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Trail Specialist

The Opportunity.
The Trustees maintains over 350 miles of trails and has a reputation for hard work and high standards. Focusing primarily on sustainable trail construction and maintenance projects, the Trail Specialist works as part of a regional team to protect, restore, and enhance our trail resources and systems, the environment, and visitor experience through high quality trail work. This role is primarily field based, oversees seasonal employees and volunteers and reports to the Trails Team Leader.
The Trail Specialist is highly knowledgeable on the use and maintenance of tools, basic trail work skills, and advanced trail building skills, is able to quickly assess trail conditions, spot problems and identifying solutions. As a member of the trails team, you understand the importance of this resource and it's broad use across our many audiences. You understand your role in representing the organization and the importance of making our properties welcoming and accessible to visitors and volunteers. The Trail Specialist requires true dedication to preservation and restoration of trails, desire to learn and develop various leadership and trail skills, a willingness and ability to work hard outdoors, demonstrate a commitment to safety, a proven ability to work collaboratively on project management, experience training and leading volunteer and seasonal staff, a self-motivated ability to work independently, and a strong aptitude for working with technology.
 
In this Role you will:
  • Performs both basic and advanced trail work with a high standard of quality.
  • Performs heavy reconstructive trail work including, but not limited to: trail relocations, tread hardening, culvert installation, rock construction (waterbars and staircases), timber structures (bog bridges and waterbars), bridge construction, and new trail construction.
  • Performs routine monitoring of trail systems and responds to work requests to clear blowdowns, clean drainages, and check trail conditions.
  • Delivers on key trail and entrance project objectives within Trails Team Plans.
  • Winter work at Notchview Nordic ski area performing trail grooming, snow farming, and snow removal.
  • Supervises and trains seasonal staff and volunteers/interns, ensuring quality work and a rewarding experience for all involved.
  • Assists in supervising contractor performance on trails and entrance projects.
  • Performs baseline standard assessments, trail data collection, project scoping, and work order creation.
  • Uses appropriate techniques and BMPs related to trail design, layout, building, maintenance, restoration, and preservation for sustainability and desired visitor experience.
  • Works collaboratively as part of a team and with other staff across the organization.
  • Uses and maintains vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to the highest safety standards.
  • Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

Other Information:
​​​​Qualifications:
  • Associates Degree in natural resources or related field, preferred
  • Proven ability to work independently day to day, and collaboratively as a Trails Team and Trustees Stewardship Staff
  • Proven ability to complete, manage, and report on assigned projects and tasks, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks
  • Experience using a chainsaw and other small power tools including those specific to trail work
  • Knowledge of trail problems and work, techniques, BMPs, and tool use to address them
  • Volunteer Leadership/Training experience
  • UTV operation, transport of trailers, light machinery (small tractor, mini-excavator, chipper) operation and other power tool use or training, preferred
  • Commitment to natural resource protection
  • Basic computer skills in Office365, and an ability to learn and use Trustees software systems
  • Experience with MA permitting for wetland protection and rare species, preferred
  • Wilderness First Aid certification, preferred
  • MA Hoisting License 2A, preferred
  • MA Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license, preferred
  • Strong commitment to the mission of The Trustees
  • Strong written and oral communications skills
 
Other:
  • Some of the challenges of working on trails throughout the year are: dirt, mud, black flies, mosquitos, snow, rain, and adverse weather 
  • Must be able to carry up to 40 pounds of gear and tools over at least two miles of trail
  • Ability to travel across the state to work in remote locations
  • Valid driver’s license required for driving Trustees’ vehicles
  • Other licenses may be required to perform certain functions of the position
  • CORI check required
  • Experience training and supervising volunteer groups preferred
  • Flexibility to work nights and weekends may be required
 
Requirements:
  • Valid Drivers License
  • Ability to acquire a hoisting license
  • Access to and comfort using various mobile software applications
  • Minimum of two years or seasons of professional experience associated with the responsibilities of the position
 
Working Conditions:
  • Variable outdoor weather and physical conditions
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds required
 
Benefits and Salary
This is a permanent, full-time, hourly paid position, with an optimal start date in late October, 2021. This position is based in Ashfield, at Bullitt Reservation and works throughout the 43 trustees properties in the Central, Pioneers Valley and Berkshires Regions. The Trustees offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.
 
About The Trustees 
The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. Today, the places we care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster. Our passion is to protect and share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures under our care. We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 60,000 member households. 
 
The Trustees has been featured in the Top 100 Women-Led Organizations in Massachusetts for six consecutive years. 
 
In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of its team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission. 
 
We kindly request that you do not call to inquire about the status of your application.
Those candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted.