French Broad Paddle Trail & Recreation Manager Position

Responsibilities

French Broad Paddle Trail Administration

• Coordinate with NC State Parks – State Trails program:
  • Great Trails State Coalition
  • 2023 Year of the Trail
  • Complete the Trails funding
  • Website information
• Coordinate with nonprofit paddle trail partners as well as government and outfitter partners
• Write and implement grants to support Paddle Trail projects and programming
• Manage French Broad Paddle Trail website: www.frenchbroadpaddle.com:
  • Keep standing information and photos updated and informative.
  • Add timely and relevant information as applicable.
  • Receive and manage campsite bookings.
  • Create and manage event bookings as applicable.
  • Respond to questions from users and the public as they arise.
  • Manage map sales and other swag as applicable.

French Broad Paddle Trail Stewardship

• Conduct routine stewardship of the six MountainTrue-managed Paddle Trail campsites:
  • Routine stewardship includes: mowing grass, brushing vegetation, shoveling fire pits, cleaning toilets, stocking supplies, repairing picnic tables, clearing steps/access, removing fallen trees, repairing and adding signage, picking up litter, etc.
• Help maintain the shared pickup truck, trailer, boats, mowers, tools, supplies, equipment, etc.
• Support partners in routine maintenance of other parts of the Paddle Trail:
  • Clearing debris jams/strainers.
  • Stewarding public access points and riverside parks.
  • Maintaining and contributing to public signage.
• Manage French Broad Riverkeeper’s Guide Book:
  • Coordinate updates, printing, sales, advertisements, etc.
  • Incorporate State Trail language and information.
  • Consider creation of other mapping resources, such as additional print maps, applications, etc.

French Broad River Paddle Trail Expansion

• Develop and implement an updated business and marketing/branding plan with Mountain BizWorks.
• Upgrade Paddle Trail website for ease of use and maintenance. 
• Plan and lead paddling events to inspire and educate users.
• Add and update signage along Paddle Trail: mile-markers, bridges, river access sites, campsites, hazards.
• Improve MountainTrue-managed campsites, including new access points, compost toilets, campsite expansion, etc
• Stackhouse River Access: coordinate with private boaters, commercial outfitters, and land managers to expand, improve, and maintain private boater parking.
• Hot Springs River Access: work with NOC and Madison County to secure long-term public access and improvements for users.
• Woodfin Greenway & Blueway: support the project, including Woodfin Wave.
• Strategic Master Plan for the French Broad River Blueway in Transylvania County: help implement the plan through technical support, project management, and fundraising.
• Mud Creek: support efforts to steward stream corridor for trash and woody debris, and facilitate public access for paddlers, anglers, etc.
• Lead and support events, sponsorships, media outreach, sharing Paddle Trail, information to other map/information sources, consider creation of swag, etc.

Regional Recreation Support

Add technical support and project management capacity to MountainTrue’s regional directors, healthy communities program, and partnering organizations for outdoor recreation endeavors.

• Inventory, assess, prioritize, and provide technical support to projects focused on outdoor recreation amenities, including parks, trails, greenways, river access, other public lands, etc. 
• Procure pertinent information and data for comment periods, presentations, and outreach relating to public land management, policy updates, protection designations, etc.
• Support prioritization, planning, and technical operations relating to dam removal for recreational and ecological benefits.
• Utilize GIS mapping and analysis to support the responsibilities listed above.
• Equitably engage with marginalized communities to advance public access opportunities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and inclusion 
• Ability to organize and lead programs with partners, members, and the public
• Good with tools and maintenance, including weed eater, riding mower, chainsaw, and power tools
• Ability to work under all weather conditions
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, results-oriented
• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive. Team player.

The following are preferred:

• College or advanced degree in a field related to the environment or outdoor recreation
• Experience with online communications tools
• Mapping experience
• Paddling and outdoor recreation experience

Compensation

 Mid-40s. Benefits package includes 20-25 vacation days per year, 12 holidays, sick leave, sabbatical after five years, health insurance, simple IRA with employer contribution of up to 3%.