Trails Manager

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Great Parks is hiring for the position of Trails Manager. This position is responsible for overseeing maintenance of approximately 54 miles of existing natural surface trails and adjacent resources, as well as designing and coordinating construction of new trail concepts. This work involves leading staff and volunteers, collaborating with partner organizations and overseeing contractors in creating new opportunities to connect people with nature in sustainable and innovative ways. This role performs project management, mapping, budgeting and regular assessment of trail conditions and infrastructure.

 At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.  Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends. 

The successful candidate will perform the following.

• Manage trails and lead staff through established work priorities, scheduling staff workflow, providing guidance, resolving work issues, inspecting work progress, and ensuring all work complies with GPHC and Conservation and Parks (C&P) policies and standards. Directly manage assigned staff and volunteers. 
• Maintain responsibility for the safety of employees in operation of equipment, performing work tasks, and working in the natural environment. Maintain responsibility for care and proper use of equipment. Manage preventative services in minor repairs to vehicles, tools, and other equipment in accordance with prescribed maintenance methods.
• Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of staff and equipment against the established standards and policies. Provide feedback on employee performance levels to direct reports and park management.  
• Provide a uniform, consistent standard of maintenance to enhance financial effectiveness and operational efficiency. Manage regularly scheduled trail and bridge inspections, impacts to natural resources, repairs, site conditions and the corresponding standards.  
• Train Great Parks’ C&P staff and volunteers as it pertains to the trail maintenance guidelines and standards. Identify, recommend, and evaluate training needs and certification of trails personnel.   
• Review, update, and maintain the Great Parks Trail Design Standards for natural surface trails. Utilize current agency and industry standards to establish sustainable maintenance management strategies. Assure functions and activities comply with established Natural Resource Management Plan, laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and prepare the annual budget for trail maintenance, operation, and development functions; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures with established limitations in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. Manage trail team purchasing cards and reports.
• Prepare and prioritize trail development, repair, reroute and decommission recommendations. Identify compatible locations, develop plans and initiate environmental review for trail-related projects. Collaborate with staff and contractors to develop site-specific designs for new and replacement infrastructure including but not limited to bridges, boardwalks, culverts, staircases and retaining walls.
• Manage and maintain trail inventory database utilizing agency asset inventory system and Geographic Information Software. Facilitate record keeping of trail density, type, maintenance expenditures, cost analysis, supplies, herbicide use, and other documentation. 
• Perform and assist with administrative duties involving project management, grant application, budgeting, communication, personnel management, and coordination, and generating reports.
• Build alliances with organizations, agencies, and stakeholders on trail related efforts. Facilitate and perform public outreach events for trails such as workshops, social media posts, interviews, and workday events.  Serve as primary point of contact for non-paved trail user groups and advisory groups. Oversee and manage all trail-related agreements.
• Perform job duties in accordance with Great Parks of Hamilton County’s policies, procedures, and performance expectations.  
• Maintain confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.

QUALIFICATIONS

An appropriate combination of education, training, course work, and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  An example of an acceptable qualification is:  

• An associate’s degree in natural resources management, outdoor recreation, construction management or forest management required and 3 years’ experience in trail maintenance, construction, trail management, related project management or closely related field. Evidence of experience in public sector land management practices and directing of work of park trail team preferred. 
• Demonstrable knowledge of sustainable natural surface trail planning, design, and construction best practices.
• Knowledge of common trail standards, and condition surveys and various trail activities including hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, and general trail maintenance.
• Knowledge of land conservation practices and familiarity with federal, state, and local agencies regulations governing pathways and trails as well as governmental processes; natural history, grounds maintenance and natural resource management techniques.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

LICENSE OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines.  First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required and Wilderness First Aid within 2 years of employment. Pesticide Applications license within one year of hire.