The Trails Development Manager administers a district wide capital construction program managing trail construction crews.  The Trails Development Manager is also responsible for implementing trail programming and volunteer coordination.

Essential Functions:

1. Effectively supervises assigned employees, including the following:
   1. Interviews, selects and trains employees;
   2. Coaches employees in proper job performance techniques and procedures;
   3. Directs work of employees and sets/adjusts hours of work;
   4. Maintains records on employee productivity and appraises employees’ productivity and efficiency to recommend promotions or other changes in status;
   5. Handles employee complaints and disciplines employees when necessary;
   6. Apportions work among different employees;
   7. Monitors or implements legal compliance measures;
   8. Determines the type of materials, supplies, or tools to be used by employees and controls the flow and distribution of materials and supplies; and
   9. Provides for the safety of employees and the property of Cleveland Metroparks.
2. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.
3. Develops, coordinates and manages trail construction and rehabilitation projects: Participates in long-term and short-term trail planning; participates in capital project selection for trails, assisting managers with proposed submissions and also providing input during the selection process; evaluates trail sustainability with additional consideration for the surrounding landscape, features and facilities; performs regular field visits as well as document review to ensure consistency throughout projects.
4. Oversees and administers construction crews and volunteer groups to build and maintain trails: Trains staff and volunteers in best work skills practices for trail building; develops and implements strategies as project manager for construction projects; trains various work skills and leads team; monitors and guides team through standards of environmentally sensible practices; acquires appropriate materials as necessary for projects; assures crew safety and overall wellness (including year round outdoor working conditions); maintains budget and ensures that spending is tracked and filed according to Park rules; oversees administrative tasks related to payroll, purchasing, human resources, and volunteer services; acquires necessary equipment, tools and training for completion of work projects; prepares weekly Outlook document to keep supervisor and fellow managers informed of progress in trails division.
5. Advises Park Operations managers about sustainable natural surface trails: Meets with staff in conjunction with their interests and influence regarding trails in the park; aids in design and construction (or consults with contractors) for trail objectives relative to development initiatives; develops guidelines of trail etiquette for staff and general public; visits job sites to review current practices, offer advice, and provide solutions.
6. Serves as lead decision maker for trail routing, construction, and maintenance of natural surface trails: Designs and proposes reroutes; creates details and specifications of trails; meets with stakeholders to approve plans consistent with surrounding park initiatives; resolves problems acts as final decision maker for trail issues and problems.
7. Implements and supports the Cleveland Metroparks Trail Manual: Develops and adopts guidelines and standards to ensure a safe, sustainable, connected and manageable trail system; uses sustainable design concepts that maximizes experience, and minimizes user conflict and environmental impacts; reviews manual drafts through internal stakeholders and partners; designs, adopts and standardizes details for structural projects; researches and understands existing trail principles to incorporate into management and design; tests, measures, and evaluates throughout trail design process to better understand how principles work under the conditions of the local environment; gauges how trails are used and the relationship with trail design and environmental factors in order to better predict outcomes in future trail development decisions.
8. Serves as a liaison to the park for trail users, partner organizations, and citizen advisory groups: Educates on trail etiquette and management practice; engages to develop understanding and appreciation for sustainable natural surface trail theory; understands interests and incorporate perceptions, feelings, and desired experiences into trail design; identifies and engages in opportunities for collaboration through various projects and initiatives; communicates with neighboring agencies to create cohesiveness amongst trail policies between organizations; engages in opportunities for projects that could benefit the greater regions trail network (Example: trail connections to the Towpath).
9. Makes decisions and generates opportunities for the Cleveland Metroparks Trails United fund as well as grants, funding opportunities and endowments: Helps run programming with Director of Special Projects, participates and attends outreach for fundraising events; contributes articles to Trails United Newsletter; budgets and invests donated money to the benefit of the trails division and overall trail system while aligning with donor interests.
10. Makes presentations to various stakeholders for outreach and education regarding sustainable natural surface trails: Teaches trail design, best management practices, construction methods, case studies and experiences from starting the first full-time (focused year-round) Parks and Recreation Trails Program in the country; presents to audiences that span from internal stakeholders to local, regional, and state agencies and national conferences (group sizes can range from 5 to 200+ people).
11. Requires regular field visits to parks and jobsites throughout the park district including those in remote locations to supervise crews, oversee construction programs, and develop trail construction projects. Attendance is also required at meetings with stakeholders and partner organizations, and outreach events throughout the Northeast Ohio Area, both within and outside of the park district.
12. Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
13. Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
14. Updates and enhances own knowledge by involvement in continuing education for professional growth (i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars, in-service trainings, and certification programs)
15. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

• Bachelor’s Degree in construction management, construction technology, natural resources, or a related field required; supplemented by five years of experience in management and program development, and trail work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.

Work Schedule:  Must be available to work a flexible work schedule, as required

Wage:  Commensurate with education and experience

Filing Deadline:  Open until filled

To Apply:  Please visit our career site at www.clevelandmetroparks.com or copy and paste the following link into your web browser:

https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1151751&d=ExternalCareerSite&r=5000952830506&_fromPublish=true#/

About Cleveland Metroparks

Cleveland Metroparks, known as the “Emerald Necklace,” is a collection of conserved green space featuring natural beauty and diversity and is dedicated to conservation, education and recreation.Cleveland Metroparks is an integral part of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio’s regional identity. Founded in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks was the first natural-area Park District in Ohio. The system was at the forefront of the national movement to preserve areas of natural beauty for public enjoyment and improved quality of life.Cleveland Metroparks at a glance:•18 Reservations•One nationally acclaimed Zoo•One full-service restaurant, Merwin’s Wharf•Eight golf courses•Over 23,000 acres of prime natural habitat•17.5 million recreational visitsCleveland Metroparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and talented workforce.

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