Central/South Regional Representative, Florida Trail Association

Organization: Florida Trail Association

Position Title: Central/South Regional Representative

Location: Melbourne, Florida

Dates and compensation: Salary range is 35- 45K and is dependent upon experience. Florida Trail Association offers a competitive benefits package including a retirement plan and health insurance; position begins in August 2015.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2015

Description: The position is under general supervision of the Trail Program Director. The Regional Representative will focus on coordinating successful trail management, protection, and volunteer work on the Florida National Scenic Trail within the Central and Southern Florida regions. The individual will work with diverse groups of volunteers in order to build sustainable trail stewardship programs. He or she will be responsible for building collaborative partnerships with volunteers and agency personnel within the region. The Regional Representative will need to work closely and communicate proactively with land management agencies and volunteers on a regular basis. It will be important for this person to be able to effectively prioritize and follow through on the implementation of regional projects, which may span over multiple years. He or she will identify, engage, and respond to external planning efforts that could have an effect on the trail corridor. The Regional Representative will gather information on the physical trail, local features, and work to ensure optimal routing of the Florida Trail in perpetuity. He or she will carry out tangible work intended to permanently protect the Florida Trail in accordance with the values outlined in the National Trails System Act and the Comprehensive Management Plan.

Responsibilities:

1. Develops a regional trail program focused on protection, preservation and promotion of the Florida Trail and the volunteer programs that support it.
2. Builds and expands volunteer stewardship opportunities on the Florida Trail by developing partnerships between the Florida Trail Association (FTA), volunteers, and agency partners.
3. Monitors, evaluates, and responds to activities that could affect the trail corridor.
4. Serves as a technical resource to agencies in the areas of trail protection, volunteer coordination and project management.
5. Increases the amount of manpower and the number of well-trained volunteers regularly working on the trail.
6. Ensures volunteers have access to appropriate training, certification, safety gear, tools, and equipment.
7. Is responsible for the oversight and work plan development of FTA’s seasonal staff and field crews working in the region.
8. Effectively prioritizes work to meet or exceed FTA’s broader trail program goals and yearly program of work.
9. Oversees the planning, replacement, and construction of trail infrastructure.
10. Facilitates proactive communication and meets with volunteers and agency partners as needed to coordinate trail protection and maintenance efforts.
11. Is knowledgeable about the trail within the region and respond to public requests for information.
12. Verifies trail conditions as much as possible and notifies the public about access issues, safety concerns, threats, and changes to the trail.

Qualifications:

• College degree in a relevant field
• Two years of relevant professional experience or five years working alongside volunteers
• Proven ability to coordinate successful trail protection, stewardship, and volunteer trainings
• Able to teach, motivate, inspire, as well as learn from volunteers
• Trail maintenance, design, and construction skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Dependable personal vehicle and willing to have mileage reimbursed at the current federal rate
• Able to follow through on initiatives and work as part of a team
• Willing to work from a home office
• Wilderness First Responder, chainsaw class “B” operator or willing to become certified in both
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with various forms of software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Additional Qualifications

• Able to build productive working relationships with volunteers and agency partners
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to solve problems, work independently and be resourceful
• Able to prioritize work, multitask, and delegate as necessary
• Pays attention to detail and is accountable, professional, and dependable

Desirable

• Advanced understanding of agency policies, procedures, and land management practices
• Ability to effectively respond to proposed actions affecting the trail corridor
• Proficiency in using GIS software programs and databases

How to Apply: Please email letter of interest, resume, salary history, and three professional references to Janet Ackerson at[email protected]. This position will remain open until filled. Candidates adhering to submission deadlines will be given preference. Highly qualified candidates will be selected for a phone interview. Final candidates will be selected for in-person panel interviews.

Electronic submissions are preferred and must be sent by 11:59 p.m. June 30th, 2015. Hard copies will be accepted and must be postmarked by June 19th, 2015 and sent to:

Florida Trail Association
Attn: Janet Akerson
5415 SW 13th St.
Gainesville, FL 32608