Trail Crew Operations Coordinator

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation is seeking a strong leader to supervise Trail Crew Program field staff and coordinate operations statewide. While this position involves regular travel to field locations, a significant portion of the work is performed in an office environment. The incumbent will plan and oversee projects, manage personnel and budgets, track performance, and ensure safety and compliance across all trail crew operations. This role blends field leadership with administrative coordination, requiring a detail-oriented individual who can balance hands-on supervision with program management responsibilities.

Why You Should Join Our Team
The Division of Outdoor Recreation is rapidly growing, offering excellent opportunities for career advancement. Utah’s recreation community is diverse, ranging from motorized to non-motorized enthusiasts, and this position provides the chance to directly support that community. You will gain leadership experience in some of Utah’s most beautiful landscapes, build professional connections with federal, state, and local partners, and develop valuable management and technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise daily operations of trail crew supervisors statewide
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies to accomplish year-round trail maintenance and construction
• Support winter grooming operations, including supervising staffing plans and grooming schedules
• Travel frequently throughout Utah to meet with crews and partners 
• Establish objectives, priorities, and performance expectations for supervisors
• Address performance issues and resolve conflicts among staff
• Track and monitor project expenditures and assist with logistics
• Oversee hiring, recruiting, and training of field staff
• Ensure crews are properly trained, equipped, and ready for field work
• Secure required permits and permissions for projects
• Conduct safety reviews, inspections, and After Action Reviews
• Develop and maintain the Trail Crew Program Safety Plan
• Facilitate orientation and training for crew members and supervisors
• Use geospatial and navigation tools (Survey123, Gaia, etc.) to report work
• Plan and coordinate end-of-season recognition and awards
• Coordinate with program leadership to plan seasonal staffing, equipment allocations, and project priorities
• Prepare and maintain safety documentation, training records, and performance evaluations
• Manage data entry, project tracking, and reporting through systems such as Survey123, GIS, or internal databases
• Assist with budget management, procurement, and tracking of project expenditures
• Draft correspondence, reports, and updates for internal and external partners

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 21 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Utah driver’s license
• Experience leading crews and performing field work independently
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with staff, partners, and volunteers
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including working in backcountry and adverse conditions for multiple days
• Willingness to travel extensively and camp in remote locations
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn new skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in outdoor or trail-based environments
• Familiarity with Utah trail systems
• Experience coordinating multiple crews performing technical trail work
• Knowledge of trail construction and maintenance for both motorized and non-motorized systems
• Proficiency in OHV/ATV operations, trailering, and maintenance
• Chainsaw operation and safety training (Faller A equivalent preferred)
• Experience with heavy equipment (trail dozer, mini-excavator)
• Ability to plan and manage multi-day backcountry trips
• Experience writing training materials
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work independently

Supplemental Information

• Long days of strenuous labor (up to 16 hours) involving lifting 50+ pounds, rolling rocks/logs, using hand and power tools, and hiking over rugged terrain with a backpack
• Frequent operation of OHVs up to 100 miles per day on remote trails
• Exposure to extreme weather, remote wilderness conditions, and use of specialized safety equipment
• Extended standing, walking, bending, stooping, and climbing
• Valid driver’s license is required to operate a motor vehicle on Utah highways (UCA 53-3-202(1)(a)).

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with occasional overtime. The schedule may include evenings and weekends depending on program needs. Significant statewide travel and overnight stays in remote locations are required.