Department: Trail Construction and Maintenance
Reports to: Sr. Trail Crew Manager & Trail Crew Manager
Location: Northwest Arkansas (Field-Based)
Pay Range: $17-20 per hour
Employment Type: Seasonal/Temporary, Full-Time
Season Timeline: July-October
Who We Are
Trailblazers is a nonprofit organization based in Northwest Arkansas dedicated to building world-class trails, advancing active transportation, and fostering healthier, more connected communities. We design, build, and maintain soft-surface trails, paved paths, and bike infrastructure that help make this region one of the best places in the country to ride and live.
Position Summary
Trailblazers is seeking dependable and hardworking Seasonal Trail Maintenance Technicians to support the construction, maintenance, and stewardship of soft-surface, multi-use trails throughout Northwest Arkansas. This field-based role helps ensure trails remain safe, sustainable, and accessible for the community.
Seasonal Trail Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on outdoor work using hand tools and small motorized equipment, including weed eaters, mowers, pruning shears, rakes, shovels, mattocks, McLeods, backpack blowers, and brush-hog equipment. Work takes place on varied terrain and in changing weather conditions and requires consistent attention to safety, quality workmanship, and teamwork.
This position serves as an entry-level pathway into professional trail building. Team members begin by learning trail maintenance and construction fundamentals and can increase their responsibilities and compensation over time by developing skills in areas such as trail construction techniques, woodworking for trail features, welding and metal fabrication, rock work, and heavy equipment operation.
No prior trail experience is required. On-the-job training is provided. While this is a seasonal position, there is potential for term extension based on organizational need and individual performance.
Key Responsibilities
Weed-eating and clearing multi-use soft-surface trails.
Raking, reshaping, and maintaining trail tread.
Assisting with light trail construction and repairs as directed.
Mowing and brush-hogging various properties.
Trimming trees and removing branches from trail corridors.
Removing sediment and debris from drainage features.
Clearing trails with heavy leaf litter using backpack blowers.
Installing or maintaining signage and basic trail infrastructure.
Reporting significant issues, such as fallen trees, erosion problems, or safety hazards, to crew leadership.
Maintaining tools and equipment in accordance with safety standards.
Other tasks may be assigned.
Qualifications
Ability to receive and follow direction while working effectively within a team.
Willingness to perform repetitive physical labor in outdoor environments.
Ability to safely use, or willingness to learn to use, hand tools and small motorized equipment.
Strong work ethic, reliability, and punctuality.
Commitment to safety and quality workmanship.
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting materials, operating equipment, and working on uneven terrain.
Capability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 60 lbs.
Ability to work in various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow, depending on the season.
Stamina for sustained outdoor work, which may include hiking, walking, or biking to access remote trail locations and performing strenuous tasks for extended periods.
Frequent kneeling, crouching, bending, and prolonged standing.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities.