NEWS:

Position: Trails Director
Location: Park City, Utah
Start date: about April 1, 2026
Type: Full-time, Year-round (50% office, 50% field)
Apply to: Jobs@MountainTrails.org

Position Summary
Trail planning, training, administrative duties, writing assignments, reports, media content, etc. require basic computer skills. About 50% of this position is in office and about 50% is in the field. The Trails Director (TD) will lead a crew performing trail maintenance, new trail construction, bridge repair and construction, and a variety of technical trail projects throughout Park City and the Wasatch Back. TD will also lead winter trail grooming operations including the use of a PistenBully 100 and various snowmobile/drag set ups. TD is responsible for trail crew onboarding, discipline, training and leadership. TD maintains positive relationships with local government, landowners, stakeholders, trail supporters and donors.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary for similar positions in both the nonprofit and government sectors ($85,000 – $95,000 annually depending on candidate experience and qualifications)
• Eligible for compensation increases based on performance at annual employee evaluation process
• Eligible for full-time employee benefits including: Paid time off and sick leave, Health, dental and vision Insurance

Knowledge and Skills

The candidate must:

• Have substantial, positive experience leading and managing subordinates in challenging, diverse environments.
• Have excellent organizational and communications skills.
• Have ability to develop work scope, including alignment maps, for use in grant applications
• Have deep knowledge of, and experience and skill in sustainable trail construction/maintenance and design techniques, including the use of trail tools, trail building equipment, and GPS/GIS equipment
• Have experience leading and training trail crew members and/or volunteers in a variety of trail maintenance and construction tasks while maintaining a safe work environment for fellow workers and trail users
• Have experience in highly technical trail construction including trail bridge construction, rock work and rough carpentry
• Have skill in assessing and identifying trail problems and developing and implementing the best possible trail solutions on the ground
• Have experience in project planning and management
• Have expert experience in the regular maintenance and basic repair of all hand tools, power tools, and gas-powered tools (i.e. chainsaws)
• Have experience operating light trail machinery such as a mini-excavator, etc.
• Have experience in setting up and maintaining a clean, safe, and effective backcountry camp for trail crew operations in remote areas
• Have the ability to maintain a positive work environment and effectively manage potential conflict among crew members. This includes fostering good working relationships with stakeholders, landowners, local government teams, trail user groups, and volunteers.
• Have knowledge of, and experience and skill in light construction work and facility maintenance
• Have initiative, drive, and energy
• Have excellent communication skills to both verbally explain complex methods and processes and to regularly document and communicate specific accomplishments
• Have ability to work independently and retain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Have ability to maintain focus on safety and risk management, both on a personal and group level
• Have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a pickup truck with trailer attached to be used for hauling trail equipment, tools, and other materials for conducting trail work
• Be able to help determine work requirements, resources and materials needed to implement project objectives, plans, and requirements effectively
• Have a commitment to exceptional work product (quality and quantity), completed on time
• Maintain current state contractor’s license, which can be obtained in first weeks of employment

Preferred Additional Knowledge and Skills

• Prefer experience working successfully with a large federal land management agency (i.e. the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, County/City)
• Prefer professional or on the job leadership and/or management training
• U.S. Forest Service Chainsaw Certification – Class B Sawyer
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Light equipment operation
• Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder Certification

Education Requirements

• B.S. in Natural Resources, Recreation Management, or related field (preferred)

Physical Demands
Routinely lift, push, pull and carry items weighing 50 to 100 pounds, and occasionally up to 500 pounds, using mechanical leveraging tools. Work will routinely require walking over rough and uneven terrain and mountain biking to reach remote locations. This position is physically demanding and requires enthusiasm and motivation to handle those demands.

Work Environment
Much of the work will be performed in a mountainous, forested environment where the terrain may be steep, uneven, rocky, wet, and covered with thick and tangled vegetation. Work can occur in inclement weather (rain, snow, freezing temperatures or temperatures over 85 degrees and dusty). Work requires the use of safety equipment (PPE) such as boots, gloves, goggles, chaps, and hardhats, which are supplied. The employee will comply with all safety protocols in performing the requirements of this position.

Work Hours
The position requires 40 hours per week, year-round. Part of the hours are in office, part are in the field. During dirt-season, the schedule is four 10 hour days (M-Th). Winter schedule days vary based on crew and grooming needs.

To Apply

• Send a resume, brief cover letter, and up to three references to jobs@MountainTrails.org by Sunday, March 1st at 5 p.m. MST
• Include “Trails Director” in the subject line of your email
• Applications will be reviewed and highest scoring candidates will be contacted by March 15th for an initial interview via Zoom.
• NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE