and legs. Considerable walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, and twisting, daily. Ability to move objects weighing up to 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/322892
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Steven Gooch, Director of Grounds Services Department Contact Telephone or Email Steven.Gooch@facilities.unc.edu Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789