Fuse Washington

Trail Programs Director, Washington Trails Association

Washington Trails Association (WTA) fields more than 700 volunteer work parties each year at some of the state’s prime hiking locations, from the alpine meadows of Mount Baker to the scenic heights of the Columbia River Gorge. WTA volunteers have maintained trails through Olympic old growth and built new trails along the wind-swept sage of Eastern Washington. WTA provides annual maintenance for some of Washington’s most popular hiking and backpacking trails, while also rehabilitating hidden gems and creating new trail opportunities close to home and further afield.

With more than 9,000 miles of trails to choose from, WTA plays in important role in determining priorities and needs so that its work serves hikers to the greatest extent possible.

WTA volunteers come out for a week at a time or just for the day. Some volunteer only once; others return a dozen times in a month. A special series of weeklong Volunteer Vacations are dedicated to local high school students who fulfill community service requirements by cutting tread, moving rocks and learning important life lessons about teamwork and leadership and self-empowerment. With a field crew of eight paid crew leaders and more than 100 volunteer assistants, the WTA trail maintenance program has been built around the delivery of a quality volunteer experience. The result is a thriving and dynamic program that provides a means for people to give back to the trails they care about.

The Trail Programs Director is responsible for all aspects of volunteer trail program management, including needs assessment and work party scheduling; budgeting and contract management; and communications and staff management. The Trail Programs Director builds relationships with agency partners and other organizations; identifies and implements projects that will inspire WTA’s volunteer base and serve the hiking community; and ensures the smooth and continuous execution of program operations.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

Trail Assessment and Project Scheduling:

• Collect and assess input from hikers on maintenance needs in Washington
• Identify and prioritize trail maintenance projects on local parks and forests
• Serve as liaison with agency partners; manage contracts and projects
• Develop and manage schedule of annual maintenance, as well as inventory of special projects

• Set and maintain field standards for quality work and positive volunteer experience

Program Management:

• Build and manage a $500,000+ budget of contributions, grants, and contracts
• Secure grant and contract funding; coordinate related billing
• Ensure appropriate tracking and reporting of all volunteer hours and other program measurements

• Determine policy direction to ensure a safe, efficient and consistent program

Communications:

• Provide regular reports to board, staff and volunteer crew leaders
• Work with Director of Communications on regular reporting and presentations to agency and other partners, as well as media and the general public

• Follow industry standards and provide expertise on trail related plans and projects

Staff and Volunteer Management:

• Provide direction and support for Volunteer Coordinator, Field Director and others; hire additional staff as needed

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of (5) years of program management experience, including budgeting and contract management; demonstrated ability to procure funds and execute contracts
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, manage a complex program, and inspire and motivate staff and volunteers
• Experience with trail maintenance, recreation management or other related field;

• Strong interpersonal communication skills; experience with volunteer management

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and 1-3 page writing sample to: Trail Programs Dir Position, WTA, 2019 3rd Ave #100, Seattle, WA 98121. Do not fax or email.

Washington Trails Association is a 30-year-old advocacy organization whose mission is to protect and promote hiking opportunities in Washington state. In addition to working directly with government agencies and educating hikers about how best to enjoy Washington’s natural treasures, WTA manages one of the largest and most successful volunteer trail maintenance programs in the country. To help educate and reach new hikers, WTA hosts TrailsFest, an outreach event held every summer at Rattlesnake Lake. WTA also publishes a membership magazine, Washington Trails.

Washington Trails Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.