Trails Coordinator

Description Bella Vista is located in the NW corner of the state of Arkansas. Our city boasts nearly 100 miles of bicycle/walking trails that wind through beautiful hills and trees and around seven (7) lakes within the city limits. Bella Vista a wonderful place to live and work, particularly if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Under the general supervision of the Trails and Active Transportation Manager, the Trails Coordinator will be responsible for managing the City's soft surface trails and developing trails events. The individual must be passionate about outdoor spaces, engaging the public, and have demonstrated experience in both hiking and riding a variety of difficulty trails systems as physically monitoring the trails systems will be required. This position requires diligent time management in the office and in the field. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Assist with projects related to the city’s trails and active transportation system, including current project design and construction, maintenance needs and agreements, and budgeting. Stay up to date on and prepare federal, state, and private grant applications and secure partner funding for trails and/or active transportation projects. Provide research, refinement, and recommendations relative to soft surface trail standards, policies and procedures. Provide functional GIS databasing and inventory of relevant trail facilities and amenities. Work in partnership with local organizations’ existing volunteer programs and efforts in recruitment, training, and implementation of volunteer projects. Receive and administer trail maintenance requests from the citizens and coordinate with the responsible departments or organizations for resolution. Manage the design and implementation of scheduled trail maintenance inspections and repair of items including bridges, railings, trail pavement and lighting. Assists POA with maintenance of city trails via the existing maintenance agreement with the Bella Vista POA. Remove trash from trailhead trash cans and perform maintenance on the trail system and amenities as needed, including overseeing the city’s water spigot functions. Assist with outreach and collaboration with residents, special interest groups, other City departments, and external groups through the soft surface trails planning, design, and construction process. Develop and present project information. Assist with the development of citywide bicycle, pedestrian and trails educational and encouragement efforts by conducting public presentations to inform and educate trail users, as well as plan and execute community events and workshops. Develop and implement programming for trails to engage the public that may include: racing events, a multitude of hiking series and events, bike to work month, national take a hike day, national trails day, national kids to park days, etc. Assist Division Manager with supporting the Active Transportation Board. Meet with local and regional trails groups and attend local and national bike and transportation expos, seminars and events. Collect trail count data and create and share reports highlighting trail count/usage and other relevant data. Manage and distribute timely and relevant information to Department Director and the Requirements Education and/or experience: Associates Degree in relative field or related Technical Certificate preferred. Two or more years of experience in trail planning and design, trail construction and/or maintenance, trail event planning, or other similar experience. Proficient in Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. Experience with Illustrator preferred. Experience with GIS/ArcPro preferred. Experienced mountain bike rider and hiker preferred. Comfortable navigating intermediate rated trails on a mountain bike required. May need to ride or navigate hard rated trails in some circumstances. Experience of working with cross-functional teams and coordinating with other organizations. Experience of planning, organizing, and implementing a multitude of engaging events. Skills & Abilities: Ability to passionately serve as trails ambassador when needed while representing a diverse community in a thoughtful, balanced way. Ability to communicate effectively to the public. Clear & concise verbal communication skills Ability to foster relationships with variety of individuals and personalities. Self-directed and able to maximize use of time, resources and technology. Exemplifies professional conduct and adherence to City values. Adheres to City and Department policies, including attendance. Must be available to work set office hours and some evenings and weekends. Must be outgoing and enjoy working with citizens of all backgrounds. Strong problem-solving skills. Possess excellent diplomacy skills. Ability to give and receive feedback graciously; and to be a thoughtful team member. Excellent organizational skills and ability to present to the public. Excellent time management and prioritization skills. Ability to walk, hike, and bike outdoors on city trails in conditions that, at times, may be harsh. Ability to operate variety of trails maintenance equipment as needed. Ability to traverse rough topography with obstacles. Possess or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Driver’s License from the State of Arkansas. Ability to pass City required background screen and drug test Ideal candidate will be a passionate cyclist and/or hiker. Excellent benefits package including a 2 to 1 matching retirement plan (up-to 5% personal contribution). Background verification and drug screen required. Must possess valid drivers license. #J-18808-Ljbffr