Howard County Trail Technician - 2026

Howard-County; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Howard County’s Natural Resources Conservation division seeks a contingent Trail Technician to support the Trail Program Manager in assessing trails, making repairs, and monitoring conditions to protect resources. The role involves routine maintenance, clearing corridors, and building new trails with volunteers.

The position requires lifting up to 50 pounds, operating power tools, and coordinating with volunteers. Contingent status with no benefits applies.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and perform heavy outdoor labor.
• Valid Maryland Class C driver's license and clean driving record.
• Experience with hand and power tools and towing trailers.
• Strong communication and safety-minded decisions.
• High school diploma or GED; undergraduate enrollment preferred.
• Criminal background check and pre-employment physical required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair trails and related structures.
• Maintain wayfinding signs and kiosks to standards.
• Clear trail corridors and report safety concerns.
• Lead and train volunteers during monthly workdays.
• Assist with invasive species control along trails.
• Operate equipment and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Reading instructions

Communication

Operate motorized equipment

Chainsaws

Power tools

Lifting 50 lbs

Outdoor work

Maryland driver's license

Background check

MS Office

Towing trailers

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Undergraduate enrollment

Tools

Canycom

UTV

Trailers

Chainsaws

Drills

Brush cutters

String trimmers

Pole saws

Job description

This position would be a Contingent Worker in the Natural Resources Conservation section of the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD). The trail technician will work with the Trail Program Manager to develop and implement a trail system assessment, make repairs and improvements, and monitor trail conditions using accepted standards all while protecting the natural resources of the area. Work typically involves routine maintenance, clearing corridors for new trail, constructing new trail, working with volunteers, and clearing trails of debris. This position also performs maintenance of equipment and ensures that safety standards are met. Work weeks will follow a flexible, weekday schedule totaling 40 hours per week with occasional weekend and evening work required. Please note that this is a contingent (non-permanent, no benefits) position.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs trail system inspections, maintenance, construction of trails, and repairs.
  1. Responsible for maintaining and updating the wayfinding signs and kiosks in the parks to the set standard.
  2. Clearing and maintaining trail corridors to meet specifications, along with reporting any safety concerns that need to be addressed through future maintenance.
  3. Be able to work in a group setting to complete larger tasks such as bridge or tread surfacing projects.
  4. Fixes or installation of erosion control devices such as waterbars, drains, check dams, and ditches.
• Assists the Trail Program Manager with the coordination and support of projects for volunteers, interns, students, and scout groups, etc.
  1. Leads monthly volunteer workdays to construct new trail. The Trail Technician will train and guide volunteers on the correct way to build trail.
  2. Assists with volunteer training programs, recognition events, and administrative support.
  3. Lead various other volunteer groups that are interested in helping with trail maintenance such as Scout groups and corporate groups.
  4. Responsible for members in the Adopt-a-Park program and will be the point of contact and assist the volunteers with any needs.
• Assists with implementing invasive species control efforts utilizing techniques including, cutting, and pulling invasives along the trail corridor.
• Assists the Trail Program Manager with other duties as assigned.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

• Ability to read, understand, and follow complex written and/or oral instructions, and to work independently or as a member of a team.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and make safe and responsible decisions.
• Operate motorized equipment such as a Canycom, UTV, and hauling a 16-ft trailer.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely, capable of using a two-way radio and/or cellular phone.
• Operate and maintain a variety of hand tools.
• Operate power tools such as drills, chainsaws, brush cutters, string trimmers, and pole saws (Chainsaw training and certification provided by Howard County).
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform heavy labor for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors under varying conditions of weather.
• Must possess a valid Maryland Class C driver’s license.
• Criminal background check, certified copy of driving record, and pre-employment physical required.

• High School Diploma or GED, enrollment in an undergraduate curriculum.
• Experience in Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.
• Experience utilizing hand and power tools.
• Experience towing trailers.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Background in natural resources.
• Two years’ experience with maintenance and installation of trail structures and leading groups of volunteers.
• Ability to use powered equipment such as chainsaws, Canycoms, and skid steers.
• Experience with GPS and mapping software such as MapInfo.
• First Aid/ CPR certified (will obtain once employed).

RATE OF PAY:

Contingent – Professional – $20.00 - $22.00 per hour