Trails Maintenance & Ops Specialist

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career

Please Apply By: Monday, August 3, 2026

Hiring Range: $22.79/hr - $29.91/hr

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too.  Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Did you know that Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proudly hosts many community events each year? Hummingbird Festival, The Senior Games and Festival in the Park are just a few that our employees and residents look forward to every year! Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents. We do this by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, change to improve our resident’s fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county “will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE.” The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you.

POSITION SUMMARY
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is excited to add a Trails Maintenance & Operations Specialist to their Nature Preserves and Natural Resources division! This full-time position will develop new natural surfaces trails, perform maintenance on both hard (non-greenway) and soft surface trails, and oversee trail projects in partnership with the Trail Resources Coordinator. In addition to participating in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of our trail systems, the incumbent will collaborate closely with their team as well as community partners to accomplish the goals of the Natural Resource Management Plan to preserve and enhance Mecklenburg County’s biological resources and natural areas. As an integral part of the Natural Resources team, the incumbent will also assist with prescribed burns, both in fireline construction and burn implementation. The successful candidate will have experience utilizing ArcGIS and heavy equipment operations experience. The schedule for this full-time position will typically consist of Tuesday - Friday, 6:30am to 5:00pm and may include occasional weekends based on business needs.

By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Class A CDL
•Valid NC Pesticide Applicator’s License
•GIS proficiency
•Fireline Safety Training

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
•Perform complex maintenance, repair, remodeling and renovation of various buildings, facilities and equipment
•Ensure work is performed in accordance with accepted trade practices and in a safe manner with little waste of time and materials
•Prepare daily inspection reports, pre-trip checks, logs and operating records for equipment or infrastructure
•Train or supervise other subordinate staff in the operation or maintenance of various equipment
•Order materials and ensure that correct construction methods are utilized
•Coordinate work with sub-contractors and reviews materials and workmanship
•Confirm with supervisors and code enforcement that work and materials conform to required codes
•Assist with planning renovations and modifications of bu