Professional Trail Builders & Apprenticeships

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Recon Trail Design wants you to join our fun and growing trail crew! Our exciting 2026 season of conservation work includes new trail construction, boardwalk construction, and stonework projects in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Western Maine, and the coast of Maine.​

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Our trail crew works a regular Mon-Fri schedule with crew terms of 3 and 6-months with opportunities for advancement. We strive to create sustainable jobs in trail work with good pay and normal hours for entry-level, those looking for the next step after traditional trail crew experiences, or skilled trailworkers. Seasonal housing options available, with crew housing or camping provided on projects requiring long-distance travel.

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Job Responsibilities

Successful applicants will possess proven trail construction skills, ability to maintain high standards of quality, and a positive, team-focused mindset.  Responsibilities include building and maintaining recreational trails with various hand tools, mechanized trail construction, rigging and chainsaw work in remote locations, and working with various partners and organizations.

• Focus on safety, teamwork, communication, and high-quality service

• Knowledge of current trail building techniques and demonstrated ability to implement

• Ability to provide high quality customer service and work outputs with minimal supervision

• Ability to work outdoors in any weather conditions

 

Required Qualifications

• Two or more seasons of trail work experience

• Good physical fitness with ability to hike up to 6 miles and lift and carry up to 60 lbs.

• Experience backcountry camping, and ability to camp if required

• Knowledge of, and ability to, uphold Leave No Trace standards and practices

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License and reliable transportation

• Willingness and ability to travel, camp, and work some weekends

• Overnight travel is required for 2026 project locations

• Commitment and ability to maintain a smoke and drug-free work environment

 

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and/or relevant experience in natural science or conservation

• Experience in carpentry and/or masonry, willing to train

• Experience operating machinery and rigging for trail work, willing to train

• Safe operation of chainsaw with experience in trail clearing

• Valid outdoor medical certification, first-aid and CPR​

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Position Location:  In-Field 100%, travel is required to potential work sites throughout ME & NH

Terms:  6-month:  May - Oct and 3-month: June - Aug, flexible start/end dates

Time Requirements:  Full-time and part-time seasonal positions available, travel required

Compensation:  Competitive pay based on experience, paid holidays & job completion bonuses

To Apply:  E-mail resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to  buildtrails@recontraildesign.com 

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The 2026 season includes mechanized new trail construction, boardwalk construction, and stonework projects in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, southern New Hampshire, and coastal Maine

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Professional Trail Crew Leader

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Recon Trail Design is seeking a skilled Trail Worker with proven leadership experience!  Join our growing team and apply your skills to creating unique and beautiful outdoor experiences for people of all abilities.  This position will lead the daily operations of our Professional Trail Crew during the field season, and ensure a safe and productive work site.  A focus on safety, a keen attention to detail, approachable interpersonal skills, and a desire to be hands-on are a must in this role.

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Job Responsibilities

Responsible for leading daily operations of a 2-4 member trail crew.  At direction of President, assign daily tasks to crew members and oversee safe and efficient completion of projects.  Successful candidates will possess proven trail construction and leadership skills, ability to maintain high standards of safety and quality, and a positive, team-oriented mindset. 

• Focus on creating and maintaining a safe and productive work environment

• Relaxed leadership-style focused on safety, teamwork, communication, and high-quality service

• Knowledge of current conservation and trail building techniques, standards, and BMP’s

• Ability to provide high-quality customer service and work outputs with or without supervision

• Ability to travel with overnight stays and work outdoors in any weather conditions

• Demonstrated trail evaluation skills and ability to effectively assess maintenance needs

 

Required Qualifications

• Four or more seasons of trail work experience, w/ minimum of two years leadership experience

• Good physical fitness with ability to hike up to 6 miles and lift and carry up to 60 lbs.

• Knowledge of and ability to uphold Leave No Trace standards and practices

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License and reliable transportation

• Willingness and ability to travel, camp, and work some weekends, overnight travel is required

• Valid outdoor medical certification, first-aid and CPR

• Commitment and ability to maintain a smoke and drug-free work environment

 

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and/or relevant experience in trail building, natural science or conservation

• Experience operating machinery

• Experience with rigging for trail work

• Experience in carpentry and masonry

• Safe operation of chainsaw with experience in felling and trail clearing

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Base Location:  Porter, Maine & Mountain Washington Valley, NH

Position Location:  In-Field 100%, Travel is required to work sites throughout ME & NH

Term:  Full-time, seasonal March-October 2026

Compensation:  $26-$30 per hour

Benefits:  Paid holidays, job completion bonuses, professional development opportunities

To Apply:  E-mail resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to buildtrails@recontraildesign.com

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The 2026 season includes mechanized new trail construction, boardwalk construction, and stonework projects in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, southern New Hampshire, and coastal Maine

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We believe a diverse and equitable workplace is a strong and productive workplace

Recon Trail Design, LLC is an equal opportunity employer

All are welcome and encouraged to apply!

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“Where Recreation & Conservation Meet”

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Based in Western Maine & Mount Washington Valley, Recon Trail Design, LLC is a full-service firm specializing in recreational trail planning, design, construction, and education. Our work specializes in non-motorized recreational trail design and construction, including ADA/ABA-spec design, mountain bike trails, boardwalks and bridges. We practice a conservation-focused approach to trail work on every project.

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