Contact Name: Ben Sugar
Company/Organization/Agency: New York / New Jersey Trail Conference
Address: 600 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430 United States
Email Address: jobs@nynjtc.org
Contact Phone: (757) 406-0709
Job Title: Trail Field Manager
Job Description: The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is seeking a Trail Field Manager to expand our capacity
in New York State. This position will provide technical trail-building expertise and support,
construction management, and training to volunteers and Conservation Corps trail crews. They will
provide guidance on layout and design and trail solutions. The position will report to the Senior
Field Manager and work closely with Trail Conference staff and volunteers as well as numerous
partner agencies and contracted clients.
The Trail Conference Conservation Corps recruits, trains, and deploys AmeriCorps members to
work alongside volunteers in the construction and maintenance of award-winning trails. The right
candidate is an expert trail designer and builder who can function as both a trainer and manager to
multiple field crews on separate projects. The candidate must be committed to building crews
through training, mentoring, and ongoing support.
Responsibilities:
Education
Work closely with staff and partners to coordinate a comprehensive training program. Candidates
should be knowledgeable and comfortable organizing and teaching basic and advanced trail design
and construction, stone work, rigging, tool and equipment use and safety, wetland construction, and
other necessary courses.
Crew Management
Manage trail projects and contracts involving seasonal Conservation Corps trail crews and
volunteers in order to provide productive, educational, and rewarding experiences for everyone
who chooses to serve. Instruct and line out Corps members in daily construction tasks including
tool and equipment maintenance and repair.
Project Management
Oversee the planning and implementation of trail projects with agency partners, lead volunteers,
and staff. Develop scopes of work and schedules. Manage projects within planned budgets and
present progress reports for stakeholders. Track projects through regular budget/progress
updates, photo documentation, and reports. Develop and implement risk management plans for all
projects and be on call during the trail construction seasons for technical and urgent situations.
Maintain, inventory and purchase tools, materials and supplies needed for crews and volunteers to
complete trail projects.
Trail Design and Layout, Trail Solutions, and Consultations
Design sustainable trail systems and segments and propose sustainable trail solutions (foot traffic
and multi-use) based on stakeholder input. Create professional-level trail plans, feasibility studies,
and estimates. Develop scopes of work, detailed work logs, schedules, and terms for contracts.
Candidates should be comfortable fully explaining and defending their proposals to all stakeholders.
Workshops
Conduct educational workshops on a variety of topics to increase the Trail Conference’s trailbuilding capacity by creating more skilled, experienced volunteer trail builders.
Other Tasks
Maintain a collaborative relationship with staff, agency partners, lead volunteers, and
subcontractors to ensure the smooth operation of crews and trail projects. Participate in other
Trail Conference meetings and functions as needed.
Qualifications
• Four field seasons of trail experience with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of
trail design, layout, construction, and safety techniques.
• Two seasons of experience leading trail crews.
• Proven experience with trail design and layout, estimating time, materials, and costs, including
the successful on-time and on-budget completion of trail projects.
• Demonstrated ability to educate trail crews and volunteers and effectively instruct others in
trail work techniques, practices and standards, tool use, safety, and teamwork.
• Experience working with a wide variety of volunteer, field staff, agency personnel, contractors,
recreational users, and other stakeholders to accomplish trail projects.
• Skills in safe use, operation, and maintenance of vehicles, hand tools, chainsaws, brush cutters,
helical pier drivers, power carriers, and other mechanical equipment. Must have expertise with
rigging equipment, setting up and supervising highline operations, using mechanized as well as
hand winches, carpentry, and technical rockwork including stone stairs, crib wall, and stone
splitting and shaping.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining
effective communications with the rest of the team.
• Ability to regularly carry 50 pounds in mountain terrain and work under physically demanding
conditions, including cold and wet weather.
• Experience using Windows, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel or equivalents.
• Must have valid drivers license with insurable driving record, and reliable personal
transportation.
• Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR training (training can be provided for the right
candidate).
Based in Mahwah, New Jersey, this is a full-time position beginning immediately. It offers a
stable, full-time, competitive salary (DOE) with health/retirement benefits and substantial
potential for professional growth.
Application
To apply, please submit the following items via email attachments (start all attachment file
names with your last name) to jobs@nynjtc.org, subject line: Trail Field Manager: “Your Last
Name”
All application materials will be kept confidential.
1. A professional resume
2. A cover letter addressing why you are interested in this position and why we should be
interested in you
3. Contact information for three references
4. Your salary requirements or history
5. Be able/willing to participate in a local field test.
This position is available until filled. Candidate interviews will begin immediately and continue
until an offer is made. No calls please. Check www.nynjtc.org/job-openings to determine if the
position is filled.
Job Start Date: 1/15/2020
Application Deadline: 12/31/2019
Additional Information: Check www.nynjtc.org/job-openings
(Sent via Professional TrailBuilders Association)