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Trail Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Additional duties may also include fence, pasture and trail maintenance as needed. The incumbent will also be expected to provide general assistance and support for the department, leadership, and ...

Park Maintenance

West Monroe, LA ยท On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Trash removal and trail maintenance within the park system * Cleaning all restrooms thoroughly * Coordinating and supervising community service tasks * General maintenance and repairs on playground ...

Park Maintenance

West Monroe, LA ยท On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Trash removal and trail maintenance within the park system * Cleaning all restrooms thoroughly * Coordinating and supervising community service tasks * General maintenance and repairs on playground ...

SKILLED TRADESMAN

Bull Shoals, AR ยท On-site

$52K - $77K/yr

Must have experience in trail maintenance, equipment repair, and supervisory experience leading crews with trail maintenance or similar outdoor operations. A Commercial Driver's License is preferred.

OPS TRAIL MANAGER- 37970637 1 1 1 Position Number: 37970637 Salary: $16-$18 PER HOUR, commensurate ... MAINTENANCE - Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine ...

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Trail Maintenance information

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$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.

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:

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.

Howard County Trail Technician - 2026

Howard County, MD

Ellicott City, MD โ€ข On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Salary: $20.00 - $22.00 Hourly
Location : Recreation & Parks, 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD
Job Type: Contingent
Job Number: 9995-07222026
Department: Recreation & Parks
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 12:00 AM Eastern
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
This position would be a Contingent Worker in the Natural Resources Conservation section of the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD). The trail technician will work with the Trail Program Manager to develop and implement a trail system assessment, make repairs and improvements, and monitor trail conditions using accepted standards all while protecting the natural resources of the area. Work typically involves routine maintenance, clearing corridors for new trail, constructing new trail, working with volunteers, and clearing trails of debris. This position also performs maintenance of equipment and ensures that safety standards are met. Work weeks will follow a flexible, weekday schedule totaling 40 hours per week with occasional weekend and evening work required. Please note that this is a contingent (non-permanent, no benefits) position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Performs trail system inspections, maintenance, construction of trails, and repairs.
    1. Responsible for maintaining and updating the wayfinding signs and kiosks in the parks to the set standard.
    2. Clearing and maintaining trail corridors to meet specifications, along with reporting any safety concerns that need to be addressed through future maintenance.
    3. Be able to work in a group setting to complete larger tasks such as bridge or tread surfacing projects.
    4. Fixes or installation of erosion control devices such as waterbars, drains, check dams, and ditches.
  • Assists the Trail Program Manager with the coordination and support of projects for volunteers, interns, students, and scout groups, etc.
    1. Leads monthly volunteer workdays to construct new trail. The Trail Technician will train and guide volunteers on the correct way to build trail.
    2. Assists with volunteer training programs, recognition events, and administrative support.
    3. Lead various other volunteer groups that are interested in helping with trail maintenance such as Scout groups and corporate groups.
    4. Responsible for members in the Adopt-a-Park program and will be the point of contact and assist the volunteers with any needs.
  • Assists with implementing invasive species control efforts utilizing techniques including, cutting, and pulling invasives along the trail corridor.
  • Assists the Trail Program Manager with other duties as assigned.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:
  • Ability to read, understand, and follow complex written and/or oral instructions, and to work independently or as a member of a team.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and make safe and responsible decisions.
  • Operate motorized equipment such as a Canycom, UTV, and hauling a 16-ft trailer.
  • Operate a motor vehicle safely, capable of using a two-way radio and/or cellular phone.
  • Operate and maintain a variety of hand tools.
  • Operate power tools such as drills, chainsaws, brush cutters, string trimmers, and pole saws (Chainsaw training and certification provided by Howard County).
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Ability to perform heavy labor for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to work outdoors under varying conditions of weather.
  • Must possess a valid Maryland Class C driver's license.
  • Criminal background check, certified copy of driving record, and pre-employment physical required.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
  • High School Diploma or GED, enrollment in an undergraduate curriculum.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.
  • Experience utilizing hand and power tools.
  • Experience towing trailers.
PREFERED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
  • Background in natural resources.
  • Two years' experience with maintenance and installation of trail structures and leading groups of volunteers.
  • Ability to use powered equipment such as chainsaws, Canycoms, and skid steers.
  • Experience with GPS and mapping software such as MapInfo.
  • First Aid/ CPR certified (will obtain once employed).
RATE OF PAY:
Contingent - Professional - $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
Employees in this category may not be eligible for all County benefits.