Conservation Ranger, Trail Specialist

About Hollow Oak Land Trust

Founded in 1991, Hollow Oak Land Trust protects and connects greenspace across western Pennsylvania. We steward nine conservation areas, build and maintain sustainable trail systems, restore wildlife habitat, protect water quality, and create welcoming outdoor experiences for our communities.

We are a small, mission-driven team that values collaboration, initiative, and hands-on work. Our staff blend field-based stewardship with volunteer leadership, community engagement, and thoughtful planning. If you enjoy solving real-world problems outdoors—and working closely with people who care deeply about land and community—you’ll feel at home here.

Position Summary

The Conservation Ranger – Trail Services Specialist is a core member of our stewardship team, responsible for leading trail development, maintenance, and habitat restoration across Hollow Oak’s conservation areas. This role is ideal for someone with real trail-building experience who wants to apply their skills in a meaningful conservation setting.

You will spend significant time in the field designing, building, and maintaining sustainable natural-surface trails—while also leading volunteers, supporting community partnerships, and helping grow Hollow Oak’s Trail Services social enterprise. Office time supports planning, documentation, volunteer coordination, data tracking, and communication.

This position works closely with the Outreach and Education Coordinator and all staff to deliver high-quality stewardship projects and positive visitor experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Trail Design, Construction & Maintenance

• This is a hands-on trail position for someone who knows trails from the ground up.
• Plan, flag, design, and construct sustainable natural-surface trails using best practices for grade, drainage, alignment, and durability.
• Lead construction of new trail segments, reroutes, switchbacks, grade reversals, bridges, and boardwalks.
• Maintain existing trail systems through regular inspections, drainage improvements, erosion repair, corridor clearing, and surface maintenance.
• Install and maintain trail signage, kiosks, wayfinding, and safety features.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and mechanized equipment safely and effectively.
• Evaluate trail conditions and visitor use patterns to improve safety, flow, accessibility, and user experience.
• Apply principles of sustainable trail design for hiking and mountain biking, including contour alignment, rolling grade dips, outsloping, and armoring where needed.
• Support Trail Services projects with external partners, maintaining professional-quality standards.

Habitat & Property Stewardship

• Lead habitat restoration projects including native plantings, invasive species removal, tree planting, and bioswale installation.
• Conduct annual property monitoring and document ecological and infrastructure conditions.
• Develop and follow stewardship schedules for each conservation area.
• Identify long-term land management needs and help prioritize projects.

Volunteer & Community Leadership

• Organize and lead weekly volunteer workdays and corporate volunteer events.
• Train volunteers in trail construction techniques, tool use, safety, and stewardship ethics.
• Build strong relationships with volunteers, neighbors, trail users, and community partners.
• Serve as a visible, welcoming presence at trailheads and public events.
• Support guided hikes, outreach programs, and educational events.

Trail Services & Organizational Support

• Support Hollow Oak’s Trail Services social enterprise by delivering high-quality projects for partners.
• Assist with membership, donor, and sponsor engagement.
• Work closely with staff to coordinate schedules, projects, and communication.
• Contribute to organization-wide problem-solving and planning.

Data Tracking & Reporting

• Track visitor counts using trail counters and manual methods.
• Record volunteer hours and stewardship activities.
• Maintain clear documentation for grants, donors, and long-term planning.

Qualifications

We are especially seeking candidates with real trail experience.

• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and maintaining sustainable natural-surface trails.
• Knowledge of trail drainage, erosion control, grade management, and construction techniques.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, and trail-building equipment.
• Background in hiking, mountain biking, or trail recreation strongly preferred.
• Experience leading volunteers or crews in outdoor work settings.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Interest in conservation, land stewardship, and community engagement.
• Knowledge of regional ecology a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Chainsaw and equipment experience preferred.
• Comfortable with basic digital tools for tracking, communication, and reporting.

Physical Requirements

• Walk 1–3+ miles on uneven, steep, or rugged terrain.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, climb, kneel, stand, and work in varied terrain.
• Work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Occasional evenings and weekends required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: $40,000–$42,000 annually
• Medical and disability insurance
• Three weeks paid time off
• First Aid/CPR training provided

Hollow Oak Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. If you love trails, care about conservation, and want your work to make a visible difference, we’d love to hear from you.