Professional Services Manager

Washington Trails Association is seeking a self-motivated project manager who is committed to high quality trail stewardship, managing both professional and volunteer crews, and building community to join the trail maintenance program. This position will act as the technical expert for the organization, guiding overall trail design and technical skill support, working with WTA staff and local, state and federal partners across the state. In addition, this position will oversee WTA’s Lost Trails Found professional trail crew program. 

The Professional Services Manager is a full-time, exempt position and reports to the Trail Programs Director. The position will be based out of WTA’s downtown Seattle office.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership Development and Support

• Develops and implements leadership, safety and technical training opportunities for staff and volunteer crews in coordination with statewide efforts.
• Manages 1 regular full time employee (Lost Trails Found Coordinator) and 3 seasonal crew leaders.
• Hires, trains and supports the professional development of 18 Lost Trails Found crew members, together with Lost Trails Found Coordinator.
• Works cross-functionally with leadership and programs to ensure trails expertise and WTA’s impact are demonstrated across the organization.
• Participates in manager on call rotation — periodic weeklong, 24/7 on call support.

Trail Project Planning, Execution and Reporting

• Plans, schedules, and provides oversight to Lost Trails Found crew field season, including maintenance, repair and construction projects across the state. Some crew leading and field visits may occur as needed.
• Manages a diverse portfolio of trail projects, ranging from trail planning & design at community parks to multi-day backcountry wilderness trips.
• Regularly shares project progress and results, including crew stories and photos, with program staff and other colleagues for internal and external reporting, volunteer recruitment and appreciation, and WTA outreach and promotion.
• Ensures appropriate tracking and reporting of trail maintenance hours, expenses, staff time and other program information for grants and cooperative agreements.

Agency and Community Relations

• Proactively maintains mutually beneficial, cordial working relationships with representatives of land manager partners including US Forest Service, National Park Service,  Department of Natural Resources (DNR & Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).
• Helps renew existing grants and agreements, and establish new funding sources for trail projects.
• Develops and maintains relationships with other stakeholders for trail projects, including community-based groups and user groups such as mountain bikers and equestrians.
• Represents WTA in priority trail planning efforts, coalitions and other regional trail issues in coordination with WTA’s advocacy staff.

Experience, Skills, Knowledge, and Values

Competitive candidates will highlight the following in their application, or express willingness to learn:

• Demonstrated commitment to WTA’s mission and values on diversity, equity and inclusion.
• 5+ years of program/project management experience or equivalent, preferably related to trail maintenance, professional crew support, or volunteer engagement.
• Proven experience in trail planning and design, trail maintenance and construction projects. Familiarity with GIS software is a plus.
• Experience with leading and facilitating technical projects for backcountry trail crews, including rock retaining walls and  crosscut saw work. Saw certification a plus.
• A deep understanding of the experiences and community issues affecting those marginalized in mainstream outdoor opportunities, such as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and/or LGBTQ+ communities.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills (written and interpersonal), including the ability to provide effective feedback to team members and integrate feedback graciously.
• Solid judgment and ability to remain calm and manage emergency situations.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment including hiking and backpacking over steep, uneven terrain and participate in trail maintenance activities using heavy hand tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive trucks on highways and dirt roads.

Location and Schedule

The Professional Services Manager is a full-time, exempt position based out of WTA’s downtown Seattle office with in-person field responsibilities on local, state and federal lands statewide. Schedule will include regular weekend work and occasional evenings. The position may lead occasional backcountry projects up to 8 days in length. WTA has a hybrid work model. When not in the field, this role includes at least two days per week in-person in our Seattle office.

Compensation

Annual salary range is $68,000 – $74,000.  Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, disability, transportation and holiday, vacation and sick leave. For more information about WTA’s benefits, please visit our website: www.wta.org/careers.

WTA provides a cell phone, hard hat, work gloves and safety glasses. WTA does not provide boots, clothing or other personal outdoor and backpacking gear required for fieldwork, but does provide a $200 reimbursement annually to offset wear and tear on personal gear. A WTA vehicle will be provided for transportation to work parties whenever possible. Reimbursement for up to 250 miles per round trip will be provided for staff members who use a personal vehicle to fulfill program needs, unless commuting to/from base of operations.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

WTA is committed to advancing equity and continually working to become a more inclusive organization. We believe WTA, and Washington’s hiking community, is made better by people with varied backgrounds, identities, abilities and lived experience. People of color and others with identities that are underrepresented in the outdoor industry (including but not limited to: gender identity, class, socioeconomic status, conviction history, sexual orientation, age, ability, and background) are strongly encouraged to apply.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at WTA will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. WTA does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, caste, color, creed, gender identity, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.