Title: Trails Manager
Reports to: Conservation Director
Supervises: Seasonal Employees, Interns and Volunteers
Work Schedule: Full Time/Exempt (includes some weekends and evenings) – 40 hours a week.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Trails Manager position will act as the point person and responsible manager to all of FPC’s field activities related with trails maintenance and construction, working directly with our Stewardship Manager and Green Jobs Program Coordinator, providing on-the-field support for their programs, and leading volunteer activities in Forest Park.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Trails Maintenance and Repair (70%)
- Assess trail conditions, prioritize, plan and carry out trail maintenance and repair of Forest Park’s 47 miles of soft-surface trails.
- Coordinate with Portland Parks & Recreation to complete work prescribed on an annual basis
- Lead the maintenance and repair of trails including an annual cycle of tread work, brushing, raking, logouts; trail reroutes; rock retaining wall, crib wall, turnpike, drainage, and split rail fence construction; and trail decommissioning
- Help coordinate and manage seasonal trail maintenance crew and Green Jobs Training Program intern.
- Record trail project data on a daily basis and report weekly to Conservation Director.
- Operate tools and equipment, including hand tools, small power tools, crosscut and chainsaws, and power wheelbarrows; train seasonal staff, interns and volunteers on tool maintenance and ensure maintenance is performed regularly on all tools
- Manage inventory of tools and supplies
Volunteer Management and Training (30%)
- Supervise and train Green Jobs Interns when their time is committed to trail work; schedule and prioritize trail work appropriately to work with interns’ schedules
- Supervise seasonal staff including creating their schedule, training them independently on all field operations, creating/maintaining a semi-weekly check-in and twice-seasonally formal feedback structure, and coaching them to help them take the next step in their career
- Lead role in preparing for roughly 80% of volunteer work parties in Forest Park and other program work as necessary
- Contribute to FPC’s communications with photo and video content from work events, and written content on a monthly basis to include in newsletters
- Support the Stewardship Manager to recruit and train Rapid Responders and VCLs and manage stewardship calendar
- Manage Rapid Responders
- Collaborate with Stewardship Manager to design skill building Sessions generally; independently develop Trails Skill building Sessions
- Help lead specialized volunteer programs, including the Volunteer Crew Leader Training, Rapid Response Team, and Emergency Storm Repair Team
- Build and maintain positive rapport with volunteers; serve as a friendly, professional face of FPC to hundreds of volunteers and park users each year who may have limited contact with other staff members
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 18 years of age or older
- 2+ years project management experience including coordinating programs and/or managing staff and/or volunteers
- 1+ years field experience of trail maintenance or conservation work
- Ability to comfortably lift 50 lbs. and traverse uneven terrain for 7 continuous hours, 3-4 days per week often while in challenging weather conditions
- Knowledgeable about trail design, construction, and maintenance
- Experience with workplace safety practices
- Proficient with hand tools and small power equipment
- Experience working with volunteers, members of the public, and public agencies
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive, Gmail, and other software
- Proficient with smartphone, GPS devices and cameras
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Self-motivated with a desire to take initiative, be a leader, work efficiently, and communicate well with diverse community groups.
- Organized, hardworking and able to plan and think holistically in an outdoor, natural area setting.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- First Aid/CPR/AED or Wilderness First Aid or WFR
- Chainsaw operation experience and certification
- Proficient with ArcGis and/or other mapping and data management tools and software.
- Experience with public speaking
- Experience with grant writing
- Bilingual speakers are encouraged to include that information in their application
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary: $40,000/year
Benefits: Health care, retirement, and paid time off
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@forestparkconservancy.org with “Trails Manager Application” in the subject line.
Applications are accepted until January 21st, 2021 at 5 pm.
The Forest Park Conservancy is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds.