Northern Idaho Trail Program Specialist

Position Description

The northern Idaho Trail Program Specialist (TPS) will oversee the planning, coordination, logistics, and successful completion of our trail maintenance and monitoring projects as well as Idaho Trails Association’s community outreach and education in northern Idaho. The TPS will work with ITA’s Trail Projects Director to plan and coordinate northern Idaho ITA projects, and sometimes will act as the on-the-ground crew leader. They will also train and empower volunteer crew leaders to lead projects. In the off season of fall and winter, this position will work closely with ITA’s Communications Director to plan and implement outreach and education events in northern Idaho. This position requires a highly motivated and well-organized trail enthusiast with a variety of skillsets.

Responsibilities of this position include the following tasks:

• Work closely with ITA staff (Executive Director, Trail Projects Director, and Communications Director) on:
  • Operations, logistics, quality. Plan current and outyear trail projects and logistics in northern Idaho (Idaho Panhandle National Forest and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest). Ensure safe and high-quality field project operations, verify the quality of ITA fieldwork, and maintain ITA’s inventory of tools and gear. Obtain and assess volunteer feedback after projects.
  • Administration and reporting. Report trail project accomplishments, track/manage project expenses, assist with outyear budgeting.
  • Leader recruitment and training. Coordinate training and support of volunteer crew leaders in northern Idaho.
  • Risk management. Implement safety training, safety plans, emergency procedures, and communications plans.
  • Program development. Assist with fundraising and fostering strong external relations and partnerships.
  • Community engagement, volunteer recruitment, outreach. Work within northern Idaho communities to plan education and outreach events that engage the community and encourage new members and volunteers.

This job is home-based. The applicant will have a choice of living in Moscow, Coeur d’ Alene, or Sandpoint, Idaho (adjacent smaller communities can be negotiated). During the field season, travel is required to lead and/or participate in trail projects throughout Idaho’s beautiful backcountry so will require camping and hiking outdoors in a remote setting. In the off season, some travel may be required to attend and support ITA outreach events. Most travel is throughout northern Idaho, with occasional evening and weekend commitments. There may be some travel to other parts of the state. This position reports to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors and ITA staff.  

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Compensation includes paid time off, paid holidays, opportunities to earn overtime and bonus pay, and a SIMPLE IRA with a 3% employer match. This position has the potential to include a relocation stipend to assist with moving from outside the northern Idaho service area; this will be negotiated upon job offer. Pay starts at $40,000 annually. Start date is January 6, 2025 (negotiable).