Join Our 2026 Recreation Rangers
We’re hiring for the second season of our Recreation Rangers, part of the High Peaks Initiative—a collaboration protecting over one million acres of Maine’s tallest peaks, pristine habitats, and outdoor recreation hotspots like hiking trails and lakes. The team includes a trail crew (with leadership opportunities) and two Public Lands Stewards, partnering with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, and Maine Huts & Trails. These full-time seasonal positions include training in trail work, Leave No Trace practices, chainsaw use, and more, plus potential pro deals on outdoor gear.
About This Opportunity
The High Peaks Alliance will facilitate a shared trail crew to complete essential public trail maintenance throughout the region. We’re seeking individuals passionate about the outdoors and public land stewardship who want to gain hands-on experience in the trails industry.
This 4-person crew serves as both a workforce development program and a regional stewardship effort—improving trail conditions while helping address the industry’s shortage of skilled trail professionals. Crew members can expect to work on projects such as bog bridging, corridor clearing, blowdown removal, stone staircases, and erosion control through water bars, drains, and stepping stones.
All roles require physical fitness (lifting 50+ lbs), adaptability to weather and terrain, basic tool use, and a reliable off-road vehicle. Housing is provided, with flexible off-time. Explore the positions available below.

Trail Crew Member
-
Duration: June 1–Aug 7 (10 weeks)
-
Pay: $16–$18/hour
-
Schedule: Mon–Fri, 40 hrs (flexible)
-
Key Focus Areas: Trail construction & maintenance like bog bridging, stone staircases, erosion control; workforce development emphasis; in Madrid, Phillips, Rangeley areas

Assistant Trail Crew Leader
- Duration: June 1–Aug 7 (10 weeks)
-
Pay: $19/hour
-
Schedule: Mon–Fri, 40 hrs (flexible)
-
Key Focus Areas: Lead projects such as bog bridging, rock work, crew supervision; Madrid, Phillips, Rangeley areas

Public Lands Steward (2 positions)
-
Duration: May 18–Oct 31 (22 weeks)
-
Pay: $16–$20/hour
-
Schedule: Thu–Mon, 40 hrs (flexible)
-
Key Focus Areas: Independent site management at Tumbledown, Bigelow, Flagstaff Lake; maintenance, visitor education, data reporting
How to Apply
Interested in joining us? Great! Please email a cover letter and resume to Matt Kusper, our Recreation Ranger and Trail Crew Leader at [email protected]. Feel free to email him or give him a call with any questions about this position at (704) 877-5567. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to hearing from you!




