No longer accepting candidates.

Position Type: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Pay Range: $20–25/hour, based on experience

Closes Dec 15, 2025

Send inquiries and resume/cover letter to MyrandaVance@rosscountyohio.gov | 740-773-8794

Position Summary

The Trail Systems Manager is an integral part of the Park District team, as trails are one of the two major pillars. It is imperative that this position be filled by an individual who has a passion for the outdoors, for the work and for serving Ross County.

This position oversees the planning, maintenance and development of all trail-types across the park system. This position ensures safe, sustainable, and accessible trail systems by coordinating staff, interns and volunteers, conducting inspections and completing hands-on trail construction and maintenance. This is a managerial position with a strong field emphasis. While the Manager is responsible for planning, oversight and coordination of staff, interns and volunteers, the majority of duties are hands-on in trail construction and maintenance. No more than 10% of time will be spent on administrative or office-based tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, lead and participate in the construction and maintenance of sustainable trails that minimize environmental impact, reduce erosion and enhance user experience in alignment with industry best practices and the Park District’s stewardship values and budget requirements.
• Develop and implement a regular trail maintenance schedule and protocols, and ensure adherence.
• Perform weekly trail inspections to identify and mitigate trail maintenance issues.
• Supervise, train and mentor trail crew members, interns and volunteers.
• Procure, maintain and manage tools and equipment required for trail operations.
• Operate chainsaws and other mechanized equipment safely and proficiently, in compliance with OSHA and manufacturer standards.
• Work independently and make sound decisions in field conditions.
• Maintain accurate project records, including progress reports and maps.
• Collaborate with the Creative Director to create a master trail plan for all parks.
• Collaborate with the Creative Director to produce, update and maintain maps and trail signage.
• Work with the Executive Director to plan, budget and execute trail maintenance and development projects.
• Work with the Director of Project Development and Grants Coordinator to provide information necessary for grant proposals, project planning, bidding and contracting as it relates to trail maintenance and development.
• Interact patiently and professionally with the public, and be an excellent representative of the Park District, its mission and its values.

Required Competencies and Skills

• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and people management skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather, ground conditions, and terrain.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry objects weighing 50–60 lbs.
• Endurance and strength to perform highly physical tasks for full workdays.
• Physical ability to hike up to 10 miles per day (averaging 30 miles per week), carrying a pack and/or tools weighing up to 30 pounds, at a sustained pace of 3 miles per hour (20 minutes per mile).
• High proficiency in chainsaw operation.
• Strong planning and time management skills, with the ability to organize and oversee crews for maximum efficiency.
• Prior experience in trail maintenance and development and knowledge of sustainable trail design principles REQUIRED.
• Proficiency in equipment operation, ie. mini-ex, skidsteer (preferred).
• Proficiency in, or the ability to become proficient in, digital mapping.
• Commitment to ongoing training and education in trail planning, sustainable construction techniques and new technologies related to outdoor recreation infrastructure.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to the Executive Director.
• Direct reports: Trail Steward and Paint Creek Recreational Trail Coordinator.
• Supervises: Summer interns and volunteers as needed.

Physical Demands and Testing

This role requires significant physical activity in outdoor environments. Essential physical requirements include:
- Lifting and carrying 50–60 lbs repeatedly.
- Hiking up to 10 miles per day/30 miles per week with a 30 lb pack at a sustained 3 mph pace in varying weather conditions.
- Performing strenuous manual labor for extended periods.
-Applicants must complete a job-related Physical Abilities Test (see Addendum A) prior to hire. These requirements must be met with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation and Benefits

-Hourly rate: $20–25/hr, based on experience
-Benefits package per Park District policy (details provided at interview)
-Educational opportunities