Regional Trails Specialist

Join the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation as a Regional Trails Specialist and help support the continued development and stewardship of motorized recreation opportunities throughout Idaho's South Region.

Spanning from McCall through Hagerman, this position offers the opportunity to work across a diverse landscape of trail systems, recreation areas, and public lands that serve outdoor enthusiasts from across the state.

As the South Region Regional Trails Specialist, you'll play an important role in supporting recreation programs, coordinating with partners and stakeholders, and helping maintain quality outdoor experiences for off-highway vehicle (OHV) users and the recreating public. This position requires a self-motivated individual who can work independently while also building strong relationships with regional staff, partner agencies, local communities, and user groups.

Since 1970, Idaho's Motorized Trails Program has focused on providing quality recreational opportunities while promoting responsible use, education, and stewardship of public lands. In this role, you'll contribute to ongoing program efforts involving recreation planning, facility and trail coordination, public outreach, compliance monitoring, and partnership development throughout the South Region.

The position combines fieldwork, project coordination, public interaction, and program support in a fast-paced and dynamic outdoor environment. Successful candidates will possess strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a collaborative approach to working with diverse groups and stakeholders.

This role also involves regular travel throughout the region and work in remote outdoor settings, including the operation of off-highway vehicles and other motorized equipment in varying terrain and weather conditions. If you're passionate about outdoor recreation, public lands, and helping enhance Idaho's trail systems for future generations, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team dedicated to supporting recreation opportunities across the state.

Apply now and join us at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, where you can make a real impact on outdoor recreation in the region.

Learn more about IDPR and the Idaho Motorized Trails Program here:

https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/park-activity/atvs-utvs-motorbikes/

For questions about this position, please contact: OHV Program Manager Michael Robinson:

• Phone: (208) 514-2413
• Email: michael.robinson@idpr.idaho.gov

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Work involves identifying, assessing and inspecting recreational facilities for the trails program within the region for acquisition, upkeep and compliance with Department agreements or grant requirements.

The primary position responsibilities include:

• Working with other regional staff, partner agencies and users to identify, develop and maintain OHV recreational facilities.
• Promoting appropriate recreation use by implementing and coordinating outdoor education programs.
• Monitoring program performance for compliance with funding, legal parameters and department agreements/MOUs.
• Serving as a liaison among the department, various user groups, the public, and other agencies to provide information, technical assistance and identify/assess needs.
• Hiring and training seasonal positions.
• Managing the regional trails program budget.

IMPORTANT: In order to perform this work, employees will operate a motorized trail bike, snowmobile and ATV on narrow, steep mountainous trails. Final candidates will be required to demonstrate their ability to navigate a motorized off-highway vehicle in the backcountry.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This position requires working nights, weekends, and holidays, often in all weather conditions and around potentially hazardous materials such as caustic substances and pesticides.
• The role also requires the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally, as well as frequent bending, stooping, and climbing ladders, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout the course of employment.
• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Some knowledge of management practices. Typically gained by completion of one three credit or equivalent upper division college-level course or approximately 60 hours or equivalent of management training that included all the essential elements of management (Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling); OR the State/BSU sponsored Center for Management Development Supervision I-IV or equivalent; OR six months of experience performing all management elements.
• Some knowledge of program or project planning and implementation. Typically gained through at least six months of work experience involved in program or project planning and implementation as a team member or individual contributor.
• Experience developing and evaluating policies and procedures. This is typically gained through six months experience writing or assisting in the review/auditing and developing of policies, procedures, field memorandums, directives, or post orders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION SPECIALTIES

• Successful candidate will possess, or be willing to obtain, a Commercial Driver's License within 60 days of hire and retain it for the duration of employment.
• Good knowledge of recreation planning theory and methods including management principles, resource impacts, and public benefits of outdoor recreation use. Typically gained by successful completion of two or more upper division college courses in recreation planning theory and methods; OR four or more agency-sponsored seminars or workshops in recreation planning theory and methods OR a minimum of three seasons working in a recreation program or equivalent setting with responsibilities for planning and constructing outdoor recreational facilities such as trails, and trailheads. Work experience must include responsibilities that enabled the candidate to gain some knowledge as described above. Solely construction or maintenance responsibilities will not qualify.
• Some knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations/laws related to motorized off-highway vehicles. Typically gained by successful completion of a minimum of one federal, state, county, or city agency- type sponsored seminar or workshop or college course specific to federal or state recreation management requirements, such as Forest Service, BLM, etc. OR work experience of at least one season (at least three months) in a recreation program that required the candidate to have knowledge of local, state and/or federal recreation management laws.
• Experience hiring and training employees. Typically gained by successful completion of at least one college course or seminar/workshop covering the basic elements of recruitment, hiring and job training, OR, a minimum of one season (of at least 3 months in duration) work experience as a crew leader or supervisor with responsibilities for training new hires.
• Experience facilitating discussion with groups with varying needs and desires. Typically gained by work experience of at least one year or two seasons ( of at least 3 months/season) where the candidate led group efforts to identify and work through issues to resolution. Scope here could be limited to one program or subject area.
• Experience operating and maintaining vehicles and equipment used in trail maintenance and repair. Typically gained by at least one season of work experience operating and maintaining the equipment independently and, in a backcountry, mountainous environment.
• Experience safely operating and maintaining snowmobiles, trail bikes and ATVs. Typically gained by work experience of a minimum of one season (at least three months in duration) operating and maintaining the above equipment including successful completion of at least one seminar/workshop in off-highway vehicle capabilities and safety.
• Experience planning, building, and constructing buildings or facilities; and inspecting such sites for compliance with state, local and federal standards. Typically gained by at least two seasons' work experience planning and constructing outdoor recreation facilities such as off-highway vehicle trails, or non-motorized trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing and equestrian use and inspecting such facilities for compliance with set standards such as Forest Service standards, ADA standards, etc.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO

WHY IDPR? We are innovators in outdoor recreation, committed to excellent service and resource stewardship. We foster experiences that renew the human spirit and promote community vitality. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. IDPR manages 30 state parks, trails and attractions throughout every region of Idaho and the registration programs for boats, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles (OHV). Money from these registration programs goes back to users to develop and maintain trails, facilities and programs. IDPR also provides free education courses for boaters and OHV operators. To learn more about Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation please visit: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/

BENEFITS: We offer a competitive benefits package which includes excellent medical, dental and vision insurance. There is generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start. There are ten paid holidays in a year; participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems; multiple saving plans and optional 401K; life insurance; wellness programs; ongoing training opportunities and more. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/.

EEO/ADA/Veteran: The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.