What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trail Builder - Apply Anytime position at NWA Trailblazers?
Department: Trail Construction and Maintenance
Reports to: Sr. Trail Crew Manager & Trail Crew Manager
Location: Northwest Arkansas (Field-Based)
Pay Range: $17–$35 per hour
Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Trailblazers accepts applications for this position year-round. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis as openings become available.
Who We Are
Trailblazers is a nonprofit organization based in Northwest Arkansas dedicated to building world-class trails, advancing active transportation, and fostering healthier, more connected communities. We design, build, and maintain soft-surface trails, paved paths, and bike infrastructure that help make this region one of the best places in the country to ride and live.
Position Summary
Trailblazers is seeking dependable and hardworking Trail Builders to support the construction, maintenance, and stewardship of soft-surface, multi-use trails throughout Northwest Arkansas. This field-based role helps ensure trails remain safe, sustainable, and accessible for the community.
Trail Builders perform hands-on outdoor work using hand tools and small motorized equipment, including weed eaters, mowers, pruning shears, rakes, shovels, mattocks, McLeods, backpack blowers, and brush-hog equipment. Work takes place on varied terrain and in changing weather conditions and requires consistent attention to safety, quality workmanship, and teamwork.
This position serves as an entry-level pathway into professional trail building. Team members begin by learning trail maintenance and construction fundamentals and can increase their responsibilities and compensation over time by developing skills in areas such as trail construction techniques, woodworking for trail features, welding and metal fabrication, rock work, and heavy equipment operation.
No prior trail experience is required. On-the-job training is provided.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform routine maintenance on soft-surface, multi-use trails, including weed-eating, raking, and clearing vegetation
- Maintain trail corridors by trimming trees, removing branches, and managing overgrowth
- Assist with trail construction activities such as hand-cutting tread, finishing trail surfaces, and supporting feature installation
- Remove sediment and debris from drainage features to maintain proper water flow and trail sustainability
- Operate and maintain hand tools and small motorized equipment, including weed eaters, mowers, backpack blowers, and brush-hog equipment
- Mow and maintain Trailblazers-owned properties and trail access areas
- Identify and report safety hazards, erosion issues, fallen trees, or other trail concerns to crew leadership
- Follow safety protocols and maintain tools and equipment according to established standards
- Support trail construction and maintenance projects as assigned by crew leadership
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Ability to follow directions and work effectively as part of a team
- Willingness to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions
- Ability to safely use, or willingness to learn to use, hand tools and small motorized equipment
- Interest in learning trail construction and maintenance techniques
- Commitment to safety and quality workmanship
- Clean driving record required
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work on uneven and rugged terrain
- Ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 60 pounds
- Ability to operate hand tools and small motorized equipment for extended periods
- Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity depending on the season
- Stamina for sustained outdoor labor, which may include hiking or walking to access remote trail locations
- Frequent kneeling, crouching, bending, digging, and prolonged standing
- Ability to maintain awareness of surroundings and follow safety procedures while working with tools and equipment
- Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Benefits & Perks
- 33 days of paid time off annually
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% employer match
- Access to outdoor industry discounts
Salary : $17 - $35