If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.
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At Baxter State Park, your office spans 47 mountain summits—including Katahdin—more than 50 pristine lakes, and some of the Northeast's most remote terrain.We’re looking for a seasoned Trail Crew Leader ready to tackle steep climbs, move heavy stone, and lead a dedicated crew in preserving the Park's vast wilderness. You’ll find working at Baxter State Park is not just a job; it’s an adventure!
Baxter Park Trail Crew Leader - Seasonal
Duration: Seasonal, May - October
Group Housing Available
Grade 16, Hourly: $18.34-$25.19
Job Class Code: 9436
Position Number: 009001023
Open: November 12, 2026
Closed: Open until filled.
DESCRIPTION: This is maintenance and personal services work in coordinating and overseeing work crews involved in Baxter State Park trail construction and maintenance. Responsibilities include prioritizing projects, scheduling daily activities, assigning tasks, providing training, and overseeing work crews in their daily operations. Supervision is exercised over laborers, students, and volunteers. Work is performed under general supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
(Entry-level knowledge, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience.)
Two seasons of trail work experience which include at least one season of leading project crews.
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To Apply:
Please submit the following documentation through this post –
- Cover letter
- Resume
FAILURE TO PROVIDE ANY OF THESE MATERIALS WILL RESULT IN FAILURE TO MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities only apply for jobs when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.   Â
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Questions may be directed to Jessica Wheaton, Business Administrator, at jessica.wheaton@baxterstatepark.org.Â
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REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned.)
• Establishes priorities for the workweek and scheduling sequence of projects to coordinate and ensure efficient completion of the established project work schedule.
• Assigns work crews’ daily activities and provides direction, motivation, and supervision for completion of trail construction and maintenance projects.
• Conducts trail and structure repairs and maintenance projects including storm damaged tree clean-up, washed out sections, drainage and timber structure repairs/restoration, such as deck bridge, bog bridge, utilizing other trail maintenance, and erosion control methods to ensure Baxter State Park trails are properly constructed and maintained.
• Constructs new trails, including grubbing out tread way, removing flagged trees from the rail corridor and refining conditions up to the Baxter State Park trail standards.
• Makes decisions regarding natural materials to be used on projects, areas to be used for living space during projects, and methods to be used in performing tasks to ensure safety and protection of the environment.
• Assesses, collects, and documents all field information from projects into qualitative reports, and makes recommendations to the Trail Supervisor.
• Instructs laborers and volunteers in methods, practices, safety measures, and environmental impact to provide training and ensure protection of the environment.
• Inventories tools, maintains equipment, camping, and other gear to maintain records and ensure accountability of materials, tools, and equipment for safe and effective use.
• Organizes crews, tools, and equipment to respond to search and rescue operations as well as forest fires within the park to provide assistance in emergency situations.
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned.)
• Knowledge of trail maintenance and sustainable trail construction techniques, methods and principles. • Knowledge of Wilderness Advance First Aid (WAFA) and use of survival gear.
• Knowledge of wilderness backpacking, camping, and hiking techniques.
• Knowledge of Wild Land Fire Suppression techniques, tools, pumps and maintenance.
• Knowledge of Leave-no-Trace principles and their application to park camping.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize hand and power tools.
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, motivate and supervise laborers and crews of students or volunteers on projects.
 • Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively specialized reports.
• Ability to safely utilize and maintain specialized tools and equipment.
• Ability to navigate with a compass, topographic maps, and/or GPS device.
• Ability to work alone and in a team setting for extended period in the backcountry.
• Ability to camp in the backcountry and work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, push and pull loads and/or carry (50-70 lbs.), often hiking over challenging terrain and under adverse conditions.
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LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class.) Must have a valid Class C driver’s License. Must have or be able to obtain certifications in Wilderness Advance First Aid (WAFA); Baxter Park Class B Chainsaw, and MS-130 and MS-190 Wildfire, and Search and Rescue.
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.Â
- Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. Â
- Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Medicare Premium Reimbursement- Â
- Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).Â
- Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.00% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee. Â
- Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.Â
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.Â
- Wellness Wallet
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.Â
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additionally, unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Â
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.Â
- Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.Â
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
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