Baxter Park Trail Crew Leader

Quasi-Independent Agencies; Millinocket (ME); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Group Housing Available

Job summary

Baxter State Park in Maine is seeking a seasoned Trail Crew Leader for a seasonal role overseeing trail construction and maintenance crews in remote backcountry. The job requires coordinating priorities, directing crews, and ensuring safe, high-quality work across rugged terrain.

The position emphasizes training volunteers, safety, and environmental stewardship, with opportunities to lead large projects and collaborate with park staff. Group housing is available for eligible seasonal employees.

Qualifications

• Two seasons of trail work experience which include at least one season of leading project crews.
• Cover letter, Resume.

Responsibilities

• Establishes priorities for the workweek and scheduling sequence of projects to coordinate and ensure efficient completion of the established project work schedule.
• Assigns work crews’ daily activities and provides direction, motivation, and supervision for completion of trail construction and maintenance projects.
• Conducts trail and structure repairs and maintenance projects including storm damaged tree clean-up, washed out sections, drainage and timber structure repairs/restoration, such as deck bridge, bog bridge, utilizing other trail maintenance, and erosion control methods to ensure Baxter State Park trails are properly constructed and maintained.
• Constructs new trails, including grubbing out tread way, removing flagged trees from the rail corridor and refining conditions up to the Baxter State Park trail standards.
• Makes decisions regarding natural materials to be used on projects, areas to be used for living space during projects, and methods to be used in performing tasks to ensure safety and protection of the environment.
• Assesses, collects, and documents all field information from projects into qualitative reports, and makes recommendations to the Trail Supervisor.
• Instructs laborers and volunteers in methods, practices, safety measures, and environmental impact to provide training and ensure protection of the environment.
• Inventories tools, maintains equipment, camping, and other gear to maintain records and ensure accountability of materials, tools, and equipment for safe and effective use.
• Organizes crews, tools, and equipment to respond to search and rescue operations as well as forest fires within the park to provide assistance in emergency situations.

Skills

Leadership

Crew supervision

Trail maintenance

Safety awareness

Training

Job description

Baxter Park Trail Crew Leader - Seasonal

Duration: Seasonal, May - October

Group Housing Available

Grade 16, Hourly: $18.34-$25.19

Job Class Code: 9436 Position Number: 009001023

Open: November 12, 2026 Closed: Open until filled.

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

At Baxter State Park, your office spans 47 mountain summits—including Katahdin—more than 50 pristine lakes, and some of the Northeast's most remote terrain. We’re looking for a seasoned Trail Crew Leader ready to tackle steep climbs, move heavy stone, and lead a dedicated crew in preserving the Park's vast wilderness. You’ll find working at Baxter State Park is not just a job; it’s an adventure!

DESCRIPTION

This is maintenance and personal services work in coordinating and overseeing work crews involved in Baxter State Park trail construction and maintenance. Responsibilities include prioritizing projects, scheduling daily activities, assigning tasks, providing training, and overseeing work crews in their daily operations. Supervision is exercised over laborers, students, and volunteers. Work is performed under general supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two seasons of trail work experience which include at least one season of leading project crews.
• Cover letter, Resume.

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.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS

• Establishes priorities for the workweek and scheduling sequence of projects to coordinate and ensure efficient completion of the established project work schedule.
• Assigns work crews’ daily activities and provides direction, motivation, and supervision for completion of trail construction and maintenance projects.
• Conducts trail and structure repairs and maintenance projects including storm damaged tree clean-up, washed out sections, drainage and timber structure repairs/restoration, such as deck bridge, bog bridge, utilizing other trail maintenance, and erosion control methods to ensure Baxter State Park trails are properly constructed and maintained.
• Constructs new trails, including grubbing out tread way, removing flagged trees from the rail corridor and refining conditions up to the Baxter State Park trail standards.
• Makes decisions regarding natural materials to be used on projects, areas to be used for living space during projects, and methods to be used in performing tasks to ensure safety and protection of the environment.
• Assesses, collects, and documents all field information from projects into qualitative reports, and makes recommendations to the Trail Supervisor.
• Instructs laborers and volunteers in methods, practices, safety measures, and environmental impact to provide training and ensure protection of the environment.
• Inventories tools, maintains equipment, camping, and other gear to maintain records and ensure accountability of materials, tools, and equipment for safe and effective use.
• Organizes crews, tools, and equipment to respond to search and rescue operations as well as forest fires within the park to provide assistance in emergency situations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of trail maintenance and sustainable trail construction techniques, methods and principles.
• Knowledge of Wilderness Advance First Aid (WAFA) and use of survival gear.
• Knowledge of wilderness backpacking, camping, and hiking techniques.
• Knowledge of Wild Land Fire Suppression techniques, tools, pumps and maintenance.
• Knowledge of Leave-no-Trace principles and their application to park camping.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize hand and power tools.
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, motivate and supervise laborers and crews of students or volunteers on projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively specialized reports.
• Ability to safely utilize and maintain specialized tools and equipment.
• Ability to navigate with a compass, topographic maps, and/or GPS device.
• Ability to work alone and in a team setting for extended period in the backcountry.
• Ability to camp in the backcountry and work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, push and pull loads and/or carry (50-70 lbs.), often hiking over challenging terrain and under adverse conditions.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid Class C driver’s License.
• Must have or be able to obtain certifications in Wilderness Advance First Aid (WAFA); Baxter Park Class B Chainsaw, and MS-130 and MS-190 Wildfire, and Search and Rescue.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Work-Life Balance – 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%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 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.
• Medicare Premium Reimbursement- Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.00% 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.
• Wellness Wallet 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 four 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.

Questions may be directed to Jessica Wheaton, Business Administrator, at [e-mail].

ABOUT US

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