Categories, lists, and definitions of skills used in trails and greenways work, along with links to classes and resources for training.
This area categorizes and defines the wide range of skills used in trails and greenways work. The goal is to comprehensively identify the range of competencies and knowledge used by staff and volunteers engaged in every kind of trail work. Web pages for the 12 topics provide a catalogue of skills, plus links to resources, publications, and training providers.
Compiled by Stuart Macdonald from resources provided by members of the National Trails Training Partnership. Many of the specific skills were identified by the task force for the National Scenic and Historic Trails Training Needs Assessment.
Click on each category name to reach the expanded page with details of jobs, competencies, and skills for each topic.
1. Trail Design
Layout of trails; design for different trail activities; types of trails.
Trail building; construction techniques; surfacing and materials; bridges and boardwalks; trailhead facilities; related structures; recreational facilities.
Care and maintenance of trails, greenways, and bikeways; repair of various trail elements; maintenance of trailheads and related facilities.
4. Visitor and Trail Management
Managing trails for a variety of uses and visitor experiences while meeting trail objectives, monitoring activities and their impacts on natural, historic, and cultural resources.
5. Laws, Regulations, and Policies
Interpreting regulations and legislation; applying federal laws on environmental, historic issues; providing accessible routes under the Americans with Disabilities Act; developing and enforcing trail regulations; responding to legal issues.
6. Planning
Planning individual trails and greenways; identifying routes and experiences for park systems; developing plans for regional and statewide systems; developing goals and objectives for trail projects.
7. Program Administration and Funding
Budgeting; developing costs; managing grants and finding programs; managing staff and volunteers; managing projects; identifying funding sources; working with a variety of funding; writing grant proposals.
Development of organizations for trails and greenways work: creating and building a nonprofit organization; managing boards and staff; recruiting, training, and rewarding volunteers; managing finances and legal issues.
9. Partnership and Collaboration
Creating and maintaining partnerships; interagency project management; structuring agreements among partners; nurturing cooperation among a variety of recreation and conservation interests; planning trail systems across jurisdictional lines.
10. Resource Protection and Monitoring
Management of natural resources that host trails and greenways: monitoring impacts of visitors and natural processes; acquisition and protection of trail corridors; conservation and restoration of habitat and natural areas.
Database management; website development; trail and facility inventories; trail assessment and maintenance records; identifying and gathering needed information.
12. Public Outreach, Marketing, and Interpretation
Signs and public information; communicating regulations and etiquette; marketing of trails and recreation opportunities; environmental education; interpretation of historic and cultural features.
Published June 2020
posted Jul 24, 2023
A group of nationwide trail professionals representing federal agencies, trail nonprofits, and the private sector initiated this project to develop a common trail competency framework, focusing on enhancing professionalism as well as a higher level of skill.
Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona Crew Leader Manual
posted Aug 17, 2022
This manual has been written to aid crew leaders working with trail work volunteers. It assumes the following priorities, in order of importance, for every volunteer trail work event: 1) Safety, 2) Enjoyment, 3) Quality product, 4) Productivity.
Colorado Trail Foundation Crew Leader Handbook
posted Aug 17, 2022
As a crew leader you represent the CTF. One of your main jobs is to convey the CTF’s thanks to the volunteers for their commitment to making and preserving The Colorado Trail as a national treasure.
Appalachian Mountain Club 2022 Outdoor Leader Handbook
posted Aug 17, 2022
Outdoor leadership skills can be developed and improved over time through a combination of self-study, formal training and experience. Leadership trainings are offered frequently by volunteers and staff of the AMC. The trainings range from a single day to a weekend. If you are looking for additional training, the AMC offers several courses each season through the Guided Outdoors program.
