Park Technician: Trails & Water Programs

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

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.