Trails & Preserves Coordinator
Reports to: Executive Director
Hours: full-time, salaried position
About Steep Rock Association (SRA):
Steep Rock Association is a land trust whose mission is to conserve ecologically and historically significant landscapes in and around Washington, CT and the Shepaug River Valley and to enhance the community’s connection with nature.
In pursuing its mission, Steep Rock Association will:
• Use best management practices to maintain and manage the lands and improvements entrusted to it for passive recreation, the protection of native flora and fauna, and to support sustainable agriculture;
• Strive to raise environmental consciousness by enhancing the community’s knowledge and appreciation of nature and its awareness of Steep Rock’s on-going contributions to the culture and history of the Town of Washington; and
• Pursue land-based non-commercial activities that benefit both Steep Rock Association and the community.
Position Overview:
SRA’s Trails & Preserve Coordinator is responsible for carrying out trail and recreational stewardship projects on land protected & owned by the Steep Rock Association, creating and coordinating volunteer trail stewardship projects, and maintaining a safe and welcoming trail experience for preserve visitors.
Trail and preserve management projects will generally be geared toward a) enhancing visitor experience, accessibility, and safety at SRA’s public preserves, b) engaging the community in trails and land conservation projects c) using sustainable trail design practices, and d) protecting/enhancing wildlife habitat and natural resources.
This is a 40-hour, full-time salaried position with various weekend/evening meetings, projects, and events. Projects and tasks will be accomplished outdoors in varying terrain and elements, in an indoor/outdoor barn area, and inside of an office.
Specific tasks:
• Assess and maintain the recreational and related components of our public access preserves (trails, boardwalks, picnic areas, parking lots, campsites, etc.) and the safety & needs of visitors and user groups (naturalists, equestrians, hikers, etc.)
• Plan, coordinate, and carry out recreational stewardship activities (trail building/maintenance, water control efforts, mowing, weed whacking, herbicide application, pruning, tree felling, blazing, sign posting, campsite prep & firewood cutting/stacking/delivering, boundary marking, etc.)
• Utilize sustainable trail design practices; stay current on sustainable trail design and stewardship trends
• Create, coordinate, and lead volunteer trail stewardship projects & programs, including the Trail Monitors program
• Maintain and upkeep SRA’s inventory of hand and power tools plus heavier equipment such as tractors, trailer, backhoe, ATV, etc.
• Create, edit and share GIS-based maps
• Monitor and maintain records of Preserve properties according to Land Trust Alliance standards
• Serve as a positive and welcoming staff member to the visitors when in the Preserves & community
• Communicate trail & land stewardship projects in digital, printed, and verbal contexts
• Plow public parking areas in the Preserves during the winter months
• Maintain a clean and professional space for equipment and workshop
In collaboration with the Conservation & Program Leader, the Trails & Preserve Coordinator will:
• Manage the balance between recreational activities and wildlife and habitat requirements
• Plan, coordinate, and carry out land and river stewardship projects, such as wildlife habitat improvement, stream surveys, invasive species removal, etc.
• Work with SRA committees, especially Stewardship & Outreach, in developing and planning preserve management and land stewardship projects, including drafting Preserve Management Plans, Annual Work Plans, and Communications Plans
• Conduct aspects of carpentry & construction projects such as painting, building/repairing kiosks, bridges, wooden signs, etc.
• Network with other land trusts and environmental groups
• Maintain stewardship standards & practices according to SRA’s accreditation via the Land Trust Alliance
• Other tasks & projects as determined
Required Qualifications:
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in non-motorized, outdoor recreation design & maintenance and/or trail construction & maintenance
• Strong mechanical aptitude & experience working safely with power tools and heavier equipment
• Certification in chain saw safety, or ability to acquire certification
• Experience in and passion for developing and coordinating volunteer-led projects
• Proficient mapping skills, including use of Google Earth and GPS/GIS technology
• Ecological and natural history knowledge
• Enthusiasm for connecting people to the outdoors via trails and other open space opportunities
• Excellent interpersonal skills & success working as part of a team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to: -prioritize tasks, develop timeframes, and complete tasks within timeframes -work outdoors in myriad weather conditions and varying terrain -lift and move heavy objects (ex. firewood, boardwalk planks, etc.) and carry objects along hiking trails -work evenings and weekends as needed
Preferred:
• College-level degree in natural resources, recreation, or related field Experience leading trails-based volunteer projects
• Practice in preventative maintenance for machines and equipment Nonprofit work experience
• Experience driving all-terrain vehicles Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance standards & practices
• Social media and public engagement experience
Working with Steep Rock Association:
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Steep Rock Association has a collegial and team-oriented work environment, in which a cooperative spirit and ability to work with others is highly valued.
We offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off (sick, holiday, vacation days), and retirement plan after one year of full-time service. When working evenings/weekends, salaried employees are encouraged to use comp time. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and act in accordance with laws applicable to employment practices.
Send one (1) PDF of cover letter and resume to jobs@steeprockassoc.org before Monday, Oct 23, 2017.
