Seasonal Trail Staff

The Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) is an Addison County based non-profit. We are a small, local land trust with over 30 years of conservation success. MALT has built strong connections with the community by creating and protecting unparalleled access to recreation opportunities on over 3,500 acres of conserved lands. MALT has grown to provide nature education and connection to nearly 300 annual youth program participants and an estimated 10,000 unique users of our 30-mile trail network.

Position Overview
The Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) seeks a Seasonal Trail Staff member to support stewardship of MALT’s trail system, with a primary focus on the Trail Around Middlebury (TAM), a 19‑mile loop trail that circumnavigates Middlebury, Vermont. This position is well suited for
individuals interested in natural resource management, forestry, recreation management, conservation, and trail design and stewardship.

The Seasonal Trail Staff member will work closely with MALT’s Trails & Volunteer Manager, other trail staff, volunteers, and trail industry professionals. The position offers hands-on experience in trail maintenance, erosion control, volunteer coordination, and working within a
small, community-focused environmental nonprofit.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Trail Stewardship (Approx. 95%):

• Perform brushing and routine trail maintenance on the Trail Around Middlebury and other MALT trails
• Design and implement erosion control measures on various trail sections
• Repair and maintain boardwalks and bridges using basic hand and power tools
• Plan and coordinate trail work with the Trails & Volunteer Manager, trail staff, and volunteers.

Volunteer Coordination (Approx. 5%):

• Work with MALT’s Trails and Volunteer Manager to plan, recruit, and coordinate volunteer work parties throughout the summer season;
• Identify and implement ways MALT can improve volunteer trails program;

Desired Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work independently;
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds;
• Ability to spend a full 8 hours actively moving over rough terrain and in all weather conditions, carrying loads of up to 30 lbs.;
• Ability to use hand tool and power tools;
• A valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle is preferred, although not required.

Preferred Qualifications (not required)

• One or more seasons (~3 months) conducting trail improvement activities, or comparable experience in an outdoor setting;
• Interest in and/or knowledge of trail building techniques and standards;
• Interest in and/or knowledge of local invasives and management techniques;
• Familiarity with common hand and power tools used in trail maintenance;
• Intuitive, determined, and quick learner who thrives in a team setting;
• Familiarity with the ecology and natural resources of Vermont and the Champlain Valley;
• A deep, personal value of land conservation, outdoor recreation, and a passion for coordinating and working alongside trail volunteers;

Supervision
This position will be supervised by Liam Hickey, Trails and Volunteer Manager, with on-the-job support and training from Liam, trails professionals, and volunteers as appropriate and available.

Work Schedule
Typically 30-35hrs/wk for 19-20 weeks, depending on available workload and projects, as well as candidate availability (we can fit your schedule around your classes!). Position will begin on or around April 15th 2026, is not to exceed 665hrs and will end by September 30th 2026,
or when the hours limit is reached.

Daily work hours will typically be Monday through Friday, 9 am – 3:30 pm. Hours are flexible depending on weather, candidate availability, and other factors. Work is entirely field-based, in and around Middlebury, VT.

Transportation
Personal transportation is not required, but is preferred. Reliable transportation to and from the MALT office is required. Tri-valley Transit (TVT) provides public transportation in the area, and regional bus routes that serve the surrounding communities.

Compensation
$18/hr, CPR/First Aid Certification paid for by MALT

To Apply: Send resume and contact info for two professional references to Trails & Volunteer Manager Liam Hickey (liam@maltvt.org). A cover letter is not required.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with review beginning immediately – the position is open until filled.