Recreation and Trail Planner

Job Description – BYLT.org

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Recreation Manager is a high-impact leadership role at Bear Yuba Land Trust, responsible for shaping the future of outdoor recreation and trail connectivity across the region. This position leads the development and implementation of transformative trail projects that expand public access to conserved lands, connect communities, and enhance opportunities for people to experience the outdoors. As the organization’s lead for recreation planning and trail development, the Recreation Manager guides
projects from vision to reality, building partnerships, securing trail easements, navigating permitting processes, and coordinating with public agencies, landowners, and community stakeholders. The position also plays a strategic role in identifying and securing funding through grants, philanthropic investments, and collaborative partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled project manager and relationship builder to leave a lasting legacy on the landscape and community. The Recreation Manager will help advance Bear Yuba Land Trust’s mission by creating meaningful outdoor experiences, expanding trail networks, and ensuring recreation projects are successfully planned, funded, and delivered.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Executive Director of Bear Yuba Land Trust. Works closely with the Conservation and Stewardship Team to identify, prioritize, and advance recreation projects. This position may supervise contractors, consultants, and work crews engaged in planning, permitting, design, and implementation of recreation projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Lead planning, permitting, and implementation of priority trail projects that expand community access to conserved lands and public recreation opportunities in Western Nevada County and Eastern Yuba County.
○ Coordinate project development for multi-use, non-motorized trails and recreation infrastructure, including trail segments, trailheads, parking areas, signage, restrooms, and
other visitor amenities.
○ Guide projects from concept through implementation, including feasibility assessment, site evaluation, permitting, environmental review, and coordination with regulatory agencies.
○ Identify, pursue, and help secure funding for recreation projects through grants, public funding programs, and partnerships. Serve as project manager for funded projects, including grant administration and reporting.
○ Collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders to plan and implement priority recreation projects, including:
■ Local municipalities and agencies.
■ Federal and state agencies
■ Community partners and nonprofits
● Provide leadership in various established collaborations and partnerships, included but not limited to:
○ Provide staff leadership to the BYLT Trails Committee, composed of board members, staff, and community volunteers.
○ Attend and participate in key regional recreation planning efforts, including the Western Nevada County Recreation Coalition, Pines to Mines Trail planning efforts, and the South Yuba River Public Safety Cohort.
○ Inform and advise the BYLT Board, community organizations, and regional partners on trail lanning initiatives and project development.
● Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Experience in land use planning, or a related field.
● Understanding of land use policy and the functions of local government.
● Familiarity with federal, state, and local permitting and environmental review processes, including

NEPA and CEQA.
● Build collaborative partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders.
● Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including public presentations and stakeholder meetings.
● Prepare reports, grant proposals, and other professional communications.
● Interpret plans, reports, environmental documents, and technical drawings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Experience with trail system planning, development, or management.
● Direct experience working with federal or state land management agencies.
● Experience using contemporary technology such as GIS, mapping tools, digital photography, and cloud-based platforms such as Google Drive.
● Experience in land use planning, recreation planning, community development, or project management within a nonprofit organization or public agency.
● Experience developing or managing grant-funded projects.
● Basic familiarity with surveying, engineering concepts, or infrastructure planning related to trails or recreation facilities.
● Knowledge of land conservation practices and the role of nonprofit land trusts in conservation and public access.

ABILITY TO
● Develop and manage projects from planning and permitting through implementation.
● Evaluate project costs, schedules, and implementation strategies.
● Work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
● Travel locally and work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
● Personal computer, motor vehicle, phone, and office equipment.
● GIS, GPS, mapping tools, and other field-based technology.
● Clinometer, measuring tape, and compass for trail route development.
● Hand tools commonly used in trail construction and maintenance.
● Occasional use of small power tools or motorized equipment related to trail development and
maintenance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions
of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
these functions.
Work is performed both in an office setting and outdoors. The position requires regular field work related to
the planning, inspection, development, and maintenance of trails and recreation infrastructure. Field work
may occur in varied terrain, weather conditions, and elevations.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and use
hands to operate computers, tools, and equipment. The employee may occasionally lift or move materials
weighing up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth
perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may
encounter