Friends of Panthertown

Friends of Panthertown Job Opportunity

AVAILABLE PAID POSITION – Posted January 11, 2019

PANTHERTOWN VALLEY TRAIL CREW LEADER (P/T)

SUMMARY

Friends of Panthertown works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service by providing volunteers to maintain 30 miles of public trails in Panthertown Valley, located in Nantahala National Forest in Jackson County, between Lake Toxaway and Cashiers, North Carolina.

Friends of Panthertown is seeking a part-time Trail Crew Leader for independently assigning, coordinating, managing, and training on-the-ground volunteers in Panthertown Valley to complete monthly trail maintenance, special projects, and conservation work in Panthertown.

AVAILABILITY

Hours and days for this position are flexible and will vary depending on time of year, projects needed, and weather conditions, but can average up to 10 to 20 hours per week, 40 to 80 hours per month, including weekends, as projects are needed and scheduled.

This position will require candidate to have a working computer with access to the internet for accomplishing most planning work.  On-the-ground work will take place in Panthertown Valley, however outreach and volunteer recruitment may at times require the Trail Crew Leader to attend events in Sylva/Cullowhee and the surrounding counties.

Trail Crew Leader will work independently, primarily telecommuting with no physical Friends of Panthertown office, and will also work on-the-ground in Panthertown with volunteer trail crews, as required. Position will typically also require attendance at a once a month Board of Trustees meeting in Cashiers, and at Committee and Community meetings, scheduled as needed.

PHYSICAL WORK

Physical work is required on-the-ground, and independent administrative and planning work is achieved remotely via computer and internet connection.

Trail crew leader will work independently under the direction of the Executive Director and Vice-President of Trails to coordinate and manage all volunteer projects in Panthertown Valley, responsible for maintaining the 30 mile trail system, and maintaining volunteer database.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and Trail Boss to develop work projects in Panthertown.
• Coordinate on-the-ground volunteer crews and maintain work projects in Panthertown Valley.
• Establish processes and approaches to fulfilling Friends of Panthertown trail work mission.
• Plan and manage long-term goals and short-term volunteer projects for 30-mile trail system.
• Schedule and promote regular public and by-invitation trail work days and projects as needed.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate volunteers and maintain pool of volunteers for trail work projects.
• Maintain volunteer records and database, provide regular reports to E.D. & Board of Trustees.
• Promote, maintain, manage and evaluate Adopt-A-Trail program in Panthertown Valley.
• Assist in planning and leading member hikes and coordinating volunteer recruitment activities.
• Responsible for maintaining trail tools. Storage of equipment will vary depending on need.
• Will develop solutions and respond to changing trail conditions as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be capable of working independently and in teams.
• Must provide own reliable vehicle for transportation.
• Must have valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Must have working telephone, computer, and internet access.
• Strong computer skills are required for this position.
• Strong organizational skills are needed for this position.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Outdoor experience and intermediate hiking ability.
• Capability of heavy physical activity.
• Capable of lifting tools and materials.
• Must act professionally at all times when representing Friends of Panthertown.
• Must have a focus on safety and sustainability while maintaining trails in Panthertown to U.S. Forest Service standards.
• A criminal background check will be conducted for qualified candidates.
• Candidate should live within reasonable driving distance of Panthertown.

DESIRED SKILLS

These skills are highly desirable for this position, but not required.
Training will be provided as needed.

• Project management, outdoor leadership, public relations, teaching, and/or volunteer coordinating experiences are all pluses.
• Sawyer/chainsaw skills are a bonus.
• WFR and/or Wilderness First Aid training is a bonus.

COMPENSATION

• Compensation depends on candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• Part-time, hourly (average 10 to 20 hours per week, 40 to 80 hours per month).
• Paid training, first aid and CPR certification, Leave No Trace training, and worker’s compensation insurance is provided.
• Reimbursements provided for all supplies and materials needed for position.
• 6 month probationary and evaluation period.

TO APPLY

Please send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Friends of Panthertown Executive Director, Jason Kimenker at friends@panthertown.org

PDF or DOC file attachments only please! E-mails only please, no phone calls.

Deadline: February 15, 2019, but Friends of Panthertown may schedule interviews and make a selection prior to that date, so please submit your application materials as you prepare them.

Friends of Panthertown is an Equal Opportunity Employer.