Trails ARE a trade! As demand for trails, and better designed and maintained trails grows, the trail-building profession needs more professionals to meet these growing demands.
Workforce Development
Trail Skills and Industry TeamRecognizing a need to support networking between trail sectors, in early 2026 MTC refocused on its workforce development efforts and began organizing a new Trail Skills and Industry team.
MTC Members with Workforce Needs:In February, 2026, members of the new team hosted a roundtable discussion with trails leaders from around Maine and New England. The group plans to host future meetings, discussions, and webinars to help explore emerging opportunities in trails workforce development. If you're a leader with experience in recruiting, training, and retaining trail staff, please reach out to team lead Ryan Gates for more information.
|
|
Seeking a Career in Trails?
For those inspired to turn their love of the outdoors into a career, Maine and New England offer exceptional opportunities to learn the art and science of trail stewardship. At the Maine Trails Coalition, we view trails as essential infrastructure for human health and happiness. Building and maintaining trails and making sharing them with locals and visitors is them is a proud trade and part of Maine's heritage industries.
The trail sector offers a wide spectrum of pathways where beginners can develop foundational skills, seasoned trail workers can expand their technical network, and professionals can thrive in long-term careers. Because much of this specialized industry training and workforce development takes place during the "off-season," we recommend staying tuned for announcements beginning in late fall.
Whether working on the ground in the field or managing projects from the office, supporting this vital infrastructure requires a multifaceted, highly technical skillset. Most people who enter the trails trade do so because they feel deeply connected to outdoor spaces. They understand firsthand that by building and protecting trails, they are quite literally building the framework for community well-being, joy, and connection.
The trail sector offers a wide spectrum of pathways where beginners can develop foundational skills, seasoned trail workers can expand their technical network, and professionals can thrive in long-term careers. Because much of this specialized industry training and workforce development takes place during the "off-season," we recommend staying tuned for announcements beginning in late fall.
Whether working on the ground in the field or managing projects from the office, supporting this vital infrastructure requires a multifaceted, highly technical skillset. Most people who enter the trails trade do so because they feel deeply connected to outdoor spaces. They understand firsthand that by building and protecting trails, they are quite literally building the framework for community well-being, joy, and connection.
|
We've pulled together a list of outdoor employment job boards that we recommend. These are a great starting place if you are seeking a job in the trail industry in Maine. (And if you have any suggestions or additions to this page, please email us.)
|
