Washington Trails Association jobs: for people who love the outdoors and want their work to make a lasting impact, Washington Trails Association (WTA) jobs offer something rare—purpose-driven careers rooted in conservation, community, and stewardship. As one of Washington State’s most respected outdoor nonprofits, WTA plays a critical role in maintaining hiking trails, protecting public lands, and connecting people to nature. Whether you’re seeking a full-time nonprofit role, seasonal trail work, or volunteer-to-career opportunities, in USA WTA provides meaningful ways to turn passion into profession.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Washington Trails Association jobs, including available roles, pay expectations, benefits, work culture, and how to apply successfully.

Key Takeaways

Washington Trails Association jobs focus on trail maintenance, conservation, advocacy, and education
Opportunities include full-time, seasonal, part-time, and volunteer-based roles
WTA offers mission-driven work with strong community impact
Outdoor experience and teamwork skills are highly valued
Many careers begin through volunteering or seasonal positions

Overview of Washington Trails Association (WTA)

Founded in 1966, the Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting hiking trails and public lands across Washington State. WTA works in partnership with land managers, volunteers, and local communities to maintain thousands of miles of trails.

The organization is widely known for:

Trail maintenance and restoration
Outdoor education and advocacy
Volunteer coordination
Trail information and trip reports

WTA’s work directly supports outdoor recreation, environmental sustainability, and public access to nature.

Why Work for Washington Trails Association?

WTA jobs are ideal for individuals who value mission-driven work over corporate culture.

What Makes WTA Stand Out

Strong conservation mission
Hands-on outdoor work opportunities
Supportive and collaborative team environment
Opportunities to educate and inspire others
Tangible impact on public lands

Employees often describe WTA as purpose-focused, values-driven, and deeply connected to Washington’s outdoor community.

Types of Washington Trails Association Jobs

Trail Maintenance and Field Jobs

These roles form the backbone of WTA’s operations.

Common field positions include:

Trail Crew Members
Trail Maintenance Specialists
Seasonal Field Technicians
Crew Leaders

Responsibilities often include:

Clearing and repairing trails
Building trail structures
Managing erosion and drainage
Leading volunteer work parties

These jobs require physical endurance and a love for working outdoors in varied conditions.

Volunteer Program and Community Roles

WTA coordinates thousands of volunteers each year.

Popular roles include:

Volunteer Coordinators
Community Engagement Specialists
Crew Scheduling Assistants
Outreach Coordinators

These positions combine office-based work with time in the field, supporting volunteers who maintain Washington’s trail network.

Education, Advocacy, and Communications Jobs

WTA also employs professionals focused on outreach and policy.

Roles in this category include:

Education Program Managers
Advocacy Coordinators
Communications Specialists
Content and Digital Media Managers

These jobs focus on public awareness, policy engagement, fundraising, and storytelling.

Administrative and Operations Roles

Behind the scenes, administrative staff keep the organization running smoothly.

Examples include:

Development and Fundraising Staff
Finance and Operations Coordinators
HR and Administrative Assistants
Membership Support Specialists

These roles are ideal for professionals who want to support conservation work without full-time field duties.

Seasonal vs Full-Time WTA Jobs

Many Washington Trails Association jobs are seasonal, especially field roles.

Seasonal Positions

Typically run spring through fall
Ideal for students or outdoor professionals
Often serve as entry points to long-term careers

Full-Time Positions

Focus on program management, advocacy, or operations
Offer year-round stability
Include benefits and professional development

Seasonal experience is often a strong advantage when applying for permanent roles.

Washington Trails Association Job Salaries

As a nonprofit, WTA prioritizes fair pay within budget limitations.

Estimated Pay Ranges

Seasonal Trail Crew: $18 – $24 per hour
Crew Leaders: $22 – $28 per hour
Program Coordinators: $55,000 – $70,000 annually
Communications and Advocacy Roles: $60,000 – $80,000 annually
Management Positions: $75,000 – $95,000+ annually

Pay varies based on experience, role complexity, and funding availability.

Benefits of Working at WTA

Full-time Washington Trails Association jobs typically include competitive nonprofit benefits.

Common Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Paid time off and holidays
Flexible scheduling options
Retirement plan options
Paid professional development

Seasonal employees may also receive training, gear support, and travel reimbursements.

Work Culture at Washington Trails Association

WTA is known for its collaborative and inclusive workplace.

What Employees Often Highlight

Strong alignment with personal values
Respect for work-life balance
Team-oriented decision-making
Open communication
Supportive leadership

The culture emphasizes respect for people, public lands, and diverse perspectives.

Skills and Qualifications WTA Looks For

While requirements vary by role, WTA consistently values:

Passion for outdoor recreation and conservation
Teamwork and communication skills
Physical stamina (for field roles)
Leadership and problem-solving abilities
Experience with volunteers or community engagement

Formal degrees may be less important than hands-on experience and mission alignment.

How to Apply for Washington Trails Association Jobs

Step 1: Monitor Job Openings

WTA posts openings directly on its careers page and nonprofit job boards.

Step 2: Tailor Your Resume

Highlight:

Outdoor or conservation experience
Volunteer leadership
Physical labor or fieldwork skills
Nonprofit or community involvement

Step 3: Write a Purpose-Driven Cover Letter

Strong cover letters explain:

Why WTA’s mission matters to you
How your experience supports trail work or advocacy
Your connection to Washington’s outdoor community

Generic applications are less competitive.

Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment

Many WTA staff members began as volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities Include

Trail maintenance work parties
Youth and family programs
Event support
Advocacy outreach

Volunteering builds experience, relationships, and credibility within the organization.

Career Growth at Washington Trails Association

WTA supports internal growth whenever possible.

Common Career Paths

Volunteer → Seasonal Crew → Crew Leader
Field Staff → Program Coordinator
Outreach Assistant → Communications Manager
Program Manager → Director-Level Roles

While advancement may be slower than in corporate settings, career paths are meaningful and stable.

Remote and Hybrid Opportunities

Some WTA roles allow:

Hybrid schedules
Remote communications work
Flexible office hours

Field roles, however, require on-site participation.

Environmental Impact of Working at WTA

Every role at WTA contributes directly to:

Preserving public land access
Protecting ecosystems
Supporting outdoor recreation
Educating future stewards

Employees often find deep fulfillment knowing their work benefits future generations.

Is Washington Trails Association a Good Employer?

For individuals seeking:

Purpose over profit
Outdoor and community-focused work
Ethical nonprofit leadership
Tangible environmental impact

Washington Trails Association jobs are widely regarded as meaningful and rewarding.

Final Thoughts on Washington Trails Association Jobs

If you want a career rooted in conservation, community service, and outdoor stewardship, Washington Trails Association jobs offer a rare opportunity to align work with values. Whether you start as a volunteer, seasonal crew member, or full-time professional, WTA provides a path to meaningful, impact-driven work across Washington State.

For people passionate about trails, public lands, and protecting access to nature, WTA isn’t just a workplace—it’s a mission.

FAQs

What types of jobs does Washington Trails Association offer?

WTA offers field, administrative, education, advocacy, communications, and seasonal trail maintenance roles.

Are Washington Trails Association jobs full-time or seasonal?

Both options exist, with many field roles being seasonal and office roles often full-time.

Do I need outdoor experience to work at WTA?

Outdoor experience is important for field roles, but administrative and communications jobs focus more on professional skills.

How much do Washington Trails Association jobs pay?

Pay ranges from hourly seasonal wages to salaried nonprofit roles, depending on position and experience.

Can volunteering lead to a job at WTA?

Yes, many employees begin as volunteers and transition into paid positions.

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