Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of

TitlePark & Recreation Aide 5 (Regional Trails Technician)

Occupational CategorySkilled Craft, Apprenticeship, Maintenance

Salary GradeHourly

Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)

Salary RangeFrom $20.45 to $20.45 Hourly

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Temporary

Jurisdictional Class Labor Class

Travel Percentage 50%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 40

Workday

From 8 AM

To 4:30 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County Saratoga

Street Address Saratoga Spa State Park

19 Roosevelt Dr

City Saratoga Springs

StateNY

Zip Code12866

Job Specifics

Duties Description Regional Trail Technicians are full time, seasonal position(s) that assist the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) in the maintenance and development of its extensive network of trails. This position will work throughout the Saratoga Capital Region of New York State Parks, which includes parks and historic sites across Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Washington, Schoharie, Greene, Columbia, and Essex Counties. The Saratoga Capital Region offers an exciting mix of history, culture, sports and performing arts, all surrounded by the tranquil beauty of its forests, lakes, mountains, and farms.

The primary focus of Regional Trail Technician(s) is to work as a team in the form of a regional trail crew on high priority trail projects that aim to restore, build, and improve recreational trails to sustainable standards through skilled, hands-on construction. The successful candidate will be able to work and communicate effectively in a team environment, is able to perform trail work effectively and safely in a variety of outdoor weather conditions, demonstrate an attentiveness to detailed projects and possess critical thinking skills for problem solving project components.

Seasonal Trail Technicians work only during the field season (May-October) which is 100% outdoors. The position requires work on uneven and steep terrain, carrying and moving tools, materials, and equipment up to 50lbs. Project locations will vary around the Saratoga Capital region, with a mix of backcountry and front country work sites.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform a wide range of trail maintenance and construction tasks throughout the region in both backcountry & front country settings. Projects include new trail construction, tread and drainage improvements, stone staircases and retaining walls, trail bridge, bog bridge and boardwalk construction, hazard tree removal, signage installation and general facilities maintenance
• Performing a variety of hands-on skilled work (carpentry, masonry, erosion mitigation, trail stabilization, rigging, and compact equipment operation)
• Delivering sustainable trail work improvements to projects
• Proper use and maintenance of tools/gear/equipment daily for projects
• Transporting power and hand tools, gear, equipment, and materials to & from work sites
• Performing various types of trail work for extended periods of time
• Hiking daily to and from work sites
• Assist with the administration, monitoring, and data collection of TRAFx trail counters throughout the region
• Educating the public, when approached, about the work being done
• Submitting timecards accurately and punctually
• Driving a provided State vehicle daily and maintaining a clean work vehicle
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workplace
• Assist with general maintenance of the Regional Trails’ facilities and grounds
• Wearing the proper PPE during work tasks
• Working closely with the Regional Trails Specialist on regional trail project execution

Minimum Qualifications There are no minimum qualifications for this title per Civil Service.

Please see below for Operational Needs.

Additional Comments OPERATIONAL NEEDS:
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Working knowledge of sustainable trail building techniques.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience working on paid or volunteer trail crews.
• Experience working other physical labor jobs such as construction, landscaping, or general trades.
• Experience with communication, time management and problem-solving
• Experience with hand tools, power tools and basic tool maintenance
• Pursuing or possessing a degree in Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Forest Management, Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, or similar field is preferred but not required.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
This is a seasonal 6-month position. Typical workday will be 8:00am – 4:30pm, with a 30-minute lunch. Occasionally the crew will switch to a 4-day, 10-hour work week schedule for more remote projects. The start date for this position is April 30, 2026, end date is October 28, 2026, with flexibility dependent on candidate availability.

BENEFITS:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System and may be eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage as well as the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time and service requirements has been met.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Frank Morehouse

Telephone (518) 948-4597 / (518) 584-2000 EXT 229

Fax

Email Address Frank.Morehouse@parks.ny.gov

Address

Street Saratoga Spa State Park

19 Roosevelt Dr

City Saratoga Springs

State NY

Zip Code 12866

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease email a resume and completed NYS Parks Employment Application (found here: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/regions/welcome-saratoga-capital-region) to Frank Morehouse at Frank.Morehouse@parks.ny.gov
Please insert the words "Regional Trail Technician Application" in the subject line.

For any questions regarding the position please reach out to Frank Morehouse by email or by phone. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL March 31, 2026.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and workplace diversity.