Recreation Manager

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Recreation Manager is a pivotal role at Bear Yuba Land Trust, focused on advancing trail projects that expand community access to conserved lands and connecting existing trail systems throughout the community. This position leads the planning and coordination of trail initiatives, securing trail easements, including navigating permitting processes, managing project timelines, and working with partners and agencies to move projects from concept to implementation.

The Recreation Manager is posted at 30 hours a week with potential to be 40 hours after a 90-day probationary period. The Recreation Manager also plays a key role in identifying and securing funding for recreation projects through grants, partnerships, and other funding opportunities. This role requires strong project management, collaboration with public agencies and community partners, and the ability to guide projects through planning, permitting, and funding stages to successful completion.

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 

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• 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: City of Nevada City, City of Grass Valley, Nevada County, Yuba County, Yuba Water Agency, Nevada Irrigation District, and elected officials.
• Federal and state agencies: United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, California State Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Community partners and nonprofits: Bicyclists of Nevada County, Gold Country Trails Council, Truckee Trails Foundation, private landowners, and other recreation and conservation partners.
• 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 planning initiatives and project development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS  

Knowledge of

• Experience in recreation planning, trail development, land use planning, or a related field.
• Understanding of public administration, land use policy, and the functions of local government.
• Knowledge of recreational trail planning, design, and development processes.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local permitting and environmental review processes, including NEPA and CEQA.
• Experience using contemporary technology such as GIS, mapping tools, digital photography, and cloud-based platforms such as Google Drive.
• Knowledge of land conservation practices and the role of nonprofit land trusts in conservation and public access.

  Ability to

• Develop and manage trail projects from planning and permitting through implementation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners, agencies, and community members.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with trail system planning, development, or management.
• Direct experience working with federal or state land management agencies.
• 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.

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

To Apply: Please email info@bylt.org with your resume and a cover letter that describes how your experience meets the position’s qualifications. 

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, apply by April 30, 2026 for best consideration.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Bear Yuba Land Trust (BYLT) has been a conservation leader in Nevada and Yuba Counties since 1990. To date, BYLT has protected over 26,000 acres of the region’s natural open space, agricultural lands, forests, public trails, and watercourses and has built or maintained 55+ miles of local trails. BYLT actively works with a wide variety of local landowners, as well as local, state, and federal agencies and our local tribal leaders, to conserve important lands and build public trail systems which define and inform the region’s core values, economy, and character. BYLT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization accredited by the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission and dedicated to high ethical standards and practices for the fulfillment of its mission with the support of the BYLT Staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, and membership base.

Bear Yuba Land Trust is a family-friendly workplace dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.