Continental Divide Trail seeks New Mexico Field Program Coordinator

July 21, 2009

Position Title: New Mexico Field Program Coordinator
Office Location: Albuquerque/Santa Fe area

CDTA Mission Statement

To construct, manage and preserve a nonmotorized public backcountry trail along the full length of the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico and to link its significant resources with the assistance of volunteers and public and private partnerships. To develop an appreciation of and enjoyment in America’s natural lands through education and the opportunity to experience the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

Vision for the CDNST

Complete the Trail to connect people and communities to the Continental Divide by providing scenic, high-quality, primitive hiking and horseback riding experiences, while preserving the significant natural, historic, and cultural resources along the Trail.

Title: NM Field Program Coordinator

Area: New Mexico

Supervision Received: Reports directly to the NM Regional Representative

Supervision Exercised: none

General Statement of Duties:

The NM Field Program Coordinator will serve as CDTA’s field staff in the region. They will have responsibility of assisting with the organization’s programs to assure excellent maintenance, management and protection of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). They will serve to implement the cooperative projects of the agencies and volunteers, and partner organizations responsible for the CDNST experience as established through the National Trail System Act and the history and traditions of the Trail. The NM Field Program Coordinator utilizes both office and field time to accomplish tasks with extensive travel for long periods of time throughout the state, especially from April to September.

Over the course of the first year of this position it will be important for the person in this position to work closely with volunteers and partners in the region to strengthen relations and build support to accomplish broad overall goals for the CDNST. To accomplish this it will be a key role for the NM Field Program Coordinator to engage as many volunteers and partners as possible in meaningful work to benefit the CDNST.

Job Requirements:

* Bachelor’s degree in natural resource or environmental management, outdoor recreation management, planning, public administration, environmental education or related field.
* Advanced study in these areas or training in specific areas through agency or professional training programs is desirable.

Experience and Qualifications:

Required

* Minimum of two years of trail design, construction, and maintenance experience
* Substantial experience working with and as a volunteer
* Substantial experience working with youth in trail construction, environmental education, backcountry travel and/or service learning projects
* Experience in recruiting, training and managing trail crew programs
* Ability to perform and lead physical trail work with volunteers and partners
* Ability to develop positive relationships with local volunteers and landowners
* Proven experience and success in working with public land managing agencies.
* Ability and willingness to travel on the CDNST in remote, backcountry locations sometimes requiring several days of backcountry travel
* Ability and willingness to travel and work a variable schedule including weekends

* Basic computer and GPS proficiency
* Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently
* Excellent written and verbal communications skills
* Valid Driver License

Highly Desirable

* High level of familiarity with agency land management systems and processes.
* Experience in using complex GIS and resource management data programs.
* Certification and/or proficiency in technical construction skills such as chainsaw operation, crosscut saw certification, wilderness medical training, stock packing, etc.
* Experience in adult training or education.

Supervision and Work Environment:

The NM Field Program Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative; however he or she will be expected to prioritize his or her work in order to effectively meet day to day demands and ongoing assignments. Additionally, the Field Program Coordinator will work with other CDTA staff members to achieve successful programs in their region. The NM Field Program Coordinator is expected to communicate regularly on work projects and seek advice on new or controversial aspects of the work. CDTA fosters a collegial work environment within a management team that includes volunteers, board members and other volunteer leaders and staff, as well as our partners in the project.

This position will work in a one person office located in Northern New Mexico (Albuquerque/Santa Fe area). Travel throughout the state and to meetings that are trail-wide is a regular part of the position. Regular overnight travel is to be expected, as is an irregular work schedule that will include weekend work. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do physical labor in outdoor and backcountry environments. Work will include travel in personal vehicle (travel reimbursement included), so individual must have a valid drivers license and reliable vehicle.

Salary and Benefits: CDTA offers a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes individual and family health insurance options and retirement plans. CDTA is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter stating interest and qualifications, resume, and the names and contact information for three references to:

Electronic application preferred. Submit to: bob@cdtrail.org

Bob Woods

CDTA NM Regional Representative

PO Box 1353

Mesilla, NM 88046

Application deadline: July 31st, 2009

Please visit the Continental Divide Trail Alliance www.cdtrail.org. Additional information will be provided to qualified applicants.