Trails Maintenance & Operations Technician

Mecklenburg County; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Mecklenburg County is seeking a Maintenance and Operations Technician for its Natural Resources team at Clarks Creek Nature Preserve. This role involves day-to-day operations and maintenance of the county’s trail systems, including construction and collaboration with partners. Candidates should have at least 3 years of relevant experience, proficiency with power tools, and a valid driver's license. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience with trail maintenance.
• General knowledge of applicable computer programs.
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine trail maintenance.
• Assess trail repair needs with staff.
• Conduct trail surface inventory and maintenance.

Skills

Experience with hard and soft surface trails

Proficiency with power tools

ArcGIS proficiency

Experience with prescribed burns

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Power mowers

Chainsaws

Brush cutters

ATVs

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is excited to add a Maintenance and Operations Technician to their Natural Resources team! This full‑time position will be based at Clarks Creek Nature Preserve and will be responsible for the day‑to‑day operations and maintenance management of Mecklenburg County’s natural/soft‑surface trail systems with multiple user types. This also includes the construction of new trails and amenities along our trails, such as benches and boardwalk structures. In addition, the incumbent will regularly collaborate with internal and external partners on projects related to our trail systems and will be responsible for conducting trail needs assessments for surface conditions, proper alignment, vegetation clearance, adequate sight lines and drainage. The selected candidate can also expect to assist the Natural Resources team with installing fire lines, providing support for prescribed fires and assisting in efforts to preserve and enhance the Department’s natural assets. The selected candidate will be an integral part of our team in accomplishing the mission of the Division and goals of the Natural Resources Section. The schedule for this full‑time position will typically consist of Tuesday‑Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may include occasional weekends based on business needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3 years of experience working with hard (non‑greenway) and soft surface trails.
• Proficiency with power tools and heavy equipment.
• ArcGIS proficiency.
• Experience assisting with or performing prescribed burns.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform routine and non‑routine trail maintenance and the construction of hard (non‑greenway and soft surface trails).
• Assist staff on assessing trail repair needs and other Natural Resources staff in duties.
• Conduct trail surface inventory, ensuring proper alignment, vegetation clearance, adequate sight lines and drainage.
• Remove limbs and debris from trails; clear mud and water after storms and other vegetation clearance tasks.
• Assist in construction tasks, such as maintain trail signs and other wayfinding means.
• Operate power mowers, chainsaws, brush cutter, edger and clippers, power washers, ATVs, litter vacuum, and other equipment used in facility maintenance, landscaping, roadside maintenance, and right‑of‑way cleaning.
• Open park gates and remove trash from trails.
• Use and maintain trucks, heavy equipment, power tools and other equipment by always keeping them clean and ready for use. Maintain office, work, and storage areas in an appropriate manner.
• May serve as a lead on a small work crew, community service workers, volunteers and/or part‑time staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience related to area of assignment
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Combination of relevant education & relevant experience accepted?: N/A
• Licenses/Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges.
• Computer Skills: General knowledge of applicable computer programs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Light equipment used in maintenance, grounds keeping, and construction.
• Occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to safe operation of this equipment.
• Safe work practices and hazards associated with work.
• Use of the tools, equipment, supplies, and methods used in the maintenance activities.

Skills

• Filling out daily work sheets and other required forms.
• Light trucks, small tractors, mowers and similar automotive equipment.

Abilities

• Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided.
• Contributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
• Energy: Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time.
• Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position‑related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertise.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near‑site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works outdoors in varying weather conditions.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of job‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.