The Forest Park Conservancy seeks a Trails Crew Leader to support FPC’s mission to protect and restore Forest Park for future generations.
Reports to: Trails Manager
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week from June 4, 2018 – August 31, 2018
Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Work Location: Workday starts at 2960 NW Upshur St, Portland, Ore., 97210
About the Forest Park Conservancy
Forest Park Conservancy (FPC) protects and fosters the ecological health of Forest Park, maintains and enhances the park’s extensive trails network, and inspires community appreciation and future stewardship of the splendor of this iconic, urban wilderness as a gift for generations. Each year, we work with over 1,500 volunteers to maintain trails, remove invasive species and plant native trees and shrubs. FPC is leading a 20-year campaign to restore 15,000 acres of public and private to ensure the long-term health of Forest Park.
General Description
The Trail Crew Leader is responsible for working with FPC staff and volunteers to keep Forest Park’s 80 miles of soft-surface trails and access roads safe and accessible by performing trail maintenance and special trail projects. This is a physically demanding position with a strong technical field component. The ideal candidate will have previous trail crew leadership experience, familiarity with safety protocols and technical trail work, and possess a desire to work hard while helping to create a positive work atmosphere for staff, volunteers, and park users. Responsibilities
Trail Maintenance and Repair
- Assess trail conditions, prioritize, plan and carry out trail maintenance and repair of Forest Park’s 47 miles of soft-surface trails. Maintenance and repair includes tread work, brushing, raking, logouts, new trail construction, rock retaining wall construction and repair, turnpike, drainage, bridge, and split rail fence construction and trail decommissioning.
- Assist with natural area restoration work as needed, including invasive species removal and native plantings
- Manage inventory of tools and supplies
- Maintain and/or operate tools and equipment, including hand tools, small power tools, power wheelbarrows, crosscut saws, and chainsaws.
- Supervise and provide direction to the trail crew and volunteers, with attention to safety standards and the ability to problem solve.
- Maintain direct and consistent communication with the Trails Manager in order to assist with project preparation, event planning, and tool/equipment/office maintenance.
Volunteer Management
- Train and lead interns and volunteers
- Help lead weekly volunteer events
- Confidently interact with volunteers and the public while representing Forest Park Conservancy in a professional manner.
Required Qualifications
- 2 year(s) field experience working on trail construction or maintenance
- 18 years of age or older
- Clean driving record for at least 3 years (Driving Background Check is Required)
- Ability to comfortably lift 50-100 lbs. and efficiently traverse uneven terrain for 2-10 continuous hours 4-5 days per week
- Comfortable working in all weather conditions and terrain
- Basic understanding and skills conducive to design, construction, and maintenance of soft surface trails
- Proficient with hand tools and small power equipment including chainsaws
- Experience working and communicating with volunteers, members of the public, staff, and partner organizations
- Experience with outdoor etiquette and Leave No Trace principles.
Preferred Qualifications
- Self-motivated with a desire to take initiative, be a leader, work efficiently, and communicate well
- Organized, hardworking and able to plan and think holistically in an outdoor, natural area setting
- Ability to understand and discuss project plans and logistics with confidence and follow through with efficient work practices
- Experience and proficiency working in small groups/teams
- Ability to quickly memorize Forest Park trail system, geography, and road map
- Thorough understanding of safe and responsible work habits with an eye towards preventative safety
- Positive and balanced attitude and energy level
- CPR Certified / Wilderness First Aid or WFR
Salary and Benefits
Salary:$17/hour
Benefits:Sick time in compliance with the Portland Protected Sick Time Ordinance
To apply, please send cover letter, resume and three references to jobs@forestparkconservancy.org with “Trails Assistant” in the subject line.
Applications accepted until May 14th, 2018
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.