WATA Trail Management Coordinator
About Us
The Waterbury Area Trail Alliance (WATA) is a volunteer-run organization that builds and
maintains trails for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future. We are a 501(c)3 part of the
Vermont Mountain Bike Association Chapter built from the ground up to support the Waterbury
area trails and community. The group was founded by a dedicated and skilled group of local
leaders in 2015. WATA represents a growing segment of trail users and businesses that are
committed to enhancing and maintaining our Waterbury area trails for the benefit of residents
and visitors alike.
WATA’s Mission: Building and Maintaining Recreational Trails for a Healthy, Vibrant &
Sustainable Future.
WATA’s Vision: Waterbury Area Trail Alliance (WATA) is committed to the improvement and
expansion of sustainable public trails for our local community.
Position Overview
WATA is seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to fill the role of Trail Management
Coordinator. This individual will play a crucial role in working with the Board of Directors (BOD)
and external partners to implement and manage the Board’s strategic plans for trail
expansion/maintenance and overall land management. The successful candidate will be
responsible for coordinating various initiatives aimed at enhancing trail systems, fostering
private and public landowner relationships, and ensure the long-term sustainability of outdoor
recreation spaces under the purview of WATA.
Eligibility
Applications for this position must be above the age of 18 and possess a valid US driver’s
license. The position involves outdoor tasks and trail maintenance. Due to the nature of the
work, candidates should be physically capable of lifting 50+ pounds and comfortable engaging
in physically strenuous activities for long periods of time.
Qualities Desired
- Proactive and organized
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including local landowners and
governmental organizations.
- Familiarity and passion for outdoor recreation and trail management
- Detail-oriented with the ability to distill strategic plans into actionable tasks
- Commitment to WATA’s mission and values
Compensation
The annual salary for this position is $40,000.
Time Commitment
The anticipated work commitment for this position is, on average, 25 hours per week. The
workload will fluctuate based on the seasonal use of trails and specific project requirements.
WATA expects that the workload will be heavier during the spring and summer months and
lighter during the fall and winter months.
Term
The position is a year-long contract with the opportunity for renewal based on performance and
organizational needs. The initial contract duration is March 1st 2024 to March 1st 2025.
Responsibilities
Trail Management
- Work with the BOD and staff to distill and adapt the strategic plan into an actionable and
measurable work plan with timelines and key deliverables.
- Implement and manage work plans, modifying as needed.
- Coordinate with the State on relevant trail expansions .
- Explore additional properties surrounding Perry Hill and establish connections with
landowners.
- Develop a strong working relationship with the Waterbury Land Initiative.
- Liaise with Forest Parks and Recreation (FPR) on trail management options for State
land.
- Liaise with the Town of Waterbury on trail management options for Town land.
- Manage winter grooming efforts and coordinate with FPR on winter use of approved
parcels.
- Use the State's format for trail corridor proposals and work with the District Stewardship
Team.
- Support forecasting future maintenance and building projects, providing budget input for
financial planning.
Trail Maintenance and Community Engagement
- Assist with trail maintenance projects, particularly around spring re-opening.
- Train lead volunteers to run effective and meaningful trail work events.
- Manage any paid trailwork projects
- Coordinate winter grooming and use for any parcel approved for winter activities
- Create and maintain a trail maintenance schedule for volunteer trail work
- Manage the opening and closing of trails via trailforks + trailhead signage
Partnerships and Reporting
- Prepare and submit annual reports, including the Year-end Trail Maintenance Report and
Trail Maintenance Plan.
- Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with partner organizations including
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR), and Vermont Mountain
Bike Association (VMBA)
- Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with local landowners and other
stakeholders.
- Provide the BOD with monthly updates
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant work samples to
We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Applications
will be accepted until the position is filled, with priority given to applications received before
January 19, 2024