Outdoor Recreation Specialist II

State of Vermont • Essex Jct, VT

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation is hiring an Outdoor Recreation Specialist II based in its Essex Junction District office. Under the direction of the district’s Stewardship Forester, the specialist works with FPR staff, volunteers, contractors, and partner organizations on outdoor recreation projects on state lands. The role supports sustainable trail development and maintenance, recreation-site assessment, monitoring and planning, and the provision of sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities across a district encompassing more than 65,000 acres and 150 miles of trails.

The specialist plans and carries out recreation-related land management activities; oversees contractors and trail crews; contributes to multidisciplinary stewardship of state lands; and collaborates with partners and Agency staff to develop and review proposals for new recreation opportunities and manage existing infrastructure. The role manages contracts, maintains relationships with recreation organizations, participates in statewide recreation planning, and contributes to state-land management and planning for the Essex District. Candidates must be willing to travel within Vermont; occasional use of a personal vehicle may be required.

The position is performed more than half the time in a field setting and may involve exposure to all types of weather, steep and rough terrain, and strong or conflicting public opinions. Some work outside regular working hours may be required. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license is required. Use of hand tools, such as axes, saws, and shovels, and power equipment, such as chainsaws, may be required.

Minimum qualifications may be met through one of the following: a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation or natural resources recreation and tourism plus at least one year of relevant experience; at least two years of relevant experience in parks and recreation management or natural resources recreation and tourism; or at least one year of experience as an Outdoor Recreation Specialist I.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation or natural resources recreation and tourism, plus one or more years of experience in parks and recreation management, natural resources recreation and tourism, or a related field; OR two or more years of relevant experience; OR one or more years of experience as an Outdoor Recreation Specialist I.
• Applicable or transferable knowledge or skills in land management, forest-based recreation, planning, GIS, effective communication, project management, and developing strong working relationships.
• Willingness to travel within Vermont; occasional use of a personal vehicle may be required.
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Strength and agility to traverse steep and rough terrain.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute land management activities related to recreation on state lands.
• Oversee contractors and trail crews implementing projects.
• Serve on a multidisciplinary team of natural resource managers responsible for stewardship of state lands.
• Work with partner organizations and Agency staff to develop and review proposals for new recreation opportunities and management of existing recreational infrastructure.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, including the Green Mountain Club, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, and Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, to support shared management of recreational resources.
• Manage contracts.
• Participate on a statewide team of state-lands recreation managers to identify needs, priorities, and plans.
• Contribute to state-lands management and planning for the Essex District.

Benefits

• 80% state-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• State defined benefit pension plan and deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based wellness program
• Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level