Cincinnati Nature Center is looking for an outdoor enthusiast to come and join our team! The Trails Coordinator is a full time, year-round position on the Facilities Team with a focus on trail management. A successful candidate will have 5 years of experience working with the land and/or maintaining trails with at least one of those years focused on trail management. The Nature Centers offers hikers a 20-mile trail system with varying terrain between 2 locations.

This position will require strong communication and team work. Cincinnati Nature Center is a 6-year running Top Workplace located in Milford, OH. We love to have fun, we love to be outside, and the environment is very supportive and entrepreneurial. All benefits begin the day you start! Medical, dental, and vision, begin on your first day. Cincinnati Nature Center pays 100% of life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance premiums with supplemental life insurance also offered. In addition, 30 days of accrued PTO begin and 403(b) contributions are also part of the package. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Trails Coordinator oversees trail development, implementation, and maintenance of all trails at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm locations. This role will ensure that all trail projects plans will meet the highest sustainability standards, environmental stewardship, and user experience. This role is for someone who loves to work with people including trail volunteers, staff, and visitors and will act with professionalism while enhancing community engagement and support. The Trail Coordinator must have the availability to work weekends as needed.

Direct reports: None

KEY RESPONSBILITIES   

• Creating and maintaining an active trail management plan in conjunction with the visitor services and conservation teams.
• Construct, maintain, and preserve the system of trails at two site locations.
• Train, coordinate, and oversee a variety of volunteer groups who help to monitor and maintain trail conditions, structures, and safety features.
• Conduct periodic audits and make recommendations for replacement, resurfacing, drainage, traffic calming methods, vegetation clearance, and more to optimize the visitor experience and conservation best practices.
• Work with visitor services team to maintain, update, and install trail and kiosk signs.
• Create and maintain the tree management plan including working with and overseeing tree removal companies. This includes ensuring appropriate safety measures follow OSHA guidelines.
• Assisting the facilities manager with future budgetary expenditures.
• Collect users’ data of trail counts and gather GPS and GIS information to develop maps using ArcGIS.
• Update trail maps and utilize data and information to develop reports and apply for grants that support the trail systems.
• Regularly assemble a cross-departmental team meeting to discuss new trail initiatives, trail management plans, maintenance requests, and more to optimize the visitor experience. 
• Design and review plans and drawings for trail development and reconstruction.
• Assist in trail construction reviews and quality control.
• Assist with leaf and snow removal as required.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position.
This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

Required Skills:

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

SKILLS

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including the use of Outlook - willingness to learn other software as needed
• Use of Equipment, Tools and Machinery – Operate vehicles, motorized equipment, chainsaws, power and hand tools, PC’s and office equipment 
• Collaborative working style utilizing strong organizational and customer service skills
• Chainsaw experience a must, with ability to acquire and maintain certification(s) as appropriate
• GIS mapping skills a plus

ABILITIES

• Be a passionate advocate for nature to articulate the mission of Cincinnati Nature Center
• Communicate effectively and professionally including oral, written, and listening methods
• Manage time and multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts
• Exhibit good judgement, honesty, integrity, and responsibility

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Geography, Land Use Planning, Natural Sciences, or related field highly preferred.
• At least five (5) years or more work experience in landscape, trail construction, and/or planning required.
• At least one (1) year or more of work experience in a supervisory trail management role required.
• Experience working with volunteers preferred.
• Knowledge of American with Disabilities Act and the Federal Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas specifically Trails Accessibility.
• Knowledge and experience in sustainable trail design theory.
• Strong public speaking skills with small and large groups.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires the following physical activities: driving, scooping, digging, pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.
• Must abide by all OSHA requirements to ensure a safe working environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is primarily performed on-site, indoors in an office environment and outdoors in the nature preserve. 
• Local travel may be required. Some travel to regional conferences may be required. When a Nature Center vehicle is not available, the use of personal vehicle (reimbursed at IRS recommended rate) may be needed for Cincinnati Nature Center business.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL POSITIONS    

• Mission Support: Inspiring Conservation through personal experiences, education, and care for the land.
• Essential Qualities: Must enjoy nature, be energized by finding creative solutions, and possess a sense of humor, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Background Checks: Employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of BCI and FBI background checks. Background checks are conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state law, under code 5104.013.
• CPR & First Aid: Certification must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
• Professional Learning, Development, and Required Training: Employees shall engage in ongoing professional learning and development as well as shall complete ongoing required training relevant to safety, certification, and best business practices.
• Special Events: From time to time, employees shall be required to support special events which may fall outside of the normal work schedule including weekends/evenings.