NYS DEC anticipates hiring 3 Trail Crew positions for the 2025 field season - May through early fall. Pay rate per hour ranges from $17.35 - $20.45 based on experience.  Duty station location is Warrensburg, NY.

These are full-time, 40 hours/week, seasonal positions, up to approximately 5 months in duration.  As field going positions, trail crews work in variable weather and terrain. The job requires heavy lifting, hiking long distances with packs and tools and physical labor associated with constructing and maintaining trails and trail infrastructure like bridges and rock retention walls. A typical workday may include reporting to your duty station to receive assignments and pick up tools, before heading into the woods for the day to work on trail improvement projects. Some work site locations are remote and may require backpacking and overnight stays in the backcountry.  Duties include movement/use of large rocks and mineral soil for trail structures; use of trail tools like rogue hoes, rock bars, loppers and hand saws; clearing blowdown and pruning & brushing along trails; construction of bridges with hand tools and battery powered drills and drivers; construction of drainage features; interacting with the public and providing navigational and Leave No Trace information. Opportunities for training may include chainsaw, hand tools, and trail construction & maintenance techniques.  Start dates are negotiable depending on school calendars and applicant availability.

Adirondack Trail Crew Member – Entry Level

Rate of pay $17.35/hour, 40-hour work week, 4-month seasonal job

Work includes being part of a 3-person trail crew working on a variety of trail projects in the Southern and Central Adirondack Forest Preserve. Projects may be 1-6 miles from the nearest road and will require hiking with a loaded pack, including relevant tools, in all weather conditions. Trail projects can involve moving and hauling large rocks and buckets of mineral soil to raise trail tread, harden tread surfaces, construct earthen ramps, turnpikes or retention walls, as well as construction of new trail/trail re-routes. Trail crew members also install signs and trail markers, maintain and clear existing trails, construct and relocate privies, improve existing or install new drainage structures and replace/construct trail bridges. Trail Crew Members will work with and maintain hand tools and battery powered tools to complete projects. They will also record photos and information on infrastructure condition while in the field for use by the land managers in planning future projects. They will work under the supervision of a DEC Land Manager and may work alone or as part of a group during the day.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid Class D Driver’s License
• Must be able to carry a loaded pack 6 miles, over rugged terrain
• Must be willing to work in most weather conditions
• Comfortable working in a backcountry setting for extended periods of time

Preferred additional qualifications:

• One year of practical experience in performing general construction or maintenance tasks
• Experience in trail work, preferably sustainable trail building and hardening techniques
• First Aid and CPR certifications
• Chainsaw training

Adirondack Trail Crew Member – Intermediate Level

Rate of pay $20.45/hour, 40-hour work week, 4-month seasonal job

Work includes being a part of a 3-person trail crew working on a variety of trail projects in the Southern and Central Adirondacks and if present assisting with the guidance of entry level trail crew members. Crew members at this level will be expected to assist with keeping the crew on task as they complete various trail-related projects and keeping the Land Manager apprised of the status of the crew’s work. Trail project work is similar to what is described above. There is an increased expectation of these positions to anticipate needs and issues and be prepared for/have the ability to address problems as they arise in the field.   

Minimum Qualifications: All the above minimum qualifications for Trail Crew Member, plus the following:

• Must have some experience in trail work, preferably sustainable trail building and maintenance including hardening techniques
• Combined total of two years of practical experience in performing general construction or maintenance tasks, including familiarity with timber construction techniques and tools that can be applied in constructing trail infrastructure

Preferred additional qualifications:

• First Aid and CPR certifications
• Chainsaw training