Trail Boss: Redwood Route & Trail Development Lead

Mendocino Railway; Fort Bragg (CA); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Paid time off

Job summary

Mendocino Railway seeks a General Manager for the Redwood Route Trail to lead vision, development, and operations of the California Western Railroad's trail system. You will set strategy, budgets, and staffing, and ensure safe, engaging experiences for guests.

The Trail Boss will hire and guide teams, manage projects from concept to completion, coordinate with railroad leadership, and pursue growth opportunities while maintaining high standards of safety and accessibility.

Qualifications

• Substantial leadership experience in trail systems, outdoor recreation, construction, infrastructure, tourism, attractions, land management, or a related field.
• Experience taking complex projects from concept through construction, opening, and ongoing operation.
• Experience building teams and directing employees, contractors, consultants, and partner organizations.
• Experience managing operating budgets, capital projects, procurement, and contracts.
• Working knowledge of construction, maintenance planning, site safety, and field operations.
• Ability to evaluate creative ideas and determine how to build, operate, maintain, and improve them.
• Sound judgment balancing guest value, safety, cost, environmental conditions, and operating requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Establish the long-term vision and business plan for the CWR/Skunk Train’s trail system.
• Set annual priorities, budgets, staffing plans, project schedules, and performance goals.
• Advise the President on trail investments, operating needs, risks, and growth opportunities.
• Build an organization capable of developing and operating multiple projects at different stages.
• Establish clear responsibility, accountability, and decision-making authority within the trail organization.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Financial planning

Stakeholder communication

Safety compliance

Budgeting

Negotiation

Team building

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Mendocino Railway seeks a General Manager for the Redwood Route Trail to lead vision, development, and operations of the California Western Railroad's trail system. You will set strategy, budgets, and staffing, and ensure safe, engaging experiences for guests.

The Trail Boss will hire and guide teams, manage projects from concept to completion, coordinate with railroad leadership, and pursue growth opportunities while maintaining high standards of safety and accessibility.