Regional Trails Manager
Build trails. Support the people behind them.
Help shape the future of trails in the Triangle.
Regional Trails Manager
Bring your trail experience to a community built on volunteer stewardship. Become TORC’s first full-time technical trail professional.
How to apply- Employment
- Full-time,
year-round - Location
- Greater Triangle,
North Carolina - Work mix
- 50–60% field-basedRemote administrative work
- Annual base pay
- $60,000–$85,000Based on experience
A new chapter for trail stewardship
Your trail-building expertise.
A stronger TORC community.
Good trails depend on people who care for them. This role gives that work dedicated technical leadership while keeping volunteers at its heart.
Triangle Off-Road Cyclists promotes responsible mountain biking and works with land managers to establish and maintain multi-use natural-surface trails across the Greater Triangle.
You’ll combine hands-on trail work with project planning, contractor coordination, volunteer leadership and day-to-day land-manager relationships. Some days start with tools and a safety briefing. Others involve a project walk, a work plan or a conversation with a Trail Coordinator.
Reporting to the Executive Director, you’ll have no direct reports initially. You’ll lead volunteers and coordinate contractors, with the possibility of supervising future seasonal or project staff.
View printable job descriptionWhat your work makes possible
Better trails and better partnerships.
Safer, more durable trails
Turn field observations into well-planned work that improves drainage, durability and the experience of people using the trail.
Confident volunteer leaders
Give Trail Coordinators and crew leaders the practical training, guidance and support to care for their local trails.
Dependable partnerships
Help land managers know what’s happening, what comes next and what TORC can realistically deliver.
Core responsibilities
From trail assessment
to public opening and beyond.
Technical skill, thoughtful planning and a welcoming approach to people all matter here.
Assess, build and maintain trails
- Inspect trail conditions, identify hazards and maintenance needs, and prioritize work with TORC leadership and land managers.
- Perform and lead approved construction, rehabilitation and maintenance: tread and drainage, erosion control, corridor clearing, reroutes, turns and berms, armoring and natural-surface features.
- Complete concept-level field layout and flagging within approved plans. Inspect finished work for durability, drainage, user experience and project standards; recommend repairs, closures or reopenings after severe weather or incidents.
Plan and deliver projects
- Turn approved concepts into scopes, field plans, quantity estimates, budgets, schedules, staffing plans and maintenance expectations.
- Confirm boundaries, agreements, permits, environmental or cultural-resource requirements and site standards before work begins. Escalate material scope, budget or contract changes to the Executive Director.
- Develop annual and seasonal work plans, prepare grant and reimbursement documentation, support contractor selection, oversee field delivery and keep project records through closeout.
Lead and develop volunteers
- Strengthen the Trail Coordinator system so local leaders can handle recurring stewardship and know when to escalate technical, safety or partnership issues.
- Recruit, onboard, coach and retain Trail Coordinators, crew leaders and skilled volunteers. Build practical training in sustainable maintenance, tool use, crew leadership and worksite safety.
- Lead safe, welcoming and productive workdays. Match tasks to skills and site authorization; track participation, hours, donated resources and completed work for partner and grant reporting.
Work with land managers
- Serve as the primary day-to-day technical contact for assigned land managers through check-ins, trail walks, project planning, permit coordination and reporting.
- Translate partner priorities into realistic trail practices and commitments. Coordinate closures and reopenings with the responsible land manager.
- Represent TORC professionally and support new partnerships with technical assessments, project options, cost ranges and stewardship plans.
Care for safety, equipment and the program
- Maintain practical procedures for hazard analysis, emergency response, incident reporting, equipment use, weather exposure and stop-work decisions. Model safe, environmentally responsible practices.
- Maintain tools, personal protective equipment and trail assets, including inventory, inspection, repair, replacement and budget recommendations.
- Use mapping, project-tracking and trail-management systems to keep reliable schedules, approvals, project records and trail conditions. Provide concise progress reports and contribute to annual planning and budgeting.
What you bring
Trail expertise.
Good judgment. People skills.
Equivalent training and experience will be considered in place of a degree.
Qualifications
- Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in trail construction and maintenance, parks or natural-resource field operations, or closely related construction work.
- Hands-on skill in sustainable natural-surface trail assessment, construction and maintenance, including drainage, grade, erosion control, tread shaping, materials and long-term maintainability.
- Experience turning field conditions into scopes, schedules, budgets and work plans while managing several active sites or priorities.
- Experience leading crews or volunteers safely and productively, with the ability to teach, motivate and build confidence across experience levels.
- Experience working with land managers, public agencies, conservation organizations, clients or similarly accountable partners, with sound judgment and clear communication.
- Proficiency with shared documents, spreadsheets, digital maps and project records.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel regularly throughout the region.
- Current first aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain both within 90 days.
The everyday reality
A hands-on role,
out in the region.
The balance of fieldwork and administration shifts with the season and project phase.
- Work outdoors for sustained periods on uneven and steep terrain in heat, humidity, cold, rain, insects and vegetation; reach sites on foot or bicycle; and use hand and power tools.
- Frequently move tools and materials and occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds, including over uneven terrain and with team assistance when appropriate.
- Travel regularly throughout the Greater Triangle and nearby partner communities. Occasional overnight travel may be needed for training, conferences or project work.
- Work a flexible schedule, including early mornings and generally one to two weekend days per month during active seasons.
How to apply
Tell us about
your trail work.
Send your resume and a brief letter of interest to
jobs@torc-nc.org
Tell us why you’re interested in TORC and share one example of a trail project or volunteer crew you helped lead, including your role.
About half a page is plenty. Your letter can go right in the email body.
Opens your email app. Attach your resume before sending.
Copy and paste this address into your email service if the button doesn’t open your email app.
TORC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law.