Trail Manager

Organizational Summary:

Salida Mountain Trails (SMT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to build and maintain sustainable, multi-use trails; steward public lands; and promote a thriving trail community. SMT manages 70 miles of singletrack spread across two trail systems close to town—Arkansas Hills and Methodist Mountain—as well as part of the iconic Monarch Crest.

SMT is a small, tight-knit organization with 3 full-time employees, and we are looking for an experienced Trail Manager to join our growing team! A significant amount of the work completed on SMT trail systems is performed by community volunteers, and in the 2026 field season we anticipate hosting approximately 40 volunteer events. We do our best to foster a work culture that balances professionalism, efficiency, and high-quality work with a human-centered, fun, and safe learning environment.

Position Summary:

The Trail Manager (TM) is responsible for providing a long-term vision for the SMT trail network, and will work closely with SMT’s Trail Program Manager (TPM) to plan, coordinate and carry out maintenance projects on trails within the system. This position will also support volunteer projects throughout the field season. With support from the TPM, the Trail Manager will oversee seasonal trail crew(s), contractors, and Youth Conservation Corps to ensure SMT trails are safe, sustainable and aligned with a positive user experience. This position will split time between planning, administrative, and field duties, with the majority of field hours taking place between March and November. Projects will range from new tread construction, technical rock work, raking, cleaning out drains, and everything in between.

This is a hands-on, working-lead role. During the primary field season (March–November), the Trail Manager should expect to spend the majority of their work week performing and leading trail maintenance and construction (usually 3–4+ days/week in the field), with remaining time dedicated to planning, coordination, reporting, and partner communication.

The following defines the high-level job responsibilities for the position of SMT Trail Manager. These responsibilities may be refined or expanded at the discretion of the SMT Board of Directors and/or Executive Director. Implementation of associated tasks, priorities, and timelines to achieve this on-going scope of work will be developed by the Executive Director and SMT board in consultation with the Trail Manager.

Position Duties:

Planning, Project Management and Field Work:

• Perform comprehensive trail assessment and inventory on SMT trail system to identify and prioritize maintenance projects
• Develop and carry out a long-term maintenance plan for SMT trail system
• Assist with trail planning, design, and construction projects
• Coordinate with land managers, agencies, and partners to develop and complete trail projects
• Scout and flag project areas to create a work and tool plan for upcoming projects
• Perform routine trail maintenance independently, and alongside Trail Program Manager, volunteers, and seasonal staff
• Manage and supervise SMT seasonal field staff, with support as needed from Trail Program Manager. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Training and onboarding, scheduling, tracking and reporting hours, field supervision, and feedback.
• Manage and oversee all contracted trail crews, including youth corps associations
• Provide on-site leadership managing trail project logistics and technical oversight for trail crew, contractor and volunteer projects, including youth corps associations. Projects can include, but are not limited to:
• Tread maintenance: drain clearing, drain construction, raking, and berm removal
• Sign installation
• Extensive rock work including: rock armoring, retaining walls, check dams and rock features
• Corridor clearing with hand tools and chainsaws
• Mountain bike feature construction including: berms, rollers, and drops
• Construction of erosion-control features
• Restoration projects
• Foster a positive, fun, and safe learning environment for volunteers and SMT staff
• Actively and positively engage with and educate trail users

Volunteer Management 

• Manage and Coordinate Trail Steward Program. This includes the following duties:
• Assign Stewards to trails
• Train new Trail Stewards and provide ongoing feedback/additional training as necessary
• Regularly engage with Stewards to motivate work and to offer support
• Manage log of self-reported volunteer hours and ensure volunteers report hours and work
• Rally Trail Stewards to report/track trail conditions and respond to storm damage
• Support Trail Program Manager in planning and leading volunteer projects as needed
• Provide training and support as needed for all volunteer crews

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain detailed maintenance log and project reports for all completed work
• Manage trail tools and equipment, including inventory, maintenance, and storage
• Manage maintenance needs for SMT-owned vehicle(s) and tool trailer
• Prepare reports and gather data for agency partners and funding opportunities
• Record photos of trail maintenance
• Participate in bi-monthly staff meetings, monthly board meetings, and monthly trail committee meetings
• Develop print/digital training materials and best practices for SMT trails
• Maintain trail signage and maps; coordinate design, fabrication and installation with contractors
• Coordinate with Executive Director to communicate trail conditions, closures, and updates to the public

Minimum Qualifications:   

• 5 years experience in sustainable trail construction and maintenance, on either hand or machine built trails
• 3 years experience in a leadership role training, managing, and leading professional,  volunteer and/or conservation corps crews
• Demonstrated project management experience
• High level of flexibility and creative problem solving skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with strong organizational mindset and attention to detail
• Demonstrated time management skills, and the ability to simultane manage multiple projects at once.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, and the desire to work with volunteers and as part of a team
• Valid drivers license and personal vehicle
• High level of physical fitness, and the ability to:
• Work outside for 8-10 hours a day in challenging weather conditions
• Work at high elevations and on steep, loose, uneven terrain
• Lift up to 50 pounds repetitively

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of SMT and/or the trail systems that we steward
• Mountain biking experience, or the desire to learn. Some projects will require biking out to the worksite
• Mountain bike-specific trail maintenance/construction
• Strong rock work skills
• Knowledge of both hand and machine built trail construction techniques
• Experience using chainsaws and/or cross-cut saws. Certifications are a plus, but not required. We can get you certified.
• Experience using machinery/excavators
• Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification

See full job description and learn more about SMT on our website www.salidamountaintrails.org