Recreation Coordinator - Trails

The Recreation Coordinator will work exclusively on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. They will work with District staff to help support the trails program, partners, and volunteers across the district.

Full-Time Nonprofit

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Job Location

632 Manor Dr., Mars Hill, NC

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Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Collaborate heavily with US Forest Service staff and partners on project work.
- Collect and record trail assessment data, recording conditions of trails or areas needing maintenance
- Engage with visitors by providing education on: Leave No Trace principles, bear safety and proper canister use, landscape orientation and navigation, general safety awareness.
- Craft and curate media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation.
- Practice and teach Leave No Trace principles in the field.
- Maintain a positive working environment in challenging conditions.
- Follow SAWS policies and procedures and attend all SAWS staff events.
- Assist in oversight of trail operations district-wide by joining/leading work crews (day trips and 8-day overnights) with an interest in teaching/developing technical skills in others (volunteers, partner crews, USFS staff).
- Plan/oversee trail layout and design adhering to USFS specifications and standards using traditional tools, other hand tools, power tools, and small equipment.
- Maintain positive and supportive group morale while leading a variety of crews, including by mediating conflict.
- Ensure workday safety, lead tailgate safety briefings, and debrief safety incidents.
- Perform and lead groups in basic trail maintenance, including: clearing downed trees with chainsaws and crosscut saws, brushing trail corridors, and removing trash.
- Teach and use dry stone masonry techniques.
- Construction of a variety of trail structures with wood and rock (stairs, check steps, box steps, rolling grade dips, etc.)
- Teach and use rigging equipment including griphoists, wire rope, slings, shackles, blocks, and maasdams.
- Lead the construction of trail bridges across the district (front & backcountry, native timber & dimensional lumber).
- Record project accomplishments and assist with accomplishment reporting for partner crews.
- Hike long distances in steep terrain with heavy gear and tools.
- Monitor for and maintain high standards for project completion.
- Create a work schedule while adjusting to changing priorities and last-minute needs.
- Operate a UTV on unpaved USFS roads.
- The Recreation Coordinator will attend SAWS orientation and 2 weeks of the Wilderness Skills Institute.
- Crosscut, chainsaw, first aid, and UTV driving certifications will be provided.

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