Job Title: Director of Field Programs
Reports to: Executive Director
Job Summary:
The Director of Field Programs is responsible for all aspects of the Club’s volunteer and staff-based program of seasonal work on the Long Trail System. The director also leads the Club’s policy development on trail management issues related to the Long Trail System and Vermont’s mountains. In fulfilling this charge, the director works closely with all Club Sections, the Trail Management Committee, the Land Conservation Committee, volunteers, public agencies, and conservation organizations to promote sound, state-of-the-art management of Vermont’s backcountry trail systems.
Responsibilities:
- Applies GMC policies to management of Long Trail system including GMC’s corridor monitor responsibilities in the Northeast Kingdom, and the entire Appalachian Trail in Vermont.
- Serves as the primary Club contact for communicating and implementing GMC policies to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and other cooperating federal, state, and local agencies and organizations on trail management matters.
- Oversees recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of seasonal and full-time field personnel and interns.
- Develops and manages the field program budget in cooperation with appropriate committees and staff.
- Actively fundraises to support field programs in cooperation with public and private agencies, organizations, and staff.
- Supports, facilitates, motivates, and coordinates volunteer participation in trail and shelter maintenance and construction, and other resource management tasks.
- Represents the Club at public meetings, planning committees, and with the media.
- Oversees the collection and maintenance of field data and reporting with emphasis on use records, trail and shelter conditions, Geographic Information System data.
- Sets annual priorities for trail and shelter projects and management issues in cooperation with GMC staff and volunteers and appropriate management partners.
- Manages major field projects, including planning, design, implementation, and permitting.
- Oversees Field Staff Housing and Back Forty Lodge during field staff occupancy with support from staff.
- Assists in GMC response to critical incidents, including search and rescue, crime, and natural disasters that occur on the trail.
Supervision received: The Director of Field Programs reports to the Executive Director. He or she works collaboratively with the Executive Director, Land Stewardship Coordinator, and field staff on issues pertaining to the club’s trail and shelter management.
Supervision exercised: Regular supervision of the Field Supervisors and Field Assistants. Oversee the quality of work performed by approximately forty seasonal staff each year. Occasional coordination of interns on special projects. Directs volunteer compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
Degree of accountability for funds and material resources: Working with the Director of Development and Finance, responsible for managing an approximately $600,000 annual field program budget, including grant, fee for service, and private donor fundraising. Responsible for a large inventory of field equipment and a fleet of vehicles.
Physical and emotional demands: Frequently work long hours, weekends, and evenings. Significant time spent in the field in all weather conditions, sometimes performing hard, physical labor. Called upon to resolve personnel issues, including job performance, interpersonal conflict, and personal crises. Frequently leads meetings.
Other demands: On call 24 hours during the field season in case of emergency. Extensive travel within Vermont and occasionally outside the state. Required to be an articulate voice for the Club in public forums.
Accountabilities:
The director is expected to maintain the Long Trail System in a usable and safe condition. The director is expected to monitor issues that may affect the trail and serves as a strong advocate for the protection of the hiking experience and the natural environment. The field program places top priority on supporting volunteer effort while also ensuring the productivity, good working conditions, and development of the field staff. The director must demonstrate efficient use of significant public funds.
Qualifications:
- At least five years supervising staff and/or volunteers in a recreation/conservation organization is required. Experience in trail design, construction, and management is required. Fundraising experience is preferred. Knowledge of ecology is helpful.
- Ability to work long and variable hours are normal. Must be flexible and able to adjust to constantly shifting needs.
- Strong organizational skills are a must, including the ability to manage and prioritize many tasks at once. Strong analytical and decision-making abilities are important.
- Strong motivational, leadership, and facilitation skills are required. Written and oral communication must be professional, concise, and articulate. Supervision and evaluation of staff are central to the position.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, recreation management, or a related field.
Skills:
- Hiking trail design, construction, and maintenance experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and computer mapping software
- Experience operating power equipment and trail tools including chainsaws, ATVs
- Valid Wilderness First Responder certification or the ability to obtain
Salary Range: $45,000 – $60,000
To Apply:
As of March 13, 2018, we are no longer accepting applications for this position.
