The Trail Program Manager is a full-time, exempt position with the Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition (BVSC). This role reports to the Chair of the BVSC Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

The Trail Program Manager is responsible for providing a long-term vision for Buena Vista’s trail network, managing and prioritizing existing trail maintenance needs, and developing a robust volunteer program in alignment with the mission, strategic plan, and priorities of the Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition. This position works to support sustainable trail stewardship, community engagement, and responsible recreation in Northern Chaffee County.

Key Duties:

Trail Stewardship, Maintenance, and Planning

• Oversee the stewardship, maintenance, and development/capital improvement of trails within the Buena Vista trail system, including:

  • The Midland Trail System

  • Whipple Trail System

  • Fourmile Area non-motorized trails

• Oversee trail infrastructure including bridges, drainage features, signage, trailheads, retaining structures, and other amenities.
• Inspect and evaluate trail conditions and prioritize maintenance and repair needs. 
• Develop annual and long-range maintenance schedules. 
• Develop and implement the BVSC’s Trails Master Plan.
• Partner with the Town of Buena Vista to support the Town's Recreation & Outdoor Master Plan (ROMP), Trails Master Plan, Transportation Plan, and other adopted planning documents.
• Prepare project budgets, cost estimates, bid documents, and monitor project expenditures. 
• Ensure all trail work meets sustainable design standards and aligns with land management agency guidelines, applicable Town policies, applicable regulations, and environmental standards.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Volunteer Program Management and Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage BVSC’s trail maintenance volunteer program, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and recognition.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment for volunteers that encourages teamwork and stewardship ethics.
• Plan and lead weekly volunteer workdays, ensuring safety, efficiency, and high-quality outcomes.
• Grow and expand BVSC’s volunteer base through outreach, partnerships, and community engagement.
• Maintain accurate records of volunteer hours, personnel, and project outcomes for reporting and grant compliance.
• Coordinate contractors, consultants, volunteers, partner organizations, and Town staff to successfully complete projects.
• Supervise seasonal employees, contractors, interns, volunteers, and project crews.
• Assign work, monitor performance, and ensure projects meet quality and safety standards.

Partnership Management and Advocacy

• Support grant writing, grant administration, and project reporting for state, federal, and private funding opportunities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and agenda items for the BVSC Board, Recreation Advisory Board, Trail Advisory Board, Board of Trustees, and other committees.
• Serve as the liaison with local, regional, state, and federal agencies, the Town of Buena Vista, nonprofit organizations, contractors, and community partners.
• Collaborate with and develop partnerships with the following to advocate for sustainable recreation and BVSC’s strategic priorities:

• • Local leadership (town and county)

  • Land managers (e.g. Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service)

  • Partner organizations (e.g., International Mountain Bike Association, Colorado Mountain Bike Association, Salida Mountain Trail, Cloud City Wheelers, Fremont Area Riders)

• Represent Buena Vista trail users in meetings and public forums to promote trail stewardship and community involvement.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 Years of experience in sustainable trail design and construction with proven expertise in applying sustainable trail building principles and techniques, including layout, construction, drainage management, erosion control, habitat preservation, and environmental best practices. 

• Knowledge of:

  • Recreation, parks, and natural resource management principles

  • Project planning, budgeting, and contract administration

  • Grant funding and public procurement processes

  • Relevant safety standards and ADA accessibility requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate volunteer crews in trail maintenance and stewardship projects. 
• Skilled in organizing work plans, providing hands-on training, ensuring safety compliance, and fostering a positive, collaborative team environment to achieve high-quality trail outcomes.
• Ability to communicate clearly (verbally and in writing).
• Aptitude for building positive relationships while contributing to a supportive, team‑oriented work environment across a variety of stakeholders (including but not limited to board members, staff, contractors, partner organizations, volunteers, and the public).
• Understanding of the Buena Vista trail network, including its history, maintenance priorities, and community partnerships that support sustainable recreation and conservation.
• Excellent project management skills including budgeting, scheduling, and project coordination.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects/priorities effectively.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills.
• This position requires a level of physical capability necessary to safely perform field-based trail work. With or without reasonable accommodation, the employee must be able to:

• • Perform outdoor field duties for 8–10 hours per day in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.

  • Work at high elevations and traverse steep, loose, or uneven terrain for extended periods.

  • Lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a repetitive basis as part of regular job duties.

• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle.
• Based in Buena Vista or Northern Chaffee County, Colorado.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications: 

• Skilled in the safe and effective use of machinery such as mini-excavators, skid steers, and trail dozers to construct and maintain sustainable trails that meet design and environmental standards
• Wilderness First Responder certification (or ability to obtain)
• Chainsaw and Crosscut certifications (or ability to obtain) 

Compensation: The compensation for this role is $65,000 - $75,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Salary will be paid monthly.

Benefits:

• $600 / month health care stipend

• 120 hours (3 weeks) of accrued Paid Leave

• 12 Paid Federal Holidays

• Professional development as it relates to:

  • Mini Excavator operations for trail building

  • WFR, Chainsaw, and Crosscut certifications

  • Annual attendance to the Professional Trail Builders Association (PTBA) conference

The Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition is committed to building an inclusive and welcoming trail community. We encourage people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and lived experiences to apply. Our work is stronger when it reflects the full community we serve.

About BVSC: The Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition (BVSC) is a nonprofit whose mission is to build and steward sustainable trails in Buena Vista, Colorado. We work closely with volunteers, local leadership, business partners, and land managers to create a community where everyone has access to trails connecting to the beauty of the Arkansas River Valley. Learn more at www.bvsingletrack.com