Machine Operator

Come spend your summer in Maine’s beautiful Katahdin region! The Outdoor Sport Institute (OSI) is seeking a Machine Operator for our 2025 Trail Crew! This is an hourly paid position responsible for working as part of our Katahdin Region Trail Crew to complete trail construction and maintenance. Work includes excavator machine and equipment operation, hand tool use, evaluation of trail, tool, and equipment maintenance; and executing all scopes of trail work. Our Machine Operator works with the OSI Executive Director, Director of Trail Development, Trails Manager, Crew Leaders, other crew members, consultants, subcontractors, clients, and the public to help further OSI’s overall mission of empowering people to build thriving outdoor communities!

Seasonal Nonprofit

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Job Location

Katahdin Region

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Job Description

EMPLOYMENT PERIOD
May 15th – October 31st, 2025. Start and end dates are subject to change – time flexibility is preferred.

WORK WEEK
The base work schedule is 40 hours per week (includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break). Schedule can vary depending on projects and locations, from 20-50 hours per week may be necessary for project completion.

LOCATION
The MACHINE OPERATOR position is based in the Katahdin Region and requires travel throughout the region.

COMPENSATION
The MACHINE OPERATOR position is paid an hourly rate starting at $22 / hr with increases based on experience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Coordinate project logistics with OSI Staff and partners
● Compile project work logs and timesheets
● Provide OSI Director of Trail Development and Trails Manager with project status updates.
● Maintain good communication and professional working relationships with OSI staff, partners, and the general public
● Adhere to all OSI procedures and policies related to staff conduct, safety and project implementation
● Maintain tools and equipment in good working condition; keep work sites organized and safe
● Assist with implementation of projects and creating positive relationships with partners.
● Construct trails and features per specifications and partners’ expectations.
● Perform and inspect work for compliance with terms and specifications of contract.
● Work independently in a variety of situations including trail construction.
● Support other OSI staff and crew in the completion of duties.

QUALIFICATIONS
● Experience with the construction and maintenance of trail facilities.
● Broad experience in trail recreation (hiking, trail running, mountain biking, ATV, snowmobile, etc.)
● Exhibit proficient operation of mini-excavators, mini-skid loaders, and various mechanical and manual trail building tools
● Experience working in a team environment
● Mountain biking skills including the ability to ride beginner and intermediate trails.
● Experience working with land management agencies and other government entities.
● Strong communication (written and verbal) skills.
● Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.
● Ability to work outdoors for long hours performing manual labor and operating equipment
● Familiar with machine and tool preventative maintenance techniques
● Familiarity working with volunteer advocates
● Possess a strong attention to detail
● Ability to take written and verbal direction from OSI staff and partners to complete project goals
● Experience in best practices for field safety and a general understanding of Leave No Trace principles
● Conducts routine inspections before operating equipment to identify needed maintenance or repairs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
● Frequently required to stand, sit, walk, crouch, climb, squat.
● Frequently required to walk on uneven or unstable surfaces.
● Frequently required to hike 1-5 miles a day.
● Frequently required to travel and work remotely.
● Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
● Occasionally required to hike 5-10 miles per day.
● Occasionally required to mountain bike trail ride 1-5 miles per day.
● Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.
● Continually required to talk or hear.
● Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
● Frequently work near moving mechanical parts.
● Occasionally work in high, precarious places.
● Frequently required to lift and carry 25lbs.
● Occasionally required to lift 50lbs repeatedly.
● Occasionally required to lift 100lbs.
● Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals.
● Continually exposed to outside weather conditions.
● Frequent exposure to extreme heat or cold.
● The majority of work occurs outdoors in remote locations.
● While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, can be very loud when working on construction projects.
● Good hand-eye-foot coordination and sense of balance.
● Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus
● Occasionally required to differentiate between orange, pink, and red marking flags.
● Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used: GPS units, Clinometer, Mountain Bike

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