Temporary Trail Maintenance Aide - Summer Youth Trail Program 2026

Teens looking for real work experience, learning valuable skills while working outside restoring and maintaining trails in City of Santa Cruz Open Spaces, this is for you! This summer program is targeted for teen employment, as part of the Public Safety Task Force recommendations. Only High School Students are eligible to apply.

Temporary positions are non-benefited. Temporary positions are of limited duration and are not linked to regular positions of the same name.

Recruitment # 26-054
REPORTS TO: Trails Specialist
DESIGNATION: Temporary, Seasonal
PROGRAM DATES: June 8 - July 31, 2026
STARTING WAGES/HOURS: $18.70 per hour; 30 hours per week, Mon - Friday from 8am – 2:30pm.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications accepted no later than 5:00pm on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
APPLICATION FORM: Click here for fillable (Download PDF reader).
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO: This application can be emailed to ParksandRecTempJobs@santacruzca.gov or printed and submitted to the Parks & Recreation Office, Attn: Akoma Culver. If you prefer a paper application, copies are available at the Parks & Recreation Office at 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060.
INTERVIEWS: Will be held throughout the job posting duration, on a first-come first-served basis. Interviews will be held at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz.
ORIENTATION: Candidates offered the position will be required to attend a new hire orientation on Monday, June 01, 2026, and successfully complete a pre-employment process, which will include a DOJ fingerprint check.
WORK PERMIT: All hires will be given a "Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit" form in accordance with the State of California Department of Education. This form and subsequent work permit will need to be filled out at the School District Office.

To read about the City of Santa Cruz Open Spaces go to: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Parks-Recreation/Parks-Beaches-Open-Spaces
More questions? Email or call Akoma Culver at ACulver@santacruzca.gov or (831) 420-6208.

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Santa Cruz in an equal opportunity employer.

• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire.
• Ability to safely perform heavy sustained manual labor (which involves frequent bending, pulling, pushing, lifting and carrying of up to approximately 60 pounds)
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions given in English.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a crew.
• Ability to learn and perform proper use of tools, supplies and equipment.
• Willing to learn new skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Commitment to the full 8-week program.
• Selected candidates must be able to work at both Harvey West and DeLaveaga Park. Transportation will not be provided.
• Must wear personal protective equipment provided by department.
• Must wear program uniform while working, provided by the department.
• Must wear closed-toed shoes.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.