Trail and Program Operations Specialist

Job Title: Trail and Program Operations Specialist

Reports to: New England Program Manager

Status: Full-Time Exempt

Salary: $55,000-$63,000 Annually

Location: Hybrid-Remote (Allenstown, NH)

Position Summary:

The Student Conservation Association provides an array of corps and crew programming across the country. The New Hampshire Conservation Corps (NHCC) based in Allenstown, NH is a 7-month AmeriCorps program that trains young adults in the skills of conservation and leadership through hands-on service at state parks and public lands throughout New Hampshire. The program has a strong partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and operates as an AmeriCorps program allowing crew members to dedicate a term of service while gaining experience in the field. NHCC is one of the programs in the SCA New England Branch portfolio. This position is mainly dedicated to NHCC and may also support other programming in the SCA and New England Branch. 

The Program & Trail Operations Specialist position ensures that the technical, logistical and administrative tasks associated with the execution of SCA’s various programs in the NHCC portfolio are completed. This person ensures Corps Members, Project Leaders and the Program Assistant are equipped for program delivery; comply with curriculum and AmeriCorps mandates, safety controls, logistical service/program delivery needs, and mandatory internal record-keeping and administrative requirements. This position reports to the Program Manager-New England and has multiple direct reports at various levels of responsibility.  

Job Responsibilities:

Program Planning & Delivery

• Serve as the program’s primary liaison for service project logistics, tools and materials procurement, and project details for a minimum of three teams serving concurrently at various locations throughout the state.  
• Actively assess project risk to ensure a safe work environment. 
• Schedule and manage rotating projects and respond to last minute changes via clear and timely communication with all stakeholders. 
• Assure service projects are compliant with state conservation laws, permits, and reviews. 

Field Work

• Facilitate operations including; food planning, tools, equipment, and vehicles; 
• Serve as a technical adviser and project support in collaboration with the Program Manager.  
• Directly supervise the program’s Program Assistant, Project Leaders and members  
• Monitor member’s activities to ensure compliance with safety, administrative, and curriculum guidelines.   
• Monitor and assess the quality & technique of the work performed to ensure interventions meet partner and SCA standards.  
• Manage project service logs, assuring data integrity is maintained for reporting.  
• Review and approve direct reports timesheets within timelines set by SCA. 
• Ensure the program equipment cache is organized, secured, inventoried, and compliant with SCA and partner guidelines.  
• Coordinate repairs and maintenance of the program facilities in consultation with state park partners including plowing and snow removal. 

Member Training & Development

• Ensure members, Project Leaders, and Program Assistant are trained for the safe, proficient, and effective delivery of program service activities.  
• Promote leadership development within the team and complete scheduled formal evaluations. 
• Assist with SCA’s conservation service curriculum development and documentation. 
• Lead programs in alignment with SCA’s Core Values while fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential. 
• Model and uphold SCA, partner, and (where applicable) AmeriCorps policies and protocols. 
• Mentor Project Leaders and members on the interpersonal and professional skills required for their term of service, including living and serving in backcountry spike camps and engaging with the public on high-use trails. 
• Participate in SCA training and professional development opportunities and share learnings across the team. 

External Engagement

• Collaborate with program partners to develop and implement project plans and schedule and conduct project site visits. 
• Assist Program Manager in building relationships with community organizations and land partners on a local level. 
• Represent SCA at industry relevant conferences and events.  
• Role model SCA mission and values to program partners and the general public. 

Program Administration

• Assist Program Manager with administrative duties, such as financial reporting, tracking and coding program expenses. 
• Develop a tools and equipment purchase plan that aligns with the program Tool and Equipment budget line.  
• Facilitate the evaluation of Project Leaders and program members during the mid-season and end of program evaluation seasons.  
• Report, track and respond to incidents in accordance with SCA policies and procedures including serving as part of the emergency response call tree for the program.  
• Build and maintain relationships with Program alumni as directed;  
• Responsible for keeping abreast of internal policies and procedures and AmeriCorps requirements. 
• Assist Program Manager and Sr Program Manager in developing systems for ongoing program quality and improvement. 

Qualifications: 

Required

• 4-6 years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating the skills related to the position  

• Minimum of 21 years of age & Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards. 

• Ability to live on site in provided housing during critical periods of the season.   

• Previous trail construction and maintenance required. 

• Carpentry experience including recreational infrastructure.   

• Experience using and maintaining chainsaws including training/certification such as Game of Logging, USFS Developing Thinking Sawyers. 

• Prior experience supervising young adults in an outdoor setting.   

• Current Wilderness First Responder or higher/ CPR certification or ability to acquire certification.   

• Proven organizational, administrative and program development skills.  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills & strong capacity to work in a team. 

• Strong computer skills particularly in MS Office. 

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.  

• Proven ability to multi-task and troubleshoot in a dynamic work environment.  

Preferred 

• Griphoist/Rigging training and experience. 

• Leave No Trace Master Certification.   

• Experience with AmeriCorps programs.  

• Experience with Conservation Corps programs. 

• Familiarity with the American Trails/PTBA Trail Competency Framework.  

Travel Requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, have a Motor Vehicle Record that meets SCA standards and ability to drive in a variety of conditions.  

• The ability to travel for extended periods of time outside and over a variety of terrain. Including occasional overnight camping.  

• Must have a personal vehicle. 

Benefits: 

• Employer-Paid Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, and Short-Term Disability
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurances, Pet Insurance, and more
• Free confidential therapy, Teladoc, and financial planning services
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 22 days a year)
• 12 Paid Federal Holidays and Floating Holiday, Community Service, and Education hours
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Paid Parental Leave (up to 4 weeks)

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.