Trails Specialist

CITY OF BLOOMINGTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT JOB OPPORTUNITY

Temporary Full Time – NATURAL RESOURCES TRAILS SPECIALIST

OPERATIONS DIVISION – Class F

DUTIES:

Performs monitoring, assessment, maintenance, construction, surfacing, and repair of Parks natural surface trails and bridges. Carries out general upkeep and monitoring of parks areas including trash removal, signage upkeep, and surveying property lines. Conducts vegetation management activities including mowing, trimming, clearing downed trees, tree pruning, brush and debris removal, material hauling, and leaf raking. Assists with volunteer coordination and other related duties as assigned.

Additional duties include but are not limited to:

• Organizes, performs, and oversees natural surface trail maintenance activities to ensure park safety, access, cleanliness, and appearance, as well as to protect natural resources.
• Operates and maintains vehicles and small equipment, uses hand tools, installs and maintains signage and trail structures.
• Monitors park and trails use, and communicates Parks policies and regulations with visitors.
• Inspects trails and documents trail conditions regularly, evaluates current trail tread, and alignment and proposes improvements.
• Utilizes GIS and City asset management software to track daily work activities.
• Communicates daily with Natural Resources Manager and other Trails staff to report problems, maintenance needs, and weekly work updates.
• Trains seasonal staff and volunteers about safe and proper trail maintenance and improvement techniques.
• Follows and initiates correct procedures during emergency situations
• Other duties as assigned (e.g. assist other staff or areas within Operations Division as needed).

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of erosion mitigation, current trail design techniques, and prior experience trail building with hand tools.
• Knowledge and skill in the safe operation and of light trucks, brush cutters, push mowers, string trimmers, chainsaws, power tools, hand tools, and other related grounds keeping equipment.
• Must be reliable, punctual, self-motivated, and have the ability to follow oral and written direction, and be capable of performing physically demanding field work.
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude and team mentality, and have the ability to communicate and work well with coworkers and the public.
• Prior volunteer coordination is experience desirable. Must have the ability to train, motivate, supervise and direct volunteers in trail improvement activities.
• Experience with GIS software and/or field collection platforms.
• Must possess or obtain current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications within 30 days of hire.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and maintain a good driving record.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsible for regular trail and park maintenance, general appearance of assigned parks areas, planning and prioritizing trail improvements, training and supervision of staff, tracking and reporting of daily work activities, and coordinating trail-related volunteer activities.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Must be in excellent physical condition. Moderate to strenuous physical effort and movement of extremities is frequently required for extended periods of time in the lifting, carrying, and loading of equipment, tools, soil, rocks, logs, etc.; and to operate equipment and perform work tasks. Work activities commonly involve hiking long distances, bending, stooping, cutting, shoveling, power tool operation, and hand tool use. Employee must be physically capable of lifting weights in excess of 75 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employee performs duties out of doors, in varying conditions, with occasional requirements to work in extreme weather, such as high heat and humidity and low temperatures. Work sites may pose risk of exposure to ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, and stinging insects; as well as to noise, dust, and vehicle and equipment fumes. Safety precautions, including use of City provided Personal Protective Equipment, must be followed to avoid injury and incident. Some computer and mobile device use is required.

HOURS:

Monday – Friday availability, 40 hours per week, except holidays and during periods of inclement weather. Work duties may vary with the season. Occasional evenings or Saturdays will be required.

SEASON: 

March – November (Term of employment not to exceed nine months).

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR(S):

Natural Resources Manager

SALARY: 

$19.85 per hour.

APPLICANTS APPLYING FOR THIS position MAY BE SUBJECT TO A CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK.  DIRECT DEPOSIT IS A REQUIRED CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

Anyone wishing to apply for this position may do so at the Bloomington Parks & Recreation Office, 401 N. Morton Street, Suite 250, by mail (P.O. Box 848, Bloomington, IN  47402) by fax (812-349-3705) or by emailing parks@bloomington.in.gov. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

La Igualdad De Oportunidades De Empleo Es La Ley.

The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, veteran status, housing status, and disability status in employment or the provision of services.

The City of Bloomington validates authorization to work using E-Verify.  The City will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with the information from each new employee’s I-9 form to confirm work authorization