Seasonal Trail Maintenance Technician (Full-time, Seasonal)

Summary

Willowsford Conservancy is seeking a full-time, seasonal Trail Maintenance Technician to join our Land Stewardship team. Reporting to the Field Operations Manager, the Seasonal Trail Maintenance Technician helps maintain the Conservancy's extensive trail network and outdoor recreation amenities while supporting broader land stewardship projects.

Working primarily outdoors, this position performs routine trail maintenance, vegetation management, minor repairs, and seasonal improvement projects that help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors. The ideal candidate enjoys physical outdoor work, is comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions, and has an appreciation for conservation, outdoor recreation, and public lands.

About Willowsford Conservancy & Farm

Willowsford Conservancy & Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to land stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and connecting people with nature and farming through education and community engagement. The Conservancy manages more than 2,300 acres of protected open space, including forests, meadows, streams, wetlands, parks, and more than 40 miles of natural surface trails throughout the Willowsford community in Loudoun County, Virginia. The extensive trail network serves multiple users, including walkers and hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.

Essential Responsibilities

• Maintain natural surface trails to provide safe public access.
• Mow, trim, and remove vegetation along trails, trailheads, and recreation areas.
• Clear fallen trees, branches, brush, and other debris from trails using hand and power tools.
• Install, repair, and maintain trail signs, kiosks, benches, bridges, boardwalks, fences, gates, and other trail infrastructure.
• Assist with erosion control, drainage improvements, and trail surface repairs.
• Perform routine trail inspections and identify maintenance or safety concerns.
• Assist with habitat restoration, invasive species management, native plantings, and other land stewardship projects as workload allows.
• Operate equipment including utility vehicles, tractors, zero-turn mowers, string trimmers, chainsaws, backpack blowers, skid steers, and other landscaping equipment.
• Maintain equipment and tools in a safe, clean, and operational condition.
• Assist with special events, volunteer workdays, and community stewardship projects and provide feedback on our trail user app.
• Follow all organizational safety policies and safe work practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in landscaping, parks maintenance, trail maintenance, , or a related field.
• Ability to safely operate or learn to operate landscaping and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental studies, or related field.
• Experience operating UTVs, ATVs, zero-turn mowers, chainsaws, and similar equipment.
• Experience with trail construction or maintenance.
• Knowledge of native plants, invasive species, or natural resource management.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to safety and detail.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to solve problems in the field.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent walking over uneven terrain, bending, kneeling, climbing, lifting, carrying, and operating hand and power equipment. Employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety procedures while operating equipment. Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and may involve exposure to insects, poison ivy, mud, dust, and other natural environmental conditions.

Season

This is a full-time seasonal position, most like  lasting 3-6 months starting in September and running through November to February, with flexibility based on operational needs and weather conditions.

Compensation & Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $20-22 per hour depending upon qualifications and experience.

Willowsford Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.