Maintenance Aide III - Natural Resources; Park Trails Seasonal

Looking for an opportunity to work outdoors and help keep our parks clean, maintained, and safe? Apply today to join our team! Learn more about our parks by visiting our website! Seasonal Positions are available in Parks. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and this posting may be closed at any time. The length of the season worked may vary depending on the date of hire and typically run from March through November.

This position is responsible for the seasonal crew of two to three people in the Natural Resources program area. This lead position is responsible for transporting the crew to job sites, as well as giving on-site instruction. May work independently or with a crew. Works with, and assists in the maintenance and construction of trails and open space in the Bellingham Park system.

May work with structures crew on various projects, including surface projects.

The Parks and Recreation Department currently has the following 8/9-month seasonal position vacancy for the 2026 season:

• 8/9-month seasonal Trails: 1 position (3/2/2026 - 11/30/2026)
  • Hours are Monday - Thursday 6:30 am - 5:00 pm

This position will start at Step 1 ($23.68/hour). Employees receive step increases in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $23.68 - $30.89. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt‑out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE; accruals are pro‑rated if part‑time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

• Performs lead person role when working with assigned personnel. Is responsible to ensure that they work safely and efficiently.
• Assists in the maintenance and construction of trails, trail structures, and open space. Installs signs, steps, and retaining walls.
• Maintains right‑of‑way of trail by picking up litter and cutting back brush and weeds as necessary.
• Cleans, weeds, and adds gravel to trail surfaces.
• Performs manual labor such as digging, shoveling, raking, lifting, and pushing a wheelbarrow.
• Operates a variety of automotive equipment including pickup trucks, small tractors, and dump trucks.
• Operates and maintains a variety of shop and portable power tools.
• Cleans and repairs trail bridges and steps as needed.
• Maintains records dealing with trail maintenance activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work is performed outdoors in all types of weather.

Physical abilities to perform the essential functions of the job include:

• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate hand and power equipment safely and efficiently.
• Correctable vision to read instructions and work safely around equipment.
• Adequate hearing to effectively hear voice radio and crew communications, roadway traffic and alarms in a noisy environment.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor including operating mechanical equipment for extended periods of time, climbing and working from ladders and setting up tents.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to work overhead for extended periods of time.
• Physical ability to continuously stoop, bend, climb occasionally work…