Trail Crew Technician

Job Description:

Trail Crew Technician

Description

Trail Crew Technician
Department of Parks & Recreation
Full Time, 12 Months
Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 27
Benefits Eligible, VRS Eligible

Job Summary/ Objective:

This is a skilled position that requires employees to build new multi-use trails as a key aspect of developing new parks, and in alignment with the Department’s strategic initiatives. Trails Technicians perform regular maintenance of and improvements to all existing County Parks trails. Coordinates and oversees the work of volunteers, community service workers, park visitors, outside organizations, maintenance workers and part-time workers, performing trail construction and maintenance.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Assists supervising or supervises the work of volunteers, community service workers, park visitors, outside organizations, maintenance workers and part-time workers, performing trail construction and maintenance.

Essential Functions:

• Designs, develops, and constructs new, sustainable multi-use trails and greenways; Maintains, improves, and enhances existing multi-use trails and greenways;
• Coordinates and manages small and large groups of volunteers performing trail maintenance, trail building projects, and construction projects;
• Provides environmental stewardship; protects and preserves the historical, natural and cultural resources on County Parks property;
• Responds to trail maintenance issues, recommendations, and concerns from the public and stakeholders while providing information and solutions;
• Constructs and repairs park infrastructure including pedestrian bridges, boardwalks, informational wayfinding signage, kiosks, public safety fencing, and seating observation areas; Provides information and assistance to park users and seeks voluntary compliance with park rules and regulations; Operates and maintains excavation and trail building machinery
• Assists or manages the proactive planning and scheduling of work necessary for proper maintenance of park buildings, grounds, facilities, athletic fields, and equipment;
• Assists or performs administrative duties to include, but not limited to, time and attendance management, collection of parks data, annual evaluations of staff, short and long term strategic planning of park maintenance and future improvements, and implementing Human Resources policies and procedures;
• Assists or performs routine grounds and facility safety inspections, remedies as required, trains and maintains compliance of applicable OSHA regulations, and maintains documentation
• Assists or ensures proper preparations for building and shelter reservations, and special events; Trains and operates snow removal equipment, responds, and assists in coordination to all events deemed essential;
• Performs other duties as required.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of best practices regarding sustainable trail construction and maintenance, as well as relevant materials and equipment;
• Though knowledge of park and trails maintenance practices to recognize potentially hazardous conditions and proactively mitigate issues;
• General knowledge of woodworking tools and techniques in order to construct park and trail amenities;
• General knowledge of native and invasive plants and wildlife in order to provide environmental stewardship;
• General knowledge and understanding of the responsible use and protection of the outdoor environment;
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate heavy machinery, equipment, and hand tools, including frequent chainsaw usage;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and volunteers;
• Ability to assist in the planning and supervision of volunteer work efforts;
• Ability to interact tactfully with the public;
• Ability to use GIS equipment to map trails and sensitive outdoor areas;
• Ability to plan and execute complex projects with a minimum of supervision;
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and to prepare routine reports;

Required Education and Experience:

• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and three years’ experience working in an outdoor setting, dealing with the public, and/or performing trail maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Certified pesticide applicator license
• NRPA Certified Playground Safety Inspector license
• VA Commercial Driver’s License, min. Class B

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Albemarle County Parks & Recreation maintains over 80 miles of trails that experience high levels of use and recreational pressure and require regular patrolling and maintenance. This position requires a high degree of physical fitness.
• Work frequently requires strenuous physical tasks, including manual labor and lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds, with occasional lifting of items weighing over 100 pounds.
• Employee is frequently required to walk up to 8 miles per day while carrying equipment; operate or sit in a vehicle for extended periods of time; safely saw and occasionally fell trees along trails;
• operate, refuel, and maintain mowing and earth moving equipment;
• regularly walk or operate all-terrain vehicles over difficult terrain; and off-trail navigation to flag potential new trails and clear corridor.
• The position requires working outside in adverse weather; encountering mosquitoes, snakes, ticks, chiggers, poison ivy, briars, and other natural hazards;
• flexible hours including weekends and holidays as needed;
• regular contact with park employees and volunteers; and frequent interaction with park customers and their pets.

Remote Work:

• This position is not eligible for remote work. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $22.06 - $24.38 per hour, which is approximately $45,877.40 - $50,706.60 annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

Deadline for Applications : Position open until May 12, 2026

Albemarle County Core Values:

• Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through:

Community: We expect diversity, equity, and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission. Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment. Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change. Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly. Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.

Virginia Values Veterans

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.