Position: Trails and Facilities Manager
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)
Reports to: Director
Salary: $60,405.80 per year

The Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) is located on the college’s north campus in Franklin County, NY. It offers a unique blend of recreation and education for both the college community and the public. Encompassing 3,000 acres of working forest, the VIC showcases the college’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and learning. Containing nearly all ecosystem types found in the region, the VIC provides 25 miles of trails designed for running, hiking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. It also features world-class Nordic ski trails and a biathlon range. Nearly 30,000 visitors come to the VIC annually to enjoy programs including hands-on learning, naturalist programs, arts and culture initiatives, and a variety of recreational opportunities. Indoor facilities include an educational exhibit area, classroom, library, art gallery space, and retail store.

Position Description:

Paul Smith’s College is seeking Trails and Facilities Manager at its Visitor Interpretive Center. The position is responsible for the development, maintenance, and safe operation of the VIC's 25+ mile trail network and related infrastructure, including lean-tos, privies, gazebos, boardwalks, bridges, overlooks, Nordic facility, and signage. This role also manages all hand and power tools, motorized equipment, and the workshop, ensuring proper maintenance, storage, and safe usage training. This position collaborates with VIC colleagues, Paul Smith's College staff, and volunteers on trail projects, facility maintenance, and the planning, hosting, and evaluation of year-round trail events and races.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintain, upgrade and replace trail and related infrastructure on the VIC’s 25+ mile trail system, and accompanying infrastructure including lean-tos, privies, gazebos, boardwalk and bridges, overlooks, maple sugaring lines and signage.
• Develop and maintain the VIC trail classification system, defining trail specifications.
• Coordinate, train, supervise, and evaluate student workers, seasonal employees and volunteers for property maintenance and trails-based projects
• Maintain safe trails year-round, including non-winter months, by performing regular inspections, addressing hazards such as downed trees, erosion, and trail obstructions, ensuring proper signage and wayfinding, and implementing preventative maintenance measures to minimize risks to trail users.
• Manage the winter trail system for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, including grooming schedules, equipment and personnel needs, and daily trail reports.
• Perform winter trail grooming on a regular schedule.
• Purchase, maintain, and store all hand and power tools, and motorized equipment.
• Develop and maintain safety procedures and training that align with OSHA standards and provide operational, safety, and maintenance training for tools and equipment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and coordinator for all winter and non-winter races and athletic events held on the trails, managing all logistical aspects including the recruitment and supervision of volunteers, race officials, and support staff, and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place for successful event execution (e.g., course marking, timing equipment, first aid, communications, refreshments, permits, and participant registration).
• Conduct basic maintenance at the Lodge facility
• Assist in developing and managing assigned budget lines.
• Build and maintain partnerships with organizations like the Cross-Country Ski Association, Empire State Games, Dewey Mountain, and the American Trail Running Association
• Serve as Manager on Duty and assist with other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in recreation management, environmental studies, natural resources management, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive workplace.
• Extensive experience in year-round trail management and maintenance, including winter grooming operations, summer trail management, infrastructure repairs, and the installation and maintenance of interpretive and wayfinding signage.
• Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining hand and power tools, and motorized equipment, e.g., ATV, Gator, snowmobile, and associated tools.
• Experience working with contractors on general facilities operations and maintenance, including paint, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and mechanics.
• Experience in event planning and coordination, particularly with outdoor athletic events and races, including volunteer management and logistics.
• Experience in customer service and public outreach.
• Supervisory experience is required, with the ability to work independently, under supervision, and as a project leader, appropriately assigning, managing, and delineating projects to volunteers, seasonal staff, and student workers.
• Strong knowledge of trail maintenance best practices and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in the safe operation and maintenance of hand and power tools, and motorized equipment (e.g., chainsaws, brush cutters, snowmobiles, groomers, ATVs, Gators).
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people (staff, volunteers, visitors, faculty, contractors).
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and terrains, and ability to hike, operate heavy machinery and equipment safely, and lift loads of 50 pounds.
• Knowledge of first aid and CPR is desirable.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and driving record acceptable to PSC insurance carrier.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours to fulfill responsibilities.
• Passion for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

Open until filled

Paul Smith’s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V