Trail Laborer

Are you a motivated individual wanting to become part of a dedicated team?  Do you like rugged hikes and steep mountain climbs? Are you looking for a challenging experience in trail work? Baxter State Park offers some of the most remote and rugged country in the Northeastern US, including Katahdin, Maines’s highest peak, 46 other mountain summits, more than 50 pristine lakes and ponds, and over 200 miles of hiking trails.  You will find working at Baxter State Park is not just a job; it’s an adventure! 

Are you ready to begin your adventure as a dedicated and hardworking trail laborer at Baxter State Park, the iconic four-season wilderness park?

As a Baxter Park Trail Laborer, a typical season might include the following:

Assisting in trail repairs, including deck bridge, bog bridge, and trail construction/restoration, in order to ensure Baxter State Park trails are properly constructed and maintained.
Assisting with backcountry rock projects such as the construction of water bars, rock staircases, check steps, stepping stones, and rip-rap layouts in order to control erosion
Assisting with new trail construction, including grubbing out tread way and refining conditions up to the Baxter State Park trail standards.
Cutting and clearing brush along trail corridors to remove hazards.
Maintaining tools, equipment, and facilities in order to maintain and improve trails.
Assisting with the creation of hiking trails on washed-out sections.

BAXTER STATE PARK TRAIL LABORER

Group Housing Available 

$17.04 – $22.50 Hourly 

Seasonal – May 2026 through October 2026

Opening Date: January 23, 2026 – until filled

Class Code: 9437

Grade: 14

DESCRIPTION:  This is maintenance and personal services work responsible for the repair and overall maintenance of the Baxter State Park Trail. Responsibilities include repair and maintenance of trail infrastructure including (but not limited to) trail restorations, new trail construction, erosion control and signage of trails. Work is performed under general supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:  (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned.)

• Assist in trail repairs including deck bridge, bog bridge and trail construction/restoration in order to ensure Baxter State Park trails are properly constructed and maintained.
• Assist with new trail construction including grubbing out tread way and refining conditions up to the Baxter State Park trail standards.
• Cuts and clears brush along trail corridors in order to remove hazards.
• Maintains tools, equipment and facility in order to maintain and improve trails.
• Assist with construction of waterbars, rock staircases, check steps, stepping stones and rip-rap layout in order to control erosion.
• Assists with the creation of hiking trails on washed out sections.
• Replace weathered and obsolete trail signs
• Assist with trail blaze painting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned.)

• Knowledge of backcountry first-aid procedures
• Knowledge of trail maintenance, particularly footpath reconstruction
• Knowledge of hand and power tools.
• Knowledge of construction materials.
• Knowledge of backpacking, camping, and hiking techniques.
• Knowledge of Wild Land Fire Suppression techniques, tools, pumps and maintenance.
• Knowledge of applicable standards, occupational hazards, and safety precautions.
• Ability to operate and perform routine service and repairs to chainsaws under field conditions
• Ability to safely transport crewmembers and equipment on gravel roads.
• Ability to lift, push and pull loads of 50+lbs repetitively.
• Ability to backpack heavy packs (50+lbs) long distances and perform strenuous manual labor.
• Ability to work under challenging conditions.
• Ability to perform the manual labor associated with trail work.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow maps.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience.)

• Education and/or experience providing knowledge trail construction, maintenance and the proper use of tools/equipment associated with trail construction and maintenance.
• LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class.)
• Must have a valid Class C drivers License.
• EXAM PLAN:  (This must be successfully completed by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class.)

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills or experience: 

• Knowledge of Advanced Wilderness First Aid techniques.
• Knowledge of chainsaws and previous training in felling, limbing, and bucking trees.
• Knowledge of backpacking, camping, and hiking techniques.
• Knowledge of modern Search and Rescue techniques and practices.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow maps.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull loads of 50+lbs repetitively.
• Ability to backpack heavy packs (50+lbs) long distances and perform strenuous manual labor.
• Ability to fulfill May – October season.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—”Dirigo” or “I lead”—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce’s health and well-being with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.86 – $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additionally, unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There’s a job and then there’s purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

To Apply:

Please submit the following documentation through this post –

• Cover letter
• Resume

FAILURE TO PROVIDE ANY OF THESE MATERIALS WILL RESULT IN FAILURE TO MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities only apply for jobs when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.       

Questions may be directed to Jessica Wheaton, Business Administrator, at jessica.wheaton@baxterstatepark.org. 

If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.