The Park Ranger I Natural Surface Trails (NST) Specialist is part of a team responsible for the planning, design, construction, implementation, maintenance, and programming for natural surface trails throughout Prince George’s County.

This position will take part in new construction and maintenance of natural surface trails, bike parks, skill courses, and other related amenities throughout Prince George’s County. They also take part in trails programming efforts to broaden the use of park trails, including coordinating events, activities, volunteers, and programs.

The Park Ranger I Natural Surface Trails Specialist, under supervision and independently, carries out work according to established standard methodologies, policies and procedures and resolves commonly encountered problems by selecting and applying or implementing and adjusting the applicable guidelines. The incumbent keeps the supervisor informed and seeks assistance and advice when needed. Work is evaluated in terms of effectiveness in meeting objectives, quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service and other factors as use of skill and resourcefulness in overcoming technical and non-technical problems.

Ideally, the candidate will be an active and avid natural surface trail user and understand the different user-groups’ needs and interests while trails are planned, designed and implemented.

This position will involve physically working in the field with the team on trail creation and maintenance throughout the year. Use of chain saws, power tools, mini skid steer and other equipment, and lifting heavy items required. This is an in-person job with no teleworking. The work schedule is 5 days per week, which includes an average of 2 weekend days per month.

Follows the plans and directions of the Natural Surface Trails Program Manager.

Maintains and cleans equipment, reports and submits broken equipment to be repaired,     sharpens saws and hand tools, keeps workspace clean and organized.

Removes downed trees and other deadfall.

Reports and repairs trail issues.

Provides recommendations and feedback to Program Manager.

Creates planned natural surface trails using hand tools and power equipment.

Independently solves problems in the field.

Develops and strengthens relationships with trail user groups, such as hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers.

Serves on assigned committees related to natural surface trails.

Coordinates with and provides direction and leadership for volunteers.

Leads occasional natural surface trail hikes and/or bike rides for the public.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

Basic knowledge of the principles and concepts of maintenance and implementation of natural surface trails.

Knowledge of current trends and new practices involving natural surface trail design and construction.

Skilled in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information (verbal, numerical or abstract) to solve a problem.

Skilled in communication to understand verbal and written information (including facts, assertions and arguments), draw inferences, form hypotheses and develop logical arguments, and express such information so that others will understand and, in some situations, agree, comply or take other desired action.

Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with contacts in a businesslike, customer-service oriented manner; this includes skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working as a member or a leader of a team.

Skilled in using a computer, modern office suite software (such as MS Office) with GIS ability being a plus.

Ability to read a map and create GPS points on a smartphone.

Skilled in using hand tools, such as rakes, shovels, loppers, pruners, sledgehammers, Pulaski’s, etc.

Skilled in using power tools such as, drills, blowers, chainsaws, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

Basic experience in natural surface trail construction and maintenance.

Basic knowledge of sustainable natural surface trail construction guidelines.

Experience leading volunteer trail crews.

Experience using hand tools.

Experience using chainsaws and other power tools.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Park Administration, Park Management, Natural Science, Public Administration or any related field.
2. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total four (4) years.
3. Pass Commission medical examination.
4. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
5. Depending on area of assignment, must be able to obtain and maintain all applicable certifications

Classification Specification Park Manager I

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
 
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis ofrace, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.