Operations Manager

The Operations Manager serves as the primary staff person that oversees the maintenance and operations of GRTA’s property and right-of-way. This position reports to the Executive Director and involves collaboration with internal and partner agency staff, consultants, contractors, businesses, adjacent landowners, California Native American tribes, public agencies, nonprofits, and community groups. Over time, as the GRTA structure is established and new trail segments open to the public, this position may transition from developing and implementing property management, maintenance, and operations systems to operating and managing sections of the GRT.

Job Requirements

• Must be able to readily commute to and physically access GRTA land holdings in Mendocino, Trinity and Humboldt counties to oversee maintenance and operations and collaborate with our licensees, lessees, neighbors, contractors, utilities, and various California Native American tribes, public agencies and community groups.
• Dedicated office space from which to work remotely (computer and office equipment provided). Position is 50% remote and 50% field-based in Mendocino, Trinity and Humboldt counties.
• Access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel, reimbursed at the Federal IRS rate.

Job Duties

• Develop and implement management systems related to GRTA property and right-of-way management, including mAed@waintenance and monitoring of license and lease agreements for right-of-way use.
• Create an internal tracking system for overall management of GRTA property and associated costs and accounts receivable.
• Develop short- and long-range plans and budgets and funding streams for prioritization of maintenance, operations, and capital improvement projects.
• Complete property title research using railroad valuation maps, county parcel data, and digital mapping services such as ParcelQuest and county assessor GIS and record-keeping systems.
• Conduct regular and strategic inspections of sections of GRTA’s ~230 miles of right-of-way in Mendocino, Trinity and Humboldt counties to understand maintenance and operational needs and manage work being completed by staff and contractors.
• Identify unpermitted encroachments and, as appropriate, work in collaboration with staff, occupants and public agencies to regain control over GRTA property and prevent unauthorized use.
• Work with engineering staff to create a regular maintenance and repair schedule for infrastructure such as bridges, trestles, tunnels and water conveyance features such as culverts.
• Create an inventory of equipment and supplies; implement a system to track locations for efficient staging of materials needed for operations and maintenance tasks.
• Manage contracts with private entities who have agreements for the use of GRTA property; develop and oversee contracts with vendors for maintenance, vegetation management, and other property-related services.
• Develop long-term relationships with municipalities, California Native American tribes, adjacent property owners, community members, trail users, businesses, law enforcement, emergency service providers, trail advocacy groups, and other partners to collaborate on maintenance and trail operations. Manage maintenance tasks assigned to contractors, volunteers and/or internal staff.
• Assist with obtaining funding for property clean-up and maintenance and manage associated grants.
• Regularly attend GRTA board meetings and provide written staff memos and oral presentations related to current projects and systems that are being created and implemented.