ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Trail Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CMR OPS

Ski Trail Maintenance Worker

Chewelah, WA · On-site

Maintain Resort slopes cutting brush. Supervisory Responsibilities: None. Essential Job Functions: * Daily operation of brush cutting equipment, tractors, vehicles, snowmobiles, and ATVs. * Use brush ...

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

$35K - $45K/yr

TRAL 1003 Introduction to Sustainable Trails TRAL 1013 Trail Planning and Design TRAL 1023 Trail ... Develop, maintain, and update instructional materials, demonstrations, assessments, and hands-on ...

Nwacc

$35K - $45K/yr

TRAL 1003 Introduction to Sustainable Trails TRAL 1013 Trail Planning and Design TRAL 1023 Trail ... Develop, maintain, and update instructional materials, demonstrations, assessments, and hands-on ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsGovernment JobsTrail Maintenance Jobs

Trail Maintenance information

See salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do trail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail maintenance in the United States is $31.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $38.22 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 cities are hiring for Trail Maintenance jobs?

Cities with the most Trail Maintenance job openings:

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

The most popular types of Trail Maintenance jobs are:

What states have the most Trail Maintenance jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trail Maintenance jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Trail Maintenance jobs are:

Trail Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trail Maintenance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% 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 $65,662 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Ski Trail Maintenance Worker

CMR OPS

Chewelah, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

Supervisor: Grooming / Summer Slopes Supervisor  

Department: Grooming / Slope Maintenance 

Type: Spring - Fall / Seasonal

Position Overview: Maintain Resort slopes cutting brush.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None. 

Essential Job Functions:

  • Daily operation of brush cutting equipment, tractors, vehicles, snowmobiles, and ATVs.
  • Use brush cutters, chainsaws, and other equipment to safely maintain slopes.
  • Accurately document equipment safety issues, logs, checklists, maps, and shift reports.
  • Perform light maintenance or repairs on equipment and keep equipment clean.
  • Adhere to field safety to ensure safety of self and others.
  • Knowledge of slope maintenance objectives and techniques.
  • Use of proper personal protective equipment including: chaps, eye protection, and boots, etc.
  • Fueling of equipment using safe practices.
  • Work together with all departments to build a positive working environment.
  • Physically perform the essential job functions of this position. 
  • Show up to work on time, consistent attendance, and dependable.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Environmental Factors:

  • Frequently exposed to dust; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold / heat; risk of electrical shock; heavy / moving machinery, and vibration.  
  • Lifting to waist level of 30 lbs. frequently, above shoulder lifting and / or carrying of up to 25 lbs. occasionally, 50 lbs. rarely.
  • Ability to work for extended periods of time while standing or seated, constantly.
  • Manual dexterity and fitness to work, repetitive use of hands and tools.
  • Ability to work outside in ANY AND ALL weather conditions constantly.
  • Frequently exposed to construction / forestry (chainsaws, etc.) tools, sharp tools, stinging plants, wild animals.
  • Proper PPE to include chaps, gloves, eye protection and boots required.
  • Constantly climbing, balancing, kneeling, carrying, walking, bending, crouching, rotating, standing, walking and frequently working on uneven and steep terrain.
  • Sight and hearing of acceptable standards for Essential Job Functions
  • The working environment may be stressful when meeting Supervisor and staffing needs.

Benefits:

  • Discounts for employee & some dependent passes, tickets, services, and retail.
  • Discounted passes to other mountains.
  • Access to free training.

The job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. 

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of proper safety equipment including: chaps, eye protection, and boots, etc.
  • Physical ability to hike and work in rugged / remote areas, including uneven ground / steep slopes, stand extended periods, walk, climb, balance, and stoop.
  • Must possess a strong mechanical ability and capable of troubleshooting equipment.
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to problem solve and multitask.
  • Thorough understanding of company policies and practices.
  • Organized and attention to detail.
  • Reliable transportation.

Education / Experience:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two years experience with chainsaws and other brush cutting equipment.
  • First Aid/CPR certification a plus but not required.
  • ATV safety training is preferred but not required (will train in house).
  • Valid Washington State Driver License.
  • Background check.

Apply