Trail Maintenance Technician

Who We Are

Trailblazers is a mission-driven nonprofit leading a regional movement to place cycling, trails, and active transportation at the heart of a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable culture. Our team is setting the national standard for world-class trails and community connection—right here in Northwest Arkansas.

We value excellence, humility, innovation, and collaboration—and we’re looking for people who want to make a lasting impact alongside others who care deeply about the places and communities we serve.

Job Description

Trail Maintenance Technicians play a vital role in maintaining the trail infrastructure that defines Northwest Arkansas as a world-class outdoor destination. This position exists to ensure the quality, safety, and accessibility of both soft-surface and hard-surface trails across the region. Technicians perform routine maintenance, operate tools and small equipment, and proactively address trail issues that impact the user experience.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in outdoor work such as landscaping, groundskeeping, or trail maintenance and enjoys working outdoors in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. This position supports Trailblazers’ broader vision of creating a connected, engaged community through excellent trail systems and active transportation infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance on multi-use soft-surface trails, including weed eating, raking, and leaf blowing
• Conduct upkeep of hard-surface trails by clearing debris, trimming edges, and ensuring a safe, clean riding/walking surface
• Mow and brush-hog Trailblazer-managed properties
• Trim vegetation and remove overgrowth or fallen branches from trail surfaces
• Clear sediment and debris from drainage features
• Identify and report trail hazards (e.g., fallen trees, erosion, pavement cracks) to crew leads
• Conduct minor surface repairs using hand tools such as shovels, rakes, McLeods, and mattocks
• Maintain a clean and organized work site and perform basic equipment maintenance
• Work independently and efficiently while managing daily tasks with limited supervision
• Follow safety protocols and contribute to a positive team environment
• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

• Prior experience in trail maintenance, landscaping, groundskeeping, or similar outdoor physical work is strongly preferred
• Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team
• Comfortable using or learning hand tools and small equipment (weed eater, mower, leaf blower, etc.)
• Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and terrains
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and initiative
• High school diploma or equivalent required

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a highly physical, outdoor-based role. Employees must be able to:
  Regularly lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 60 pounds, including tools, debris, and equipment
• Walk or hike for extended periods, often on uneven, rugged, or steep terrain
• Stand, crouch, bend, and kneel for long durations while using hand tools or performing ground-level work
• Operate power tools and small machinery (e.g., weed eaters, mowers, blowers) for extended periods
• Work in extreme outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow
• Safely load/unload tools and equipment from trailers or vehicles
• Perform repetitive physical tasks (e.g., raking, digging, trimming) throughout the workday