Parks & Recreation Aide 6 - Regional Trail Specialist (Taconic Region)

DUTIES:

The Regional Trail Specialist is a full time, seasonal position that will assist the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation in the management of some of the most diverse and popular trails across our State Parks system. The position will work throughout the Taconic Region, which covers Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties. The Trail Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Trails Coordinator.

The Regional Trails Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities with the primary goal of implementing trail improvement projects aimed at enhancing regional trail resources. The successful candidate will possess the ability to supervise the regional trail crew by serving as crew leader throughout the field season, typically May-November, as well as operate independently during the off-season. The position requires work on uneven and steep terrain, carrying and moving tools, materials, and equipment of up to 50lbs or more.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Recruiting, supervising, training, and managing of regional trail crew for field season operations and trail projects.
• Implementing priority trail projects, including new trail construction, tread and drainage improvements, technical stonework, carpentry, and trail sign installation.
• Inventory management and routine maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Documenting progress of trail projects for quarterly and annual reports.
• Ensuring safe working practices and PPE are being utilized at all times.
• Inventory, assessment, and analysis of regional trail network conditions, needs, uses, and more.
• Collaborating with partner organizations and volunteer groups to implement trail improvement projects.
• Working closely with Regional Trails Coordinator on development and prioritization of trail projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

There are no minimum qualifications per Civil Service. Please see Operational Needs .

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience conducting trail work, including sustainable trail construction, tread and drainage improvements, and trail corridor maintenance.
• At least one year of experience using and maintaining hand and power tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• At least one year of experience supervising multiple people in a work environment.
• Experience with leadership, communication, time management, project management, and problem solving.
• Working knowledge of sustainable trail building techniques.
• Experience utilizing native stone for constructing trail features, such as, stone staircases, cribbed retaining walls, and steppingstones.
• Experience operating and maintaining chainsaws, Game of Logging level 1 training or approved equivalent chainsaw training, preferred but not required.
• Experience with handheld GPS, data collection, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, outdoor recreation, wildlife, fisheries, biology, geography/Geographic Information Systems (GIS), urban or regional planning, landscape architecture, or an equivalent discipline.

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

• The duties of this position require you to have and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows you to operate a motor vehicle in New York State. Failure to maintain a valid driver’s license will result in removal from this position.
• Must communicate and collaborate effectively with supervisors, fellow trail crew members, staff across the organization, and volunteers.
• Demonstrate safe working practices and perform trail work while maintaining safe working conditions.
• Work on uneven and steep terrain, carrying and moving tools, materials, and equipment of up to 50lbs independently or more as a team.
• Demonstrate attentiveness to detail while performing highly physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, rain, and so on).
• Work independently and as part of a team depending on project needs.
• Interact with the public and professionally represent the NYS OPRHP.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment.
• Ability to interact with the public and professionally represent the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.

Operational needs will be discussed at the time of the interview and appointment. Failure to maintain proper licensing will result in removal from this position.

BENEFITS:

This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System and may be eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage as well as the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time and service requirements has been met.

To learn more about our benefits, visit:

TO APPLY:

If you feel you meet the region's preferred qualifications and operating needs and are interested in being considered for this vacancy, please submit a resume , an employment application with contact information for at least three (3) professional references , and a cover letter demonstrating your experience in relation to the information listed. You must put "Parks & Recreation Aide 6 - Regional Trail Specialist" on the subject line of your email.

The employment application (Part 1 – Pre-Interview Form S1000) can be downloaded from the website of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at Please forward these three required items by email to [email protected] .

Pay: $21.57 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person