Position Title: Trails Planner/Project Manager
Location: Eden, North Carolina, field work in Caswell County, NC
Supervisor: Executive Director, Dan River Basin Association
Status: Full-Time (Exempt)
Program: Caswell Heritage Trails
Background and Purpose
The Dan River Basin Association preserves and promotes the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River watershed through stewardship, recreation and education. We work across a largely rural 3,300 square mile area of piedmont Virginia and North Carolina.
DRBA works across the Dan River region to leverage the economic potential of the region’s natural resources. For the past two years, DRBA staff and volunteers have been working to assist the planning and development of heritage trails in rural Caswell County. With funding from the Danville Regional Foundation, DRBA and its partners will plan and promote a comprehensive system of trails, greenways and parks in Caswell County, NC. These activities will be linked to programs across the region to promote natural learning opportunities for children as well as bicycling, walking and active lifestyles people of all ages, including senior citizens. The end result for Caswell County will be an improved quality of life, a healthier community, and a more attractive place in which to live and do business.
Position Summary
The project manager is responsible for conducting a community needs assessment, an inventory of natural and heritage resources, and coordinating trails and heritage projects, including implementation of existing senior center area trails plans, greenways and interpretation of natural, heritage and cultural resources. The project manager works directly with the executive director, Caswell County Recreation Commission, Caswell Trail Committee, local government officials, consultants, stakeholder groups and the public to assist with and coordinate the planning and execution of projects and programs. For the right candidate, this position has the potential to grow to include a broad range of responsibilities and larger sphere of influence, including the development of new programs and new constituencies to make a real difference in the Dan River region.
Duties
• Develop a master heritage trails plan for Caswell County
• Assess community needs and Caswell’s natural, cultural and heritage resources
• Track and report on multiple projects and handle related administrative duties
• Assist with budget preparation, planning, and program evaluation
• Raise funds/write proposals for implementation of trails, including senior center
• Oversee planning, design and construction of trails.
• Nurture partnerships and maintain positive working relationships with other project and stakeholder groups, including local business development and tourism organizations
• Recruit and motivate volunteers and program participants
• Represent the Dan River Basin Association at public meetings
• Participate in the development and implementation of public outreach and education, including outdoor conservation activities.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of five years of trails planning and project management experience in natural resources, conservation, community development or related area; advanced degree a plus
• Knowledge of trail design and construction standards; familiarity with volunteer trail building programs and standards, such as IMBA.
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task, to coordinate and report on multiple projects
• Interest in and enjoyment of outdoor river and trail recreation (hiking, cycling, paddling); familiarity with related facilities development and user issues
• Exceptional interpersonal, public speaking, writing and presentation skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills, enthusiasm and ability to inspire others
• Resourceful self starter with ability to work independently
• Positive attitude and successful experience in working with people of all demographic groups
• Demonstrated team player, with commitment to the mission and values of the Dan River Basin Association
• Experience in Microsoft Office, internet and e-mail, Excel, Access and related programs. Experience with desktop publishing programs a plus
• Valid driver’s license, ability to travel and willingness to help with weekend events as needed
• Physical demands include ability to lift and move objects of moderate weight and to participate in field research, which may include hiking or paddling canoes or kayaks in inaccessible areas.
Salary and Benefits
• Salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits include stipend for health insurance, 20 personal days, 12 holidays, flexible schedule, and compensatory time.
To Apply
Please e-mail cover letter, resume and salary history to drba.nc@danriver.org
Position open until filled.
At this time of year the bright yellows petals of the Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) are standouts along the banks of the Smith.
The deep purples of the Closed Gentian (Gentianaceae Gentiana andrewsii) ....
.....compete for attention with the brilliant reds of the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Sunday morning arrived warm with still summertime temps, perfect for cooling off in the river. The cool water evaporating into blankets of mist keeps you comfortable, even during the hottest part of the day. I headed out to the special regulation trout section around noon, even though I knew the trout probably would not be hitting till latter in the day, I enjoy just walking up the river and spotting trout as they slink back into the shadows or dart under a rock.
A smaller brown "camoflauged" against a backdrop of DIDYMO algae.
Heading quietly upstream I began to make a few cast and soon encountered perhaps the smallest brown trout I had ever caught on a fly rod. It had to be from the wild population on the Smith because it was even smaller than most of the ones we released from the Trout in the Classroom Program during June. He took a # 18 bead head nymph.
A few more small browns fell to my nymph and I convinced them to hang around just long enough for a few quick photos before I released them, perhaps a little wiser.
Continuing my trek upstream, my eyes were drawn to a vibrant contrast of the black and yellow hanging out in the greens and orange of a stand of Jewelweed (Balsaminaceae Impatiens capensis). A silky trap, beautifully crafted by a writing spider (Argiope aurantia) was attracting its share of the afternoon hatch.
As evening approached, the larger trout were coming out to feed and it wasn't long before I had hooked up with several more "Smith River beauties."
Each one was a little larger than the previous.
