Park Technician

The Mariners' Museum; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mariners’ Museum and Park is looking for a Park Technician in Newport News, VA to maintain trails and support on-water programming as part of a full-time, hourly team. The role collaborates with the Lake Program Manager and the Trail Supervisor to keep trails safe and welcoming for visitors.

You will manage equipment maintenance, safety briefings, rentals, and guest assistance, helping deliver engaging outdoor programs across the park’s 550-acre trails and 167-acre lake.

Qualifications

• Interest in and care for the outdoors.
• Hold or obtain valid first aid, CPR, and AED certifications.
• Strong communication, organizational, and task-prioritization skills with an adaptable, collaborative, and safety-first mindset.
• Ability to safely, properly, and efficiently operate vehicles, equipment, 2-way radio systems, and tools, including operator’s maintenance required.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Support park trails maintenance and on-water programming.
• Set up, inspect, repair, and store kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and waterfront gear; perform routine hardware/hull maintenance, track inventory, and report damaged equipment promptly.
• Provide friendly pre-launch safety briefings, basic paddling tips, and waterway overviews; assist guests with proper lifejacket fitting, boat sizing, launching, and landing.
• Operate point-of-sale systems for rental programs, tours, and retail; check in reservations, manage walk-up equipment rentals, and track check-outs/check-ins to ensure timely returns.
• Assist with interdepartmental requests and general park operations.

Skills

Outdoor interest

First aid CPR AED

Communication skills

Teamwork

Equipment operation

Safety mindset

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Basic tools handling

Trail maintenance equipment

Paddlesports gear

Job description

Description

The Mariners’ Museum and Park is home to one of the nation’s largest privately owned and maintained parks featuring a 550-acre public treasure with the scenic 167-acre Mariners’ Lake and the award-winning five-mile Noland Trail. Free and open to all, the Park offers a unique setting for walking, hiking, running, recreation, and reflection among rolling woodlands and beautiful lake views.

Our mission is to connect people to the world’s waters through our shared maritime heritage. The Park brings that mission to life through experiential outdoor programs, including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, navigation, and mindfulness. These experiences advance our commitment to Conservation, Research, Access, and Value while creating meaningful, engaging, and accessible opportunities for the community.

The Park Department is seeking a Park Technician to help care for this special place and support the programs that bring it to life. This full-time, hourly, non-exempt position offers $17.50 per hour plus a generous benefits package.

The Park Technician is a dual-role position that supports both the Park’s trails and its on-water programming. In partnership with the Lake Program Manager, the Technician supports on-water programs and equipment maintenance. Working alongside the Trail Supervisor, this position assists with trail maintenance and upkeep. The role also provides assistance with interdepartmental requests as directed by the Park Department Director.

Duties:

Executing the Living-Collection Based, Community Focused Strategy through the three-tier approach:

• Health and Sustainability: Maintaining the health and sustainability of the Noland Trail, and all other Museum trails and paths. This is done through:
  
  
  
  • Maintaining all Trails and Paths to the standard set forth in The Noland Trail Maintenance Manual. This includes:
    
    
    
    • Maintaining guest safety through:
      
      
      
      • Painting exposed tree roots
      
      
      • Creating clear pathways using a backpack blower to remove debris
      
      
      • Removing hazardous debris from trails, bridges, buffer zones, and communal spaces
      
      
    
    
    • Reducing erosion by:
      
      
      
      • Keeping trench drains free of debris
      
      
      • Repairing erosion damage as needed to maintain safety
      
      
    
    
    • Adding clay, sand, and stone dust to trails and paths using hand tools and motorized equipment
    
    
    • Performing minor repairs to wooden structures.
    
    
  
  


• Educational Programming: Engagement at the student and community level through on-water programming. Executed through:
  
  
  
  • Equipment and Gear Management: Set up, clean, inspect, repair, and securely store kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and waterfront gear; perform routine hardware/hull maintenance, track inventory, and report damaged equipment promptly.
  
  
  • Participant Assistance and Education: Provide friendly pre-launch safety briefings, basic paddling tips, and waterway overviews; assist guests with proper lifejacket fitting, boat sizing, launching, and landing.
  
  


• Wellness and Recreation: Engaging the community outside of educational programs. Executed through:
  
  
  
  • Weekend programming and rentals: Operate point-of-sale systems for rental programs, tours, and retail; check in reservations, manage walk-up equipment rentals, and track check-outs/check-ins to ensure timely returns.
  
  

All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Interest in and care for the outdoors


• Hold or obtain valid first aid, CPR, and AED certifications


• Strong communication, organizational, and task-prioritization skills with an adaptable, collaborative, and safety-first mindset.


• Ability to safely, properly, and efficiently operate vehicles, equipment, 2-way radio systems, and tools, including operator’s maintenance required


• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Education and Experience:

• High School Degree or equivalent required


• Experience in customer service, outdoor/recreational programming, education, museum volunteering/internships, basic tool usage, or paddlesports (e.g., American Canoe Association, lifeguard, or water rescue training) is preferred.

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid Division of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Operator’s license with a good DMV record is required.


• Must be able to pass a background check and drug screen before employment.


• Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions/extremes.


• Must be able to work holidays and weekends as needed, in the event of emergencies.