Outdoor Recreation Specialist III

State of Vermont • Essex Jct, VT

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation is recruiting an Outdoor Recreation Specialist III 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 over 150 miles of trails.

The position includes planning and carrying out land-management activities related to recreation; overseeing contractors and trail crews; participating on multidisciplinary natural-resource stewardship teams; and working with partners and agency staff to develop and review proposals for new recreation opportunities and manage existing recreational infrastructure. The specialist manages contracts, builds relationships with partner organizations, participates in statewide recreation planning, and contributes to state-lands management and planning for the Essex District. Depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, there may be opportunities to serve on other statewide bodies.

Candidates should demonstrate applicable or transferable knowledge and skills in land management, forest-based recreation, planning, GIS, communication, project management, and relationship-building. The role requires travel within Vermont and may occasionally require use of a personal vehicle. Duties are performed more than half the time in field settings and involve exposure to all types of weather and traversing steep, rough terrain. Some work outside regular hours may be required, and strong or conflicting public opinions may be encountered. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation or natural resources recreation and tourism, plus two or more years of experience in parks and recreation management, natural resources recreation and tourism, or related experience; OR three or more years of experience in parks and recreation management or natural resources recreation and tourism; OR one or more years of experience as an Outdoor Recreation Specialist II.
• 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.
• 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 partners, including the Green Mountain Club, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, and Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, for shared management of recreational resources.
• Manage contracts.
• Participate on a statewide team of state-lands recreation managers to identify needs, priorities, and plans across the state.
• Contribute to state-lands management and planning for the Essex District.
• Support sustainable trail development and maintenance, and assessment, monitoring, and planning for recreation sites.

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
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

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