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Trails and Public Access Manager

We are seeking a year-round, permanent Trails & Public Access Manager. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about the outdoors,
skilled in trail design and management, and eager to connect people with the watershed of the St. George River.

Georges River Land Trust (GRLT), founded in 1987, is dedicated to conserving the ecosystems and natural character of the St. George River watershed in Midcoast Maine. We have protected over 5,400 acres of forestland, fields, farms, and waterways, and we maintain over 70 miles of trails throughout the St. George River watershed. Within this trail network, 45 miles are managed on private land along the Georges Highland Path. We are a small, dedicated team based in Rockland, Maine.

This full-time, permanent position is ideal for someone who is passionate about the outdoors,
skilled in trail design and management, and eager to connect people with the watershed of the St.
George River. As the Trails and Public Access Manager, you will oversee GRLT’s public access
program—maintaining trail systems, managing new trail projects, coordinating volunteers, and
enhancing the visitor experience across our preserves and trails. You’ll work closely with our
staff, partners, and community members to strengthen our trail network and ensure its long-term
sustainability. The majority of the Trails and Public Access Manager’s time will be spent in the
field outside.

If you are ready to lead a collaborative program that connects people to the land while protecting
Maine’s natural beauty, we encourage you to apply.

Primary Roles

● Responsible for the design, development, creation, and daily maintenance of GRLT’s
trail systems and public access.
● Co-manage, along with the Stewardship Manager, the Stewardship Assistant and
volunteers to maintain, improve, and expand GRLT’s trail network.
● Build and maintain partnerships with municipalities, schools, clubs, and other
organizations to strengthen public access and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities

Public Access Program Management
● Oversee the ongoing development and implementation of GRLT’s public access program
to enhance visitor experience at all GRLT preserves and trails.
● Collaborate with the Development Director to identify and secure grant funding and other
financial resources to support trail initiatives.
● Maintenance of public access including coordination and oversight of certain contractors
(mowing, snowplowing, road repair, etc.)
● Develop and implement annual work plans, budgets, and timelines for new trail projects
and trail improvements. Track outcomes and data related to our public access program
(e.g., # of volunteer hours/year, miles of trail network, parking lot conditions, etc.).
● Recruit, lead and manage volunteers in work crews and monitors of trails and preserves. 

Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance
● Lead all aspects of trail design and public access; permitting, construction, and long-term
maintenance planning and implementation.
● Update and uphold GRLT’s trail standards to ensure accessibility, safety, and ecological
sustainability.
● Coordinate with contractors, staff, and volunteers to complete trail projects on time and
within budget.

Partnerships and Outreach
● Strengthen relationships with landowners, municipalities, and regional land trusts
involved in the Georges Highland Path and other access projects.
● Represent GRLT in local and regional collaborations focused on conservation and
recreation.
● Recruit and maintain relationships with volunteers and school systems to support trail
maintenance and new projects throughout the watershed.

Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation, natural resource management, environmental
science or a related field preferred.
● Demonstrated experience in trail design, construction, and maintenance with regard to
environmental issues, nature conservation and nature-based climate solutions
● Ability to operate and maintain small gas engines and electric power tools and knowledge
to problem solve and fix them when issues arise.
● Advanced map-reading and mapping abilities, including proficiency in compass and GPS
use; ArcGIS desirable but not required.
● Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to complete projects and
meet deadlines.
● Experience with partnership development and volunteer coordination.
● Proficiencies with computer software necessary to conduct the duties of the position,
including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to inspire and engage
community partners.
● Ability to work collaboratively in a small, team-oriented organization.
● Ownership of a smartphone and a car (with valid driver’s license and evidence of
insurance).
● Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Working Conditions

This position involves both office and field work. Field activities will include trail design and
creation, various trail or parking lot related construction projects, mowing/weedwhacking,
chainsaw work, and other maintenance projects. There is a shared work truck that the
Stewardship Team will use for various projects. The position is based in Rockland, Maine with
frequent travel all year long throughout the watershed (between 10–75 miles per day). Some
evening and weekend hours will be required for special events.

Compensation
● Salary Range: $42,000 to $52,000 per year
● Benefits: Health insurance, paid vacation, mileage reimbursement, sick time, paid
holidays, and retirement benefits.

GRLT is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of diverse
backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where
everyone can contribute to our mission.

How to Apply
Please submit a single PDF file by email (subject line: “Trails And Public Access Manager”) as
an attachment to info@grlt.org by November 17, 2025. The file should contain, in order: 1) A
one-page cover letter explaining your interest in the position and why you would be a good fit
for the role, 2) a resume of no more than two pages, 3) a list of three references.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only
when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply
for that reason, we encourage you to apply! Let us know how your lived experience and passion
set you apart.

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