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Trail Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sugar Bowl Resort

Trail Crew I

Norden, CA · On-site

From trail maintenance and brush clearing to labor support, your work will directly shape the experience of every guest who sets foot on our mountain. Why Sugar Bowl? Sugar Bowl Resort has been ...

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$31

$56

How much do trail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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 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.

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Trail Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trail Maintenance job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% 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.
Trail Maintenance Volunteer

Trail Maintenance Volunteer

Gorman Heritage Farm

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

We are looking for volunteers to help us maintain a small network of hiking trails on our 122 acre educational working farm. We have a group of volunteers who cut back honeysuckle, clear brush in the paths, trim and cut down trees as needed, add water bars to trails to slow erosion and inform staff of any major issues.

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