Park and Recreation Specialist 1 (Regional Trails Coordinator)

The Trails Coordinator is a full time, long-term seasonal position that will assist the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) in the management of some of the most diverse and popular trails across our State Parks system. This position is located in the Taconic Region, covering 20 state parks and historic sites throughout Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties.

The position will have a wide range of responsibilities focused on improving and enhancing regional trail resources. The successful candidate will need to coordinate and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and partners including Park staff, Regional staff (Capital, Stewardship, and Trails), Albany staff (Statewide Trails Planner), Partner organizations, and volunteers. The Trails Coordinator (official title: Park & Recreation Specialist 1) will work under direct supervision of the Regional Director.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with coordinating the development, prioritization, and implementation of trail projects identified in Park Master Plans and Trail Plans, including but not limited to new trail construction, trail realignments, closures & restoration, rehabilitation, tread & drainage improvements, technical stonework, and carpentry.
• Supervision of the OPRHP Regional Trail Crew.
• May assist with supervising contractor-led trail projects including the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Conservation Corps Trail Crew.
• Monitoring inventory, assessment, and analysis of regional trail network conditions, needs, uses, and more.
• Developing trail project funding proposals.
• Assisting agency staff in the environmental review process for trail-related projects.
• Reviewing project proposals on OPRHP property from partner organizations and volunteers.
• Coordinating with partner organizations, friends groups, and volunteers on a variety of initiatives.
• Developing trailhead and wayfinding signage throughout park trail systems.
• Working closely with the Statewide Trails Planner on agency priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

One year of experience in maintenance, construction, landscaping, business operations, park operations, or in an organized recreation program.

Operational Needs:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Working knowledge of sustainable trail building techniques.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects with a variety of partners.
• Working knowledge of GPS and GIS.
• Understanding of the NYS environmental review process (SEQR) and natural resource management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in forestry, outdoor recreation, wildlife, fisheries, biology, environmental science, Geography/GIS, landscape architecture, urban planning or an equivalent discipline.
• Experience with advocacy, planning, development, design, or construction of natural surface recreational trails.
• Experience working on paid or volunteer trail crews.
• Leadership, volunteer coordination, or project management experience.
• Strong organization, time management, project management, budgeting, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.

Project Funding and Duration: This position is a 40 hour / week, long-term seasonal position with NYS OPRHP in the Parks and Recreation Specialist 1 title.

Location: Taconic Regional Headquarters, 9 Old Post Road, Staatsburg, NY 12580