Program Coordinator/Advocate (West of the Hudson River)

Since 1920, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has partnered with parks to create, protect, and promote a network of over 1,800 miles of public trails in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan region.

The Trail Conference organizes volunteer service projects that keep these trails open, safe, and enjoyable for the public. We publish maps and books that guide public use of these trails.

The Trail Conference is a nonprofit organization with a membership of 10,000 individuals and 100 clubs that have a combined membership of over 100,000 active, outdoor-loving people.

Position Overview:

The West Hudson Program Coordinator serves as the Trail Conference's primary staff representative in the Hudson River Valley west of the Hudson River (Rockland, Orange and the eastern portions of Sullivan and Ulster counties). This position works with agency partners and volunteer leaders within the region to implement plans for improving access to open space via trails.

Responsibilities:

As a part of this process, the following activities will be required:

Partnerships:

Develop productive working relationships with agency partners at the municipal, county state and federal level and engage in planning processes of key relevance to trail users. Expand and support regular means of communication and planning with partners, volunteer and non-governmental organizations.

Volunteer Development:

Recruit, retain and recognize volunteers and focus their involvement by addressing training and resource needs. The program coordinator also cultivates volunteer leaders and familiarizes them with central staff support and trail management responsibilities.

Trail Development & Management:

The program coordinator works with volunteers and their agency partners to maintain trails and to prioritize major trail projects. The regional coordinator identifies training and recruitment needs by organizing and managing workshops, events, and communications.

Trail Protection:

Advocate for trail friendly local land use policies. Identify key land acquisition needs and opportunities. Making presentations to local planning boards and municipal councils about our work to establish a "Gunks Greenway" along the Shawangunk Ridge will be a major focus of effort.

Resource Development:

The program coordinator seeks out and develops sources for funding of regional projects and programs in coordination with the Trails Council, Trail Conference central office staff and volunteers. This includes general outreach and recruiting volunteers and members as well as cultivating support from land managers, municipalities and other interested parties.

Information:

The program coordinator is expected to serve as the primary clearinghouse for information about Trail Conference-maintained trails in the region and to develop a regional communications plan.

Qualifications:

Experience Required:

• Public Speaking and presentation development
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience or 5 years of substantial volunteer experience.
• Experience working with volunteer, field staff, agency personnel, contractors, recreational users and other stakeholders.
• Must be a self-starter, able to prioritize, to handle multiple tasks and projects across a diverse region, use good judgment and offer recommendations to solve problems.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office.
• The ability to hike on backcountry trails and perform physical trail work.
• Ability to work alongside volunteers using a variety of trail tools
• Travel off trail when scouting or planning trail routes.
• Valid driver's license and insurance.
• Reside within commuting distance of Mahwah, NJ.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in community organizing and advocacy
• Trail design, construction and maintenance skills.
• Experience in recruiting, training and managing volunteers.
• Familiarity with land use regulations and procedures.
• Certification and/or proficiency in technical skills such chainsaw operation, wilderness medical training and GIS
• Experience working with youth and/or in trail or environmental work, environmental education, backcountry travel or service learning.
• Success in supervising permanent and seasonal employees.
• Experience in natural resource management, outdoor recreation, landscape design, planning, public administration, environmental education or related field

Supervision and Work Environment:

The Program Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Trail Conference Deputy Executive Director; however he or she is expected to prioritize his or her work to meet the day-to-day demands and ongoing assignments. The West Hudson Program Coordinator is expected to communicate regularly on work projects and seek advice on new or controversial aspects of the work.

The Trail Conference fosters a collegial work environment within a management team that includes volunteers and staff, as well as our partners. Travel throughout the region and an irregular work schedule that includes weekend and evenings is a regular part of the position.

To Apply:

To apply, please submit the all of the following items via email attachments (start all attachment filenames with your last name). All application materials will be kept confidential and no calls please.

• A resume
• A cover letter addressing why you are interested in this position and why we should be interested in you
• Your salary requirements or history