Howard County Trail Technician - 2026

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs trail system inspections, maintenance, construction of trails, and repairs.
  • Responsible for maintaining and updating the wayfinding signs and kiosks in the parks to the set standard.
  • Clearing and maintaining trail corridors to meet specifications, along with reporting any safety concerns that need to be addressed through future maintenance.
  • Be able to work in a group setting to complete larger tasks such as bridge or tread surfacing projects.
  • 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.
  • Leads monthly volunteer workdays to construct new trail. The Trail Technician will train and guide volunteers on the correct way to build trail.
  • Assists with volunteer training programs, recognition events, and administrative support.
  • Lead various other volunteer groups that are interested in helping with trail maintenance such as Scout groups and corporate groups.
  • 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.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• 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.

• 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).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.