Field Coordinator

Position Description: Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is seeking a full time Field Coordinator to work as part of our field stewardship team. This position will be the primary point person for our infrastructure-related work, including trail building & maintenance, maintaining & coordinating repairs to our machines, and building and repairing historic & manmade structures. We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented person with previous experience in these areas, as well as a friendly, outgoing personality that can work with other staff members and lead a diverse group of volunteers. Considering the often changing nature of the field work we do, this person should be able to plan, keep to deadlines, while also staying flexible to last minute changes. While this position is largely field-based, applicants should be comfortable with technology, data collection, and electronic communication. Ideal candidates will have similar work experience, strong interpersonal and communication skills, be motivated, and able to work successfully as an individual and as part of a team. 

Schedule: This is a full-time (40 hour per week) position that works a Tuesday-Saturday schedule. Weekly schedule is typically 8:00-4:00, with some variation depending on morning or evening events. 

Salary: $50,000-$55,000 The upper range of salary should have demonstrated experience with natural surface trail building.

Reports to: FOW’s Director of Field Stewardship

Primary Responsibilities:

• Working and collaborating directly with other FOW field staff members.
• Assessing, planning, and coordinating trail improvement projects on a 50+ mile network of multi-use trails.
• Assessing, planning, and coordinating structure improvement projects, including park signage, fencing, benches, and footbridges.
• Assisting with removal of downed trees from natural surface trails.
• Coordinating and leading specialized volunteers on trail work and structure repair projects.
• Co-leading Volunteer Service Days with other FOW staff members.
• Coordinating ongoing maintenance with contractors for composting restrooms.
• Planning, coordinating, and leading volunteer training.
• Coordinating regular maintenance and service of our vehicles including a pick-up truck, a van, and a gator.
• Coordinating regular maintenance of our trail machines such as a Ditch Witch SK750, a canycom, mini canycom, and plate compactor.
• Overseeing maintenance of our power tools.
• Transporting machines and materials to work sites.
• Keeping our workshop and lumber storage clean and organized.
• Speaking directly with park users, neighbors, partners, and volunteers about FOW’s mission and work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or three years of relevant work experience.
• Excellent administrative skills such as planning, organizing, and implementing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and several years experience of building and maintaining sustainable multi-use trails.
• Knowledge and experience with general carpentry and using power tools.
• Some experience using trail building machines.
• Experience working with volunteers in a natural setting, and comfortable using general hand tools including loppers, hand pruners, shovels, rakes and hand saws.
• Must be able to communicate with a community of individuals with diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in technology, such as email, Microsoft Office suite, Google Apps, database software.
• Comfort with driving a heavy duty pick-up truck and attached trailer.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to work in a team environment, as well as working alone and able to self-prioritize.
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination.
• Valid Driver’s License, clean driving record, & reliable transportation.
• Willingness to obtain a Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse History Background Check.

Desired Qualifications:

• A passion for connecting people to outdoor public spaces
• Experience and training with using chainsaws.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Knowledge of Wissahickon Valley Park and/or similar watershed parks

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions: This position is largely a physically active and outdoor position. They must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and carry this weight over long distances working in all kinds of weather and walking over uneven terrain. This position will be required to wear appropriate attire for an outdoor setting. Boots and appropriate pants are required. FOW will provide some clothing items, including shirts, hat, and work gloves.

Benefits: 

• Generous paid time off
• Retirement benefits and matching
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Friends of the Wissahickon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Deadline to apply is February 15. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply here.