Outdoor Recreation Specialist III

Overview The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is excited to recruit for an Outdoor Recreation Specialist located in the Essex Junction District office of the Division of Forests. Under the direction of the district's Stewardship Forester, the successful candidate will work closely with FPR staff, volunteers and contractors on outdoor recreation projects on state lands including sustainable trail development and maintenance, assessment, monitoring and planning for recreation sites, and providing sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of recreational opportunities on public land in a District encompassing over 65,000 acres and more than 150 miles of trails. The Outdoor Recreation Specialist's duties will encompass a range of activities on state lands, including: planning and executing land management activities related to recreation; overseeing contractors and trail crews implementing projects; serving on a multidisciplinary team of natural resource managers responsible for the stewardship of state lands; working closely with partner organizations and other Agency staff to develop and review proposals for new recreation opportunities and the management of existing recreational infrastructure; building and maintaining relationships with partners including but not limited to the Green Mountain Club, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Vermont Association of Snow Travelers for shared management of recreational resources; managing contracts; participating on a statewide team of state lands recreation managers to identify needs, priorities and plans across the state; and contributing to state lands management and planning for the Essex District. There may be opportunities for service on other statewide bodies depending on the qualifications of the person filling this role. The successful candidate will demonstrate applicable and transferrable knowledge or skills in land management, forest-based recreation, planning, GIS, effective communication, project management and developing strong working relationships. Candidates must be willing to travel within the state and the position may require occasional use of a personal vehicle. The position is based in FPR's Essex Junction District office. To view the full position specifications please visit the Job Specifications page (021505 for Outdoor Recreation Specialist II and 021510 for Outdoor Recreation Specialist III). For further information, contact Jim Duncan, State Lands Manager, at jim.duncan@vermont.gov or 802-636-7554. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and its service to the public. This ongoing commitment is integral to our mission and our dedication to sustainable management of Vermont's Forests and promotion pf public access to and use of these resources. Who May Apply This position, Outdoor Recreation Specialist III (Job Requisition #55962) , is open to all State employees and external applicants. Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition. Level II: Job Requisition #55939 Level III: Job Requisition #55962 If you would like more information about this position, please contact Maeve.Keating@vermont.gov Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered. Environmental Factors Duties are performed more than half the time in a field setting involving exposure to all types of weather conditions. Strength and agility are needed in traversing steep and rough terrain. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required. Some work outside of regular working hours may be required. Strong and conflicting public opinions may be encountered. Use of a variety of hand tools, such as axes, saws, and shovels, and power equipment, such as chain saws may be required. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation or natural resources recreation and tourism and two (2) years or more of experience in parks and recreation management or related experience or natural resources recreation and tourism or related experience. OR Three (3) years or more of experience in parks and recreation management or natural resources recreation and tourism. OR One (1) or more year experience as an ORS II. Total Compensation As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including: 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan Tuition Reimbursement Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts Low cost group life insurance Incentive-based Wellness Program Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.