ITA is seeking a full-time Trail Program Specialist for the northern Idaho trails program. The chosen candidate will help lead ITA’s trails program into its second decade of keeping Idaho’s hiking trails open for all. This candidate will play a key role in growing the organization, engaging more volunteers to maintain more trails in more places throughout northern Idaho (defined as all of the state north of Grangeville, Idaho).

About ITA

In existence since 2010, ITA helps maintain our state’s incredible hiking trail system. ITA is a non-profit organization under IRS 501(c)(3). We work with a variety of public land managers and partners including the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and State of Idaho. Since our founding, we have trained thousands of volunteers to remove logs, trim brush, and restore trail tread. In recent years, we have also offered educational opportunities like Backpacking 101 and winter presentations on various topics. ITA is in a time of growth, and the Trail Program Specialist’s work is vitally important in our efforts to work on more trails in more places!

Position Description

The Trail Program Specialist (TPS) will oversee the planning, coordination, logistics, and successful completion of our trail maintenance and monitoring projects as well as our community outreach and education in northern Idaho. The TPS will work with ITA’s Trail Projects Director to plan and coordinate northern Idaho ITA projects, and sometimes will act as the on-the-ground crew leader. They will also train and empower volunteer crew leaders to lead projects. In the off season of fall and winter, this position will work closely with ITA’s Communications Director to plan and implement outreach and education events in northern Idaho. This position requires a highly motivated and well-organized trail enthusiast with a variety of skillsets.

Responsibilities of this position include the following tasks:

  • Work closely with ITA staff (Executive Director, Trail Projects Director, and Communications Director) on:
    • Operations, logistics, quality. Plan current and outyear trail projects and logistics in northern Idaho (Idaho Panhandle National Forest and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest). Ensure safe and high-quality field project operations, verify the quality of ITA fieldwork, and maintain ITA’s inventory of tools and gear. Obtain and assess volunteer feedback after projects.
    • Administration and reporting. Report trail project accomplishments, track/manage project expenses, assist with outyear budgeting.
    • Leader recruitment and training. Coordinate training and support of volunteer crew leaders in northern Idaho.
    • Risk management. Implement safety training, safety plans, emergency procedures, and communications plans.
    • Program development. Assist with fundraising and fostering strong external relations and partnerships.
    • Community engagement, volunteer recruitment, outreach. Work within northern Idaho communities to plan education and outreach events that engage the community and encourage new members and volunteers.

This job is home-based. The applicant will have a choice of living in Moscow, Coeur d’ Alene, or Sandpoint, Idaho (adjacent smaller communities can be negotiated). During the field season, travel is required to lead and/or participate in trail projects throughout Idaho’s beautiful backcountry so will require camping and hiking outdoors in a remote setting. In the off season, some travel may be required to attend and support ITA outreach events. Most travel is throughout northern Idaho, with occasional evening and weekend commitments. There may be some travel to other parts of the state. This position reports to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors and ITA staff.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Compensation includes paid time off, paid holidays, opportunities to earn overtime and bonus pay, and a SIMPLE IRA with a 3% employer match. This position has the potential to include a relocation stipend to assist with moving from outside the northern Idaho service area; this will be negotiated upon job offer. Pay starts at $40,000 annually. Start date is January 6, 2025 (negotiable).

Desired Qualities

The ideal candidate works well with diverse groups of people; our partners and volunteers are key to our success. The candidate possesses some experience in maintenance of trails to meet the standards of our land manager partners. They are comfortable working in both an office setting and working (and camping) in a backcountry environment. The ideal candidate values the safety and wellbeing of volunteers and is an effective communicator, both oral and written. An aptitude for logistics is a priority, as ITA is growing and with that comes the need for efficient planning, attention to detail, and overseeing and implementing multiple projects in any given week of the field season. Desired experience, skills, and other qualifications (or similar applicable) include the following:

Abilities:

  • Passion for and personal alignment with ITA’s mission and values.
  • Ability to work independently with integrity, transparency, positive attitude, and proactive approach.
  • Ability to communicate with people of all backgrounds and a genuine love of working with people; our volunteers are the heart of our organization!
  • Focus on safety; we work with volunteers of all experience and ability levels. Ability to identify potential hazards, mitigate those hazards, and plan for safety equipment. The top priority of ITA is that volunteers have a safe experience.
  • Ability to engage and work with multiple partners at all organizational levels, internally and externally.
  • Ability to assist with fundraising, education, and outreach events.
  • Ability to adapt to changing conditions and priorities, and to be proactive in planning for contingencies (i.e., weather, volunteer cancellations, priority changes, logistical challenges) while maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Ability to communicate in writing via emails and reports.

Experience:

  • Experience in managing projects, and attention to detail in project planning, logistics and organizing and supporting projects, with ability to develop detailed plans for trail projects, tools, camp equipment, food, and any other things needed to ensure a safe, successful, and fun experience for volunteers.
  • Experience working in partnership with the US Forest Service and other Federal and State land managers.
  • Experience in trail maintenance using traditional tools, especially crosscut saw use. Ideally, certified as a “B” crosscut sawyer under the National Crosscut and Chainsaw Program. Experience and ability to maintain ITA’s tools and tool cache.
  • Experience in leading trail projects in a Wilderness or backcountry setting.
  • Experience in engaging with volunteers and groups at outreach or educational events

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in a single PDF. Send via e-mail to jobs@idahotrailsassociation.org with the subject line “Trail Program Specialist” by or before October 17, 2024.