Trail Preservation Committee Specialist

Position Overview

The Trail Preservation Specialist helps protect and expand the Buckeye Trail’s long-term trail corridor by identifying opportunities for trail preservation, relocation, and development. This position works closely with BTA staff, volunteers, landowners, land managers, and partner organizations to improve the trail’s long-term sustainability and reduce reliance on road routes.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain familiarity with the Buckeye Trail corridor, including existing trail routes, land ownership, and potential preservation needs.
• Identify opportunities to relocate the Buckeye Trail and trail facilities from road routes into protected or more sustainable trail corridors.
• Use current mapping software to identify and communicate opportunities for new trail, trail relocations, trail facilities, and land ownership.
• Work with the Trail Preservation Committee to identify and advance trail corridor preservation opportunities.
• Coordinate with the BTA Map Team to provide information about land ownership and trail corridor opportunities.
• Communicate with landowners, land managers, agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other partners interested in preserving land for recreational use consistent with the BTA mission.
• Coordinate with BTA Section Supervisors and the Trail Management Team to identify and communicate trail routing opportunities.
• Keep appropriate BTA staff and committees informed of significant trail preservation opportunities, landowner relationships, and potential routing changes.

Outcome/Impact

The Trail Preservation Specialist helps ensure that the Buckeye Trail has a secure, sustainable, and connected corridor for future generations. Successful work in this role can reduce road walking, improve trail experiences and safety, increase the amount of trail on protected land, and strengthen relationships with landowners and conservation partners.

Risks & Hazards

• This position may occassionally involve working outdoors and visiting potential trail corridors, including uneven, remote, or undeveloped terrain.
• Interactions with landowners and partner organizations require professionalism, discretion, and respect for private property.
• Trail routing and land preservation discussions may involve changing conditions, competing interests, or sensitive property information.

Term Length & Exit Clause Reminder

This is an ongoing volunteer role. We deeply value your time and your willingness to support the Buckeye Trail in a volunteer capacity. We do our best to check in as needed with new volunteers to ensure you have the tools and support you need to make a difference. As a volunteer, you understand that your service is entirely voluntary. At any time and for any reason, either you or the BTA may choose to end your volunteer service. A volunteer position may also be adjusted, in conversation with the relevant BTA staff member, to better suit either the needs of the BTA or the interests of the volunteer. The best way to ensure you're well supported and providing meaningful service is to stay in regular and proactive contact with your BTA volunteer point person, who will be introduced to you during the onboarding process.

• BTA member in good standing.
• Familiarity with the mission and work of the Buckeye Trail Association.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide range of people.
• Ability to adapt to changing conditions and priorities.
• Interest in land preservation, trail development, and long-term trail planning.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with BTA staff, committees, and volunteers.

Desired Skills

Working knowledge of current mapping software for identifying and communicating opportunities related to new trail, trail relocations, and land ownership.

Knowledge of trail design, layout, and construction, preferably including National Park Service standards.

Experience working with landowners, land managers, conservation organizations, government agencies, or other organizations involved in land preservation or recreational trail development.

Familiarity with GIS, trail mapping, or land ownership research.

Expectations

• Maintain timely and professional communication with BTA staff, volunteers, landowners, and partner organizations.
• Keep relevant BTA teams informed of significant trail routing and preservation opportunities.
• Handle landowner and property information responsibly.
• Represent the Buckeye Trail Association professionally and consistently with its mission.
• Participate in coordination with the Trail Preservation Committee, Cartography Team, GIS Specialist, Section Supervisors, and Trail Management Team as appropriate.

The BTA Trail Preservation Specialist is appointed by and reports to the Executive Director. To express interest in the position, contact volunteer@buckeyetrail.org with a brief summary of your experience and qualifications.