GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The State Park and Forest Trail Planner will work under the supervision of the Senior Trails and Greenways Planner and the Director of the DCR Trails and Greenways Section to lead and support a wide range of projects and initiatives related to DCR’s over 3,000 miles of state park and forest trails and over 200 miles of shared use greenways.
The State Park and Forest Trail Planner will work with DCR colleagues to envision, plan, design, construct, repair and develop the agency’s natural surface State Parks and Forests trail networks and associated amenities such as trail crossings, trailheads and trail parking/access, and maps and information.
The position will require gathering and analyzing data; providing budgetary and policy guidance; developing best practices and scopes of work; managing consultant engineers, designers, and contractors; working with DCR colleagues, community stakeholders such as user groups; and communicating with state colleagues to further DCR’s state park and forest trail vision.
The position is a hybrid and travel will be required to report 1-3 days per week to 136 Damon Rd, Northampton or DCR Headquarters, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborate with DCR colleagues and key stakeholders; analyze data, conduct site assessments, and prioritize trail system needs and opportunities to develop Trail System Plans for state parks and forests.
Collaborate with DCR engineering, design, legal, operations staff to advance design, development and maintenance guidelines and best management practices for effectively managing DCR’s natural surface state park and forest trail systems.
Work with consultants and colleagues to scope, design and construct natural surface state park and forest trail projects statewide which includes:
a. assessing trail systems for sustainable improvements and repair needs including trail signage and marking;
b. preparing scopes and design documents for construction and repair projects.
c. coordination among DCR engineering, cultural resources, forestry, and operations field staff;
d. development of public outreach, stakeholder input, and public process management.
e. negotiating and guiding various permitting processes.
f. reviewing and approving of design, construction and maintenance plans; and
g. monitoring and inspection of construction and maintenance.
Communicate with third-party stakeholders, other agencies, and in some cases municipalities, concerning partnerships in the development and maintenance of DCR’s state park and forest trail systems, in compliance with DCR guidelines, policies and regulations.
Provide technical assistance and support to DCR operations and other staff on natural surface trail design, construction, and maintenance activities; information on grants; and encouraging maintenance and policing best management practices.
Prepare capital budget requests and prioritize DCR state Park and Forest trails network development and maintenance needs statewide.
Prepare and provide press, briefings, web content, and communication responses about trail projects.
Provide policy guidance on all aspects of trail planning, design, construction, and operation.
Provide policy guidance on all aspects of trail planning, design, construction, and operation.
Work with community and stakeholder groups to build support for sustainable and equitable state park and forest trail networks.
Travel is required throughout the state and regional coverage area as assigned. Access to reliable transportation and ability to visit DCR and non-DCR sites.
Perform other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret such documents as engineering plans, regional plans, feasibility studies, contracts, etc.
Demonstrated ability to use geographic information systems (i.e. ArcGIS and Google Maps) to create and edit maps in the office and the field.
Demonstrated ability in reviewing and writing project scopes, including maps, photographs, and detailed specifications.
Demonstrated knowledge of the Commonwealth’s natural, recreational and cultural resources.
Demonstrated knowledge of applicable Commonwealth environmental agencies, laws, polices, and regulations.
Demonstrated organizational and team building skills, including the ability to manage, and lead teams of diverse individuals towards established goals and objectives.
Demonstrated ability to organize, develop, and run project-related public meetings, including public speaking and meeting facilitation.
Superior writing skills, including the ability to synthesize information in written form.
Ability to coordinate the efforts of others in accomplishing assigned work objectives.
Ability to create effective procedures and guidelines where few precedents are available.
Ability to learn new technical tasks and skills including those related to state procurement and horizontal construction.
Ability to work outdoors all year round under varying climatic conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and carry up to 25 pounds.
Willingness to travel throughout the Commonwealth, spend 1-2 days a week in the field as weather permits.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.*
II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental studies may be substituted for three years of the required (A)experience and one year of the required (B) experience.
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience. Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Regional Planner III
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-10 Park Plaza
Job: Planning
Agency: Department of Conservation & Recreation
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Jan 19, 2024, 8:39:00 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 74,159.02 - 108,560.40 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Moneesha Dasgupta - 6176450358
Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes