Going Pro:
A Career in Trails

Photo: Flowride Concepts

Discover a Career in the Trail Industry

A career in trails can take many paths.

You might find yourself managing trail systems for a public agency like a state park or the Forest Service, or training and organizing volunteers for a nonprofit that stewards a long-distance trail. You could maintain local trails for a friends group, or lead trail education sessions and workshops. You could manage a grant program that funds trail projects, or build bike parks with a private-sector company. You could plan and design landscape-level trail systems using GIS and fieldwork, or be a part of a trail crew either swinging a tool or operating mechanized equipment like a mini-excavator.

PTBA member companies and their employees plan, design, and build all types of trails around the globe.

This resource also covers other career pathways and skills in the trail industry, but it’s especially focused on the technical expertise of working in the dirt and outdoors - crafting trails that leave a lasting impact for communities worldwide.

Why PTBA members pursued a career in trails

  • Passion for the outdoors, trails, and nature – A deep love for natural spaces and a desire to work within them.

  • Creating a legacy and positive impact – Building trails that last and benefit people and the environment.

  • Blending personal skills and passions – Merging education, experience, and personal interests into a fulfilling career.

  • Building sustainable, well-designed trails – Commitment to quality, sustainability, and user experience.

  • Opportunity for outdoor, hands-on work – Enjoying physical challenges, problem-solving, and being active.

  • Desire for independence and creativity – Working outside of corporate settings, using craftsmanship and artistry.

  • Encouraging outdoor recreation – Promoting active lifestyles, community health, and access to nature.

  • Fun, excitement, and personal fulfillment – Trail work is mentally and physically rewarding, and just plain fun.

  • Volunteering turned into a career – Many started as volunteers and turned passion projects into livelihoods.

  • Supporting conservation and stewardship – Protecting natural resources and creating sustainable access for future generations.

“This isn’t just a summer job, it is a REAL and rewarding career path.”

Photo Credit: Ptarmigan Trails

“I wish someone had told me this industry existed when I was a high school and college student.”

Getting Started

Learn Trail Fundamentals

This six-part series features concise, 4–6 minute videos covering fundamental topics in trail development centered on drainage including contour vs. fall-line trails, sheet flow, understanding grade, how to use a clinometer, water management techniques like grade reversals and rolling grade dips, bench cut trail construction, and more.

Video 1 is live! More videos coming throughout 2025.

Volunteer on your local trails!

Discover the organization that maintains your local trails and volunteer!

Many trail professionals got their start as volunteers, where they first felt the spark for trailwork. Even if your interests lean more toward program administration, planning, or design, everyone in the trail industry should experience the satisfaction of working with hand tools.

Trail Project Life Cycle

From concept to construction, learn about the phases that go into getting a trail on the ground. The Trail Project Life Cycle web resource also will give you insight into the complexity of the trail industry and the many roles you could play.

Building Skills

Trail Skills Project

The Trail Skills Project serves as the workforce hub for the trails community providing connections to trails education, trail expertise, professional development, and job opportunities.

  1. Launch your Trail Skills Project profile designed to be a 'linked in' style snapshot focused on trail experience and aligned with the competencies (see below).

  2. Based on your profile:

Trail Competencies + Skills

Competencies are the foundation of the Trail Skills Project - and are integrated into the individual profiles as a mechanism of self-assessment.

They are broken out into 5 categories: Construction; Maintenance; Project Planning + Design; Crew Management; Program Administration.

Learn about what it looks like to be at the ENTRY, FULL, and EXPERT levels in the five categories.

Different jobs in the trail sector require different competencies - the goal would not be for one person to attain expert in all competencies or categories. For example, grant management is part of program administration, but someone who is constructing trails may not need this skill set.

Trail Technician 1 Test

The Trail Technician multiple-choice exam evaluates foundational knowledge in trail development, aligned with the progression from entry-level to full Trail Competency standards.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), with its certification partner NOCTI, engaged with trail industry leaders - including members of the PTBA - to develop this standardized exam. The assessment was successfully beta-tested both during our 2024 conference and through online platforms, and is now officially available.

This test is one way to demonstrate your knowledge to perspective employers.

Trail Training: Certificates + Degrees

Comment about formal education programs that support working in the trail industry

Career Pathways