Trail Experience Designer

Sierra Railroad Company; Fort Bragg (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare insurance

Job summary

Mendocino Railway's Skunk Train is seeking a Trail Experience Designer to lead the creation of an interactive forest trail reimagined for the majestic redwoods of Northern California. This full-time role requires developing a multi-station experience, integrating storytelling and environmental education, while ensuring safety and accessibility.

The role involves coordinating with production and environmental monitors to deliver 10–20 stations, prototype mechanisms, and a compelling guest

Qualifications

• Experience designing a multi-station trail experience.
• Ability to integrate natural materials with interactive mechanisms.
• Knowledge of safety, accessibility, and ADA considerations.
• Experience collaborating with parks, nonprofits, or public art programs.
• Ability to oversee fabrication and installation and coordinate with multiple teams.
• Strong storytelling and environmental education skills.

Responsibilities

• Trail Concept Development — design a multi-station trail with natural materials and redwood ecology.
• Interactive Station Design — create 10–20 play stations using sustainable materials and low-impact construction.
• Site Planning & Safety — assess terrain, access points, and safety, ensuring accessibility where feasible.
• Production Oversight — source materials, oversee fabrication, and coordinate installation and monitors.

Skills

Trail design

Sustainable materials

Woodworking

Project management

Collaboration

Prototyping

Storytelling

Environmental education

Public art installations

Kinetic sculpture

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Trail Experience Designer

8 days ago Requisition ID: 1002

Salary Range: $35.00 To $40.00 Hourly

Mendocino Railway is the owner/operator of freight and passenger railroads including the California Western Railroad / Skunk Train which operates between Fort Bragg and Willits, California.

The Skunk Train is looking for outgoing, upbeat individuals who enjoy creating memorable experiences for our guests. We’re seeking a visionary Trail Experience Designer to lead the creation of an interactive forest trail reimagined for the majestic redwoods of Northern California. This immersive trail will blend playful engineering, environmental storytelling, and sensory engagement to delight families, hikers, and nature lovers of all ages.

This is a full-time position working throughout the week including weekends and holidays and requires a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)

Trail Concept Development

• Design a multi-station trail experience that integrates natural materials, kinetic play elements (e.g., wooden ball runs, pulleys, ramps), and redwood forest ecology.
• Incorporate storytelling elements that honor the redwoods, local history, and conservation efforts.

Interactive Station Design

• Create 10–20 play stations using sustainable materials and low-impact construction.
• Prototype mechanisms (e.g., zip lines, levers, water-powered tracks) that move a custom wooden ball through the trail.

Site Planning & Safety

• Conduct site assessments to identify suitable terrain, access points, and safety considerations.
• Ensure ADA accessibility where feasible and design for multi-age engagement.

Production Oversight

• Source materials and oversee fabrication of trail elements.
• Manage installation teams and coordinate with environmental monitors to minimize ecological disruption.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Strong understanding of sustainable materials and low-impact construction.
• Creative engineering or maker skills (woodworking, kinetic sculpture, etc.).
• Familiarity with California redwood ecosystems and local history.
• Experience working with parks, nonprofits, or public art installations a plus.
• Passion for nature-based play, environmental education, and community storytelling.
• Excellent collaboration and project management skills.
• Ability to prototype and test interactive mechanisms.
• Ability to use the Microsoft Suite of products.
• Team-player attitude with the ability to demonstrate and foster positive collaboration and relationship building within and outside of the business.
• Ability to mentor and coach team members to deliver exceptional service.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and guest-service skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb and work in confined areas.

BENEFITS

• Healthcare insurance including medical, dental, and vision