Trails Steward

Based in Eugene, Oregon, the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah (Friends) nurture and restore our connection to nature.We are a grass roots, volunteer powered non-profit organization. We collaborate with partner agencies to protect land,improve trails, restore ecosystem services, and steward rare habitats across 4700 acres. In service of this enterprise, we operate a native plant materials program. Friends is a HBRA Stakeholder, Rivers to Ridges Partnership partner, and member of the Upper Willamette Stewardship Network.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Land Stewards are assigned to one of three Stewardship Program areas: Floodplains, Trails, and Uplands. They collaborate with the Stewardship Coordinator to steward habitat and recreational resources as well as implement episodic projects defined in supporting Management Plans for Conservation and Recreation properties within the organization’s service area. They lead and supervise interns as well as volunteers to accomplish tasks. They lead implementation of restoration prescriptions and fee for service objectives as assigned.

The Trails Steward is charged with the maintenance and improvement of the 25+ mile equestrian and hiking trail system within Buford Park as well as other terrestrial and water trail corridors within other parts of the Greater Mount Pisgah Area. They manage vegetation adjacent to trails as specified in the Habitat Management Plan. They co-lead efforts to restore trails following catastrophic storm events.

They collaborate with the Stewardship Director and Stewardship Coordinator to permit, budget, administer capital projects. They work closely with the Friends Trails Committee and Partners to design, plan, and implement a diversity of projects annually. They lead construction of new trails, new trail facilities, and replacement or repair of degraded trail segments or trail structures.

They collaborate with the Volunteer & Intern Coordinator to plan and host work parties and supervise volunteers in the field. They coordinate with the Stewardship Coordinator to schedule land stewards to assist with specific tasks. They supervise contractors and seasonal employees to accomplish assigned project elements.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

• Trail construction, design, & maintenance with at least 3 years of experience required. Extensive familiarity with construction practices and principles preferred.
• Pedestrian and small equipment bridge design, construction, and maintenance
• Stone Mason with at least 2 years of landscape construction experience preferred.
• Extensive experience operating powered construction and landscape equipment including, but not limited to, powered wheelbarrows, motorized brush cutters & chain saws, walk-behind mowers, wheel tractors, compact excavators & loaders, compactors, and motorized off highway vehicles (ATVs/UTVs).
• Powered equipment and hand tools maintenance.
• Ability to trouble shoot and repair equipment preferred.
• Ability to paddle small watercraft (canoes, kayaks, rafts, SUPs).
• Ability to assess Willamette Valley habitats and to identify native and non-native plants.
• Ability to work full days outdoors and perform strenuous physical labor under all types of weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, or other inclement weather.
• Excellent computer skills including knowledge of MS Excel, data entry, and the use of tablets and smart phones. Ability to learn additional programs as required.
• Experience with CAD and GIS programs and supporting APPs preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and the ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.
• Project management and implementation with at least 1 year of experience required.
• Experience with permitting and reporting preferred.
• Experience with contract development and management with at least 1 year of experience required.
• Able to work effectively with supervisors and peers.
• A commitment to maintaining a safe and drug free workplace.