Parks Trail Specialist

Description

Under general supervision, to perform skilled and semi-skilled work in the design, layout, assessment, survey, monitoring, maintenance, construction and reconstruction of natural surface trails throughout the Santa Clara County Parks system.

Typical Tasks

• Performs trail assessments including, identifying, inventorying, tracking, and recommending corrective actions to erosion and public safety concern areas on County Park trail systems;
• Provides project lead for various trail construction, reconstruction and maintenance projects;
• Identifies, installs and assists Park staff with erosion control and natural/cultural resource protection best management practices, as required (which may include, but not limited to: silt fence, armoring of drainage structure outfalls, armoring culvert outfalls and maintaining culvert headwalls and catch basins, etc.); 
• Assists in the implementation and management of the trail sign program (including trailhead signs), which includes working with the Park Planning and Development staff in surveying trail mileage, sign locations and ordering of materials;
• Assists and implements staff, volunteer, and/or contractor training and development related to trails and roads construction and maintenance;
• Implements a trail assessment program for current conditions of trail structures and a complete inventory of trail conditions including: conducting field surveys and documenting, trail issues and recommending corrective actions while creating data files of existing trail work; trail assessments and mapping using various computer systems and software (including databases, mapping software, GIS/GPS, timekeeping software, Word, Excel spreadsheets, etc.);
• Monitors, tracks, records and documents trail assessment and user survey data;
• Assigns costs and labor needs for trail construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and identified corrective actions using trail assessment software programs;
• Implements a trail classification matrix which includes; surveying all park trails for use and trail work priorities;
• Implements the design and field layout of new trails and other trail projects, including scouting, flagging and mapping of proposed trail routes, manual and mechanized construction of trail treads and trail features and coordination with volunteers and park unit staff on the ongoing maintenance of trails;
• Clears trail corridor with manual tools, power tools, (i.e., chain saw and brush saws), volunteers, contractors or mechanized equipment;
• Constructs, reconstructs and maintains natural surface trails and roads, using mechanized road and trail equipment (including: mini-excavators, SWECO trail dozers, skip-loaders), volunteers, contractors and/or hand tools;
• Compacts tread with plate compactor or mechanized equipment and portable water systems;
• Procures trail-building supplies, equipment and gear;
• Transports soils, building materials and equipment as needed;
• Assesses and installs armored tread using native or imported rock and amendments;
• Constructs, assists in construction, assesses, tracks and maintains trail structures and features (i.e., bridges, boardwalks, retaining walls, rock-armored crossings, rolling dips, etc.);
• Works and coordinates with Park staff, volunteers or contractors to identify trail work, determine and implement corrective actions;
• Mentors and trains volunteers and staff on aspects of trail layout/design, assessments, maintenance and construction;
• Maintains all necessary logs or records as assigned;
• Assists and coordinates the implementation of the Volunteer Trail Programs;
• Assists and coordinates with partnering organizations, land managers, volunteers, park unit staff and regulatory agencies;
• May be project supervisor of contractors and volunteers;
• Implements natural resource management practices, laws and regulations regarding wildlife and sensitive species protection, storm water protection, related to trail construction and maintenance;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other duties as required.