We’re Hiring: Part-Time Trail Rangers

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is looking for five passionate and energetic trail champions with a wide diversity of skills for our 2018 Trail Ranger Team to serve trails and the people who use them throughout the District of Columbia. Now in our sixth season, the program is a beloved presence on our local trails and has a strong reputation as a great working environment with high job satisfaction. WABA’s Trail Ranger program encourages trail use through daily trail presence, improved upkeep, trail user assistance and community engagement. Reporting to our DC Trail Ranger Coordinator, Trail Rangers roam nearly 24 miles of trails within the District by bicycle. Trails included in the program are the Metropolitan Branch Trail, Anacostia River Trail, Suitland Parkway Trail, Marvin Gaye Trail, and connecting street routes. Trail Rangers act as trail ambassadors, offering a consistent and friendly presence April through September to make them more approachable, enjoyable, and dependable for transportation and recreation. Intangible benefits include: working outside on those perfect spring days, getting to know your city better through talking with neighbors, profussive thanks from fellow trail users from removing glass and working closely with a dynamic and diverse team. The Trail Ranger season begins April 11th and ends on September 5th, 2018. Pay starts at $15.50 an hour. You can learn more about the Trail Ranger program here.

Roles & Responsibilities

You will:

• Spend the majority of your work hours outside, biking on or between trails.
• Work in shifts with a partner riding bikes at a relaxed, conversational pace, up to 25 miles in a 8 hour shift.
• Support and encourage trail use with friendly and helpful trail presence, regular maintenance efforts and consistent outreach events, including:
  • Morning coffee outreach.
  • Trail rides.
  • Activity days with local organizations.
• Help lower barriers to bicycling, build community and build a more robust trail network.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with regular trail users and community members.
  • Bring new users to the trail through community outreach and engagement.
  • Individual conversations with trail neighbors and community groups.

• Plan and lead cleanups and community events alongside the program coordinator.
• Perform inspections of trail conditions and maintenance of trail corridors including pruning branches, gathering trash, removing obstructions and clearing debris.
• Make regular reports on daily trail conditions, needs, and trends.
• Work with the program coordinator and city agencies to respond to recurring or major trail maintenance issues.
• Document events, trail updates and developments to keep trail users informed.
• Be outside in all weather, with the exemption of thunderstorms and other hazardous conditions.
• Each team member will be individually responsible for an operational project, including: team bike maintenance, tools maintenance, and reporting.
• Assist at other WABA events as needed.

Requirements

Candidates must have:

• A proven track record for being dependable, timely, and communicative.
• The willingness to be positive, engaging, and approachable in a public setting.
• The willingness and enthusiasm to work in a team setting
• The ability to thrive in a day-to-day self-supervised work environment.
• The capacity to be available for 16-24 hours per week in 8 hour shifts,
  • Shifts are 6:30 am – 2:30 pm and 11:00 am – 7:00 pm on weekdays, and
  • 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on weekends.
  • Work weekends approximately every other weekend.
• A commitment to work April 11th to September 5th, 2018.
• The ability to ride a bike up to 25 miles in mixed city traffic and off street trails pulling an up to 30 lbs trailer.
• A commitment to being a safe and exemplary bicyclist.
• A commitment to respect, include, and be kind to all.

Ideal candidates will have:

• A proven track record for working collaboratively within a team.
• A firm commitment to WABA’s mission.
• Excellent communication skills in informal settings and across lines of difference.
• Confidence interacting with and serving the public.
• Creative problem-solving skills and capacity to innovate.
• The ability to organize time wisely and juggle multiple priorities.

Trail Rangers operate as a team and benefit from the unique skills and talents of each team member. Ideally, one or more team member will have:

• The knowledge of the principles of safe bicycling and traffic laws in DC.
• The ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Are competent with basic bicycle maintenance including patching a flat tire and adjusting brakes.
• Spanish, ASL or Amharic proficiency a strong plus.
• Previous experience with one of our program trails and the neighborhoods they connect
• Previous experience as a DC Trail Ranger

WABA is committed to:

• Providing opportunities to learn new skills.
• Promoting and building an inclusive, collaborative team environment.
• Orientation and team management that prioritizes your well-being, including training in preventing common cycling injuries.
• Doing our best to have a consistent schedule that respects your time and outside obligations.
• Providing all the tools, bikes and materials needed to perform the job.

This position is part-time from April 11th, 2018 through September 5th, 2018 for approximately 16 – 20 hours per week. Compensation starts at $15.50 per hour. Please apply by filling out an application here. We strongly prefer that resumes be uploaded through the application portal but if you encounter issues,  resumes can be sent to jobs@waba.org with “Trail Ranger” as the subject line. The Trail Ranger team benefits from a wide range of skills and life experiences, please include what unique skills you would bring to the team. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until March 5th though candidates are strongly encouraged to apply earlier. Phone interviews will begin March 5th, hiring decisions will be made by March 26th and team orientation will be April 11th – April 13th. Phone calls only if you do not have easy internet access please. WABA is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, arrest record or criminal convictions, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, sex, or age.