Trails Manager

~ The Forest Park Conservancy (FPC) restores and protects Forest Park, Portland’s 5200-acre urban forest. ~

FPC maintains trails and removes invasive plants in the park. We also lead educational hikes. Each year, we work with 1,500 volunteers who help us reach our goals. FPC is leading a 20-year initiative to restore Forest Park and 10,000 acres of public and private land surrounding the park.

FPC has a fun and collaborative work environment where staff support each other to meet our goals. We are committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.

Position Summary

The Trails Manager works closely with Portland Parks & Recreation to keep Forest Park’s 80 miles of soft-surface trails and access roads safe and accessible. This is a technical field position combined with volunteer management, public outreach, and program development responsibilities. The Trails Manager works independently and collaboratively with staff and volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels to perform year-round trail maintenance and repair. This position:

• Reports to:                  Executive Director
• Supervises:                 Seasonal Employees, Interns and Volunteers
• Work Schedule:          Full Time/Exempt (includes some weekends and evenings)

Duties & Responsibilities

Trails Program Development and Management | 40% Time

• Design projects, create and track project budgets, set up and manage contracts, and supervise seasonal staff
• Coordinate with Portland Parks & Recreation to complete work prescribed on an annual basis
• Conduct research and improve data collection to facilitate trails program evaluation and growth
• Work with the development team to apply for grants
• Help set up for 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

Trail Maintenance and Repair | 35% Time

• Assess trail conditions, prioritize, plan and carry out trail maintenance and repair of Forest Park’s 47 miles of soft-surface trails.
• Lead the maintenance and repair of trails including an annual cycle of tread work, brushing, raking, logouts; new trail construction; rock retaining wall, crib wall, turnpike, drainage, bridge, and split rail fence construction; and trail decommissioning
• Manage inventory of tools and supplies
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment, including hand tools, small power tools, crosscut and chainsaws, and power wheelbarrows
• Assist with natural area restoration work as needed, including invasive species removal and native plantings 

Volunteer Management and Training| 25% Time

• Support the Volunteer Coordinator to:
• Recruit, train and lead interns and volunteer crew leaders
• Plan, prepare and lead regularly occurring volunteer work parties ranging in size from 15 – 150 volunteers
• Help lead specialized volunteer programs, including the Volunteer Crew Leader Training, Rapid Response Team, and Emergency Storm Repair Team

Qualifications

Required:

• 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:

• First Aid/CPR/AED or Wilderness First Aid or WFR
• Chainsaw operation experience and certification
• Experience with public speaking
• Experience with grant writing
• Bilingual speakers are encouraged to include that information in their application

Compensation

• Salary: $38,000 - $45,000
• Benefits: Health care, retirement, and paid time off.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume and three references. with “Trails Manager” in the subject line
• Application deadline: March 18th, 2019 at 5pm
• Job Start Date: As soon as available between 4/01/2019 and 4/15/2019

The Forest Park Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection of candidates for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, military service, family medical history, legal source of income, gender identity, political affiliation, or family leave obligations.