FPC is currently hiring for two Trails Technician positions for this spring. Read the full job listing below. Applications are due February 28th. Want to learn more about FPC? Click here.
Title: Trails Technician (2 positions available)
Reports to: Trails Manager
Work Schedule: Up to 40 hours per week, including 1-2 weekends per month
Classification: Temporary, Non-Exempt
Work Location: Most days begin and end near NW 25th & Wilson St. in Portland
Length of Employment: March 27th – Nov 22nd, 2023
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary: $18-23/hour, depending on experience
Benefits: Paid holidays including 3 floating holidays, and sick time in compliance with the Portland Protected Sick Time Ordinance
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Trails Technician is responsible for working with FPC staff and volunteers to keep Forest Park’s 80 miles of soft-surface trails and access roads safe and accessible by performing trail maintenance and special trail projects. This is a physically demanding position with a strong technical field component. The ideal candidate will have previous trail crew and leadership experience, familiarity with safety protocols and managing risk performing outdoor work, and possess a desire to create a positive work atmosphere for staff, volunteers, and park users.
Time for these positions will be split between independent or small-group technical trail work (35%), leading and co-leading volunteer trail work parties (35%), planning, equipment maintenance, and other tasks related to trail work (15%), and other tasks as assigned (15%). These percentages are estimates and will certainly fluctuate over the course of the season.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Trail Maintenance and Repair
- Support FPC’s trails program by assessing trail conditions, participating in project planning, and carrying out on-the-ground work
- Work may include brushing, raking, drain- and culvert-clearing, tread surface reshaping and maintenance, armoring, retaining wall construction and repair, split rail fence construction, and building/maintaining other trails structures as assigned
- Regularly update tool inventory and maintain tools as needed
- Operate hand tools such as McLeods, pulaskis, shovels, hammers; small power tools such as drills, sanders, reciprocating saws; and larger power tools such as power wheelbarrows
Leadership and Teamwork
- Assist the Trails Manager with project management duties such as delegating work tasks, maintaining safety standards and troubleshooting challenges on the project site
- Help train and lead volunteers and staff on trails projects
- Lead volunteer events on a regular basis (at least twice a month, sometimes several times in a week, including some Saturdays)
- Serve as a professional, friendly, reliable representative of FPC and the work of the Conservancy to fellow staff, partners, volunteers and members of the public
- Support other FPC program areas as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 18 years of age or older
- 1-2 years (or seasons) field experience working on trail construction or maintenance; understanding of standard trail maintenance and design principles
- Familiarity with safe use and maintenance of hand and power tools used in trail work
- Ability to lift 75 lbs. and traverse uneven terrain for 7 hours, 4-5 days per week; accustomed to being outdoors for 8 hour work days in various weather conditions
- Experience and interest in promoting an inclusive and welcoming trails community
- Positive, solution-oriented attitude through changing plans and dynamic environmental conditions which naturally affect trail work
- Valid, insurable driver’s license, 2-year driving experience and no major driving violations. Upon hiring, candidate will need to submit driving history record from the local DMV.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with volunteers
- Experience in outdoor leadership and/or outdoor education
- Certified in First Aid/CPR/AED or Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder
- Multilingual speakers are encouraged to include that information in their application
A note on qualifications: Research shows that people who are historically and currently underrepresented in this field are less likely to apply if they do not meet all of the qualifications listed in a job description. We recognize that knowledge and experience come in many forms and we are dedicated to helping employees build their skillset throughout the course of their employment with us. If this position speaks to you, please consider applying regardless of whether you “check all the boxes.”
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and three professional references to jobs@forestparkconservancy.org with “Trails Technician Application” in the subject line.
Applications accepted until February 28th, 2023.