Trail Program Director

~ Incorporated in 1964, the Florida Trail Association is a nonprofit volunteer organization based in Gainesville, Florida. ~

Since 1966, we've been working statewide to develop and maintain hiking trails for public use, most notably our 1,300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, designated in 1983.

With 18 local chapters throughout Florida, our association provides a place for hikers to gather and enjoy each other's company in the great outdoors while serving the public through their trail work.

We work in cooperation with the National Forests in Florida, the Federal management agency for the trail, and several dozen other landowners statewide to keep the Florida Trail open for recreational use.

Position Overview 

The Trail Program Director (TPD) is responsible for developing a Trail Operations Program focused on volunteer engagement, construction, protection, and maintenance of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST).The TPD works with the Board and Staff of the Florida Trail Association (FTA), as well as the administrator of the trail, the United States Forest Service (USFS), to set program goals.

The TPD is primarily responsible for setting overall program direction as well as day-to-day management of Trail Operations Program and staff, working in cooperation with and in support of the USFS FNST administrator. Frequently works with other local land manager agencies and private landowners to achieve FNST program goals.

Responsibilities

Trail Construction, Maintenance, and Protection:

• Responsible for the development, coordination and management of trail operations on the FNST including trail building, maintenance, training, and volunteer programs.
• Responsible for oversight of regional staff and associated field programs.
• Ensures all necessary agreements are in place.
• Manages Trail Operations budget and assets.
• Serves as Liaison to the USDA Forest Service and builds relationships with federal, state, local agencies and NGOs, as well as private landowners.
• Works with USFS to ensure standards are met regarding FNST.
• Responsible for researching, writing, and managing grants for trail program.
• Prepares updates on accomplishments for FTA Board, and compiles a yearly Trail Operations Report.
• Works with the Board's Trails VP and Committee to develop a Regional Trail Operations Program and set strategic goals.
• Serves as support for the Trail Operations Staff.
• Works in the field as needed on optimal trail location reviews, trail protection issues, and volunteer projects.

Volunteer Program Development and Management:

• Responsible for general oversight of Volunteer Program Manager (VPM).
• Works with VPM to develop program of work and associated goals.
• Oversees trail crew work and contracts with other organization crews as applicable.

Financial Management:

• Responsible for financial management regarding FNST program of work and timely expenditures accounting.
• Works with FTA Bookkeeper/Admin Director to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Responsible for Trail Operations grant management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, natural resources, outdoor recreation or similar major is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years full-time experience in trail operations is desired, or 6 years full-time relevant non-profit management experience.
• Highly qualified candidates will be knowledgeable of federal agency policies and agreements, and have non-profit and personnel management experience.

To Apply

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your letter of interest, current resume and contact info, and salary history.
• The deadline for this opening is 11:59 PM, March 22, 2015.