Want to work on trails in Maine and get paid? Here is list of resources to dig into

Written By Maine Trails Coalition

Trails in Maine receive maintenance in all seasons, but much of the work happens from spring through fall, with summer being the busy season. Trails wear down over time from increased use and impacts from weather that contribute to erosion. Trail professionals work not only to repair problem spots and keep trails open, but they work to build more sustainable and durable trails, and to improve trail access and a wider range of trail options for all.

All this work supporting trails and outdoor spaces takes lots of planning, funding, staff and volunteer time, materials, and grit to withstand long field-hours in all weather, and time spent in the office. Maine needs more trail professionals to care for our extensive and growing trail systems in all corners of the state.

Typically the depths of winter through early-spring are when trail managers are posting jobs and interviewing candidates (that could be you). Some training to prepare for the busy summer season starts as early as April depending on the role.

Starting with a conservation corps, trail crew, state park, non-profit, land trust or internship role is one way you can become adept at many of the skills needed for professional trail crews and other roles in the trail planning and management realm. There is often cross-over if you have experience with landscaping or other related fields.

In this blog post we share with you an array of trail-focused employers in Maine. Please note that some of the postings may not actually currently be hiring, but many, especially the youth corps are hiring for multiple positions, so don’t be afraid to inquire. Many paid jobs, internships, or Americorps roles are perfect for young-adults, those seeking a career change, or anyone looking to expand their skill set through hands-on work in the outdoors. There are definitely jobs or aspects of some roles that have indoor-planning time too, but there is nothing like working out in the field!

Want to volunteer for trails instead? There are other ways to pitch in for trails; for ideas on how to volunteer for trails, visit this blog post also look for a Love Maine Trails Month event this June!

If you know of someone seeking paid time working to support trails in some of the most beautiful places in Maine, please share this post!  We need to build up the trails professionals of the future, and it all starts by getting a little bit of dirt under your fingernails.

Our Fave Job Boards for Trails-Related Jobs


Trail Employment in Maine

MAINE YOUTH CORPS/TRAIL CREWS

Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) Jobs | LINK HERE
MCC members are a diverse group of people that commit to serving anywhere from 3 to 11 months. Many are students, recent graduates, or career changers looking to give back and gain experience in the field of natural resources. All are united in service to the State of Maine, its communities, and the conservation and preservation of our environment.

  • Field Coordinators, AmeriCorps Environmental Stewards (must be at least 18), 900 and 45 hour Stewards,

  • AmeriCorps Field Team Positions, Team Leaders, Team Members and more!

Friends of Baxter State Park: Baxter Youth Conservation Corps | Apply friendsofbaxter.org/bycc
A job training and service-learning opportunity for high school students and recent graduates from the Katahdin region (ages 15 - 19). Participants work full-time on trail projects in Baxter State Park with experienced adult crew leaders. All participants receive job skills training, career mentoring, and earn a competitive wage.

Baxter State Park - 2024 Seasonal Trail Crew

Katahdin Area Trails | LINK HERE
The Outdoor Sport Institute is hiring for the 2024 KAT Trail Crew! For more information check out the posting link above.

  • Trail Crew Member, Trail Crew Leader, Machine Operator

Portland Youth Corps: Youth Conservation Crew Members | LINK HERE

Wabanaki Youth in Science Trail Crew | LINK HERE

Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) | LINK HERE
They start hiring early and preference is given to applications received before 1/31, but it can’t hurt to inquire!

  • Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner, The Maine Trail Crew (seasonal) opportunities on the A.T

Student Conservation Association | LINK HERE

  • Appalachian Trail National Crew, Visitor Services Intern (Acadia), Invasive Plant Technician, Maintenance Tech,

MORE MAINE TRAIL JOBS (STATE, FEDERAL, NON-PROFIT)

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands | LINK HERE

Use the link above to see current openings for the following agencies: Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, Environmental Protection, Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Marine Resources and Natural Resources Service Center.  If you are interested in any of these vacancies, please click on the job title for the full posting and instructions on how to apply.

Maine State Parks | LINK HERE (note, many state park jobs also appear on Maine Job Link)

  • Assistant Park Rangers, Park Rangers, Customer Service Rep and More involved in trails and parks management

Acadia National Park | LINK HERE

Appalachian Trail Conservancy | LINK HERE
Often there are seasonal field coordinator, stewardship technician or ridgerunner positions in Maine, and other opportunities. Check early winter/spring and check often for listings updates.

Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) | LINK HERE
Find trail (and non-trail) related positions both seasonal and full time.  Check early winter/spring and check often for listings updates.

Inland Woods & Trails, Bethel | LINK HERE - Recreation Technician (seasonal)

Maine Island Trail | LINK HERE

Maine Huts and Trails | LINK HERE

Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge - May have Youth Corps Opportunities | LINK HERE

Municipal Trail or Park Jobs

Check with your local town or recreation department to see if they are hiring for trails. If you don’t seen an opportunity you are looking for, maybe there is opportunity to put together a group of volunteers, or secure and train an intern, etc.

Many towns have parks and parks have trails, so working a parks job could be a good introduction to trail work, but it won’t be the only thing you’d be doing. Here are a few postings that caught our eye in no particular order:

Other places to search: Maine Parks and Recreation Association

Maine Municipal Association - search ‘Parks and Recreation’

Private Sector- Professional Trail Builders

You can often find professional trail employment opportunities on The Trail Skills Project Job Board. There are several professional trail builders based in Maine and New England who work in Maine and beyond.

Off the Beaten Path, Turner | LINK HERE (ALL SET FOR 2024, but check out their amazing work!)

  • Specialized Equipment Operators, Backcountry Stonemasons, Trail Crew Members and Leaders (Maine and NH)

Recon Trail Design, Parsonsfield | LINK HERE

  • Lead Trail Builder (Seasonal, Full-Time), Professional Trail Builder (Seasonal, Full-Time), Apprentice Trail Builder

Town 4 Trail Services, Troy | LINK HERE

Bike Parks/Ski Areas- Trail Crews

Sugarloaf/Boyne Resorts-Mountain Bike Trail Crew Equipment Operator (seasonal)

Freeman Ridge Bike Park | LINK HERE

Mt. Abram | LINK HERE

Hopefully, something in this blog post helped you! Stay tuned for a follow up blog-post related to landing trail jobs.

If you’d like us to add you to this list, let us know!

Portland Youth Corps proudly showoff their work

Maine Trails Coalition
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MTC Member Spotlight: Brennan Turner