MARTIN COUNTY — First Frontier Appalachian Trails announced Jan. 14 a job opening for a community trail development coordinator to spearhead efforts to map, design and expand its 19-county trail network in eastern Kentucky.

The position, based in Knott County, offers a salary range of $45,000 to $55,000 and involves extensive fieldwork across the 19 counties.

Interested candidates must submit resumes by Jan. 31 to Scott Smith, P.O. Box 669, Hindman, KY 41822 or via email to scott.smith@1sfrontier.org.

First Frontier is a trail system developed under the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority (KMRRA) to create a network of trails in 19 counties in eastern Kentucky.

The KMRRA, born out of 2017 state legislation, was created to breathe new life into Kentucky’s Appalachian region by bolstering tourism and outdoor recreation.

Below is a copy of the job posting:

Community Trail Development Coordinator Position Description:

Under the direction of the executive director, the trail development coordinator will coordinate with cities, counties, landowners, personnel and contractors in the development of GIS data collection for mapping of the current/future First Frontier Appalachian Trail systems. Duties will also include management of all trail development including trail construction, layout, design and use agreements. The position will work to expedite the legitimizing and development of trails to connect communities and businesses to the First Frontier Appalachian Trails in Eastern Kentucky. The salary range is $45,000 – $55,000.

Basic Duties:

-Mapping and collecting GPS data of existing trail routes and exploring to find route linkages and community connectors.

-Download and manipulate GPS data

-Overseeing the mapping, expansion, layout and construction of area trails and trailhead building and facilities.

-Directing and assisting work crews during trail construction

-Attending meetings as necessary for the planning and development of construction or maintenance of trails.

-Complete all required reports, paperwork and logs as required. This includes regular progress reports on new trail construction and trail maintenance.

-Perform minor repairs on vehicles and equipment as needed.

-Research to identify property owners and accurately identify boundary information.

-Develop and maintain excellent relationships with landowners.

-Develop and execute mapping agreements, license agreements, lease agreements and other agreements as necessary to legally access the properties of cooperating landowners.

-Experience with deed research and review as well as PVA maps and records.

-Direct field crew in mapping and layout of trail.

-Develop and plan trail systems and trail additions. This includes trail designation, trail rating, placements of gates, barriers, signage, etc.

-Create detailed, accurate maps of trail locations, property boundaries, resource activity, as necessary to accompany license agreements with cooperating land owners.

-Direct and supervise trail construction, trail reroutes and single-track construction.

-Any other duties assigned by the executive director.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of experience in related fields.

-Understanding of the Off-road adventure tourism industry and economies connected to this industry.

-2 years of experience in trail design, trail development and OHV recreational planning or a willingness to be trained in these areas.

-2 years of work experience in CAD-based mapping or GIS-related field or comparable or willingness to be trained in these areas.

-Basic computer knowledge and skills.

-Department of Forestry chain saw safety course.

Physical Demands and Time Requirements:

-Most work is carried out in rough terrain and often in difficult climatic conditions.

-May come in contact with poisonous plants, insects and animals in the field.

-Fieldwork requires physical strength, coordination and endurance.

-Will be expected to operate off-highway vehicles, mowers, chain saws and other power tools as necessary to complete trail construction and maintenance.

-Must be able to work for extended periods of time often involving cross-country walking, heavy lifting and intense manual labor.

-May work overtime, including some weekends and holidays. Flexible scheduling is a requirement of this position.

-This position may require travel.

Work Area:

-This position will be based in Knott County. However, it will require travel throughout Eastern Kentucky.

Deadline for resume submission is Jan. 31, 2025.

Submit resume by mail to:

Scott Smith
P.O. Box 669
Hindman, KY 41822

Or email resume to:
scott.smith@1stfrontier.org