Baxter Park Trail Laborer

State of Maine•Millinocket, ME

8d•$17 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Are you a motivated individual wanting to become part of a dedicated team? Do you like rugged hikes and steep mountain climbs? Are you looking for a challenging experience in trail work? Baxter State Park offers some of the most remote and rugged country in the Northeastern US, including Katahdin, Maines's highest peak, 46 other mountain summits, more than 50 pristine lakes and ponds, and over 200 miles of hiking trails. You will find working at Baxter State Park is not just a job; it's an adventure! Are you ready to begin your adventure as a dedicated and hardworking trail laborer at Baxter State Park, the iconic four-season wilderness park? As a Baxter Park Trail Laborer, a typical season might include the following: Assisting in trail repairs, including deck bridge, bog bridge, and trail construction/restoration, in order to ensure Baxter State Park trails are properly constructed and maintained. Assisting with backcountry rock projects such as the construction of water bars, rock staircases, check steps, stepping stones, and rip-rap layouts in order to control erosion Assisting with new trail construction, including grubbing out tread way and refining conditions up to the Baxter State Park trail standards. Cutting and clearing brush along trail corridors to remove hazards. Maintaining tools, equipment, and facilities in order to maintain and improve trails. Assisting with the creation of hiking trails on washed-out sections. DESCRIPTION: This is maintenance and personal services work responsible for the repair and overall maintenance of the Baxter State Park Trail. Responsibilities include repair and maintenance of trail infrastructure including (but not limited to) trail restorations, new trail construction, erosion control and signage of trails. Work is performed under general supervision.

Requirements

Knowledge of backcountry first-aid procedures
Knowledge of trail maintenance, particularly footpath reconstruction
Knowledge of hand and power tools.
Knowledge of construction materials.
Knowledge of backpacking, camping, and hiking techniques.
Knowledge of Wild Land Fire Suppression techniques, tools, pumps and maintenance.
Knowledge of applicable standards, occupational hazards, and safety precautions.
Ability to operate and perform routine service and repairs to chainsaws under field conditions
Ability to safely transport crewmembers and equipment on gravel roads.
Ability to lift, push and pull loads of 50+lbs repetitively.
Ability to backpack heavy packs (50+lbs) long distances and perform strenuous manual labor.
Ability to work under challenging conditions.
Ability to perform the manual labor associated with trail work.
Ability to read, understand, and follow maps.
Education and/or experience providing knowledge trail construction, maintenance and the proper use of tools/equipment associated with trail construction and maintenance.
Must have a valid Class C drivers License.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Advanced Wilderness First Aid techniques.
Knowledge of chainsaws and previous training in felling, limbing, and bucking trees.
Knowledge of backpacking, camping, and hiking techniques.
Knowledge of modern Search and Rescue techniques and practices.
Ability to read, understand, and follow maps.
Ability to lift, push, and pull loads of 50+lbs repetitively.
Ability to backpack heavy packs (50+lbs) long distances and perform strenuous manual labor.
Ability to fulfill May - October season.

Responsibilities

Assist in trail repairs including deck bridge, bog bridge and trail construction/restoration in order to ensure Baxter State Park trails are properly constructed and maintained.
Assist with new trail construction including grubbing out tread way and refining conditions up to the Baxter State Park trail standards.
Cuts and clears brush along trail corridors in order to remove hazards.
Maintains tools, equipment and facility in order to maintain and improve trails.
Assist with construction of waterbars, rock staircases, check steps, stepping stones and rip-rap layout in order to control erosion.
Assists with the creation of hiking trails on washed out sections.
Replace weathered and obsolete trail signs
Assist with trail blaze painting.

Benefits

Work-Life Fit – 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.
Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.86 - $12,514.32 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.
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.
Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
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.
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.
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 six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additionally, unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.