Natural Resources & Trails Supervisor

Job Description

The Natural Resources & Trails Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and actively participating in the maintenance, management, and enhancement of the City’s natural open spaces, asphalt trails infrastructure, and urban forestry program.

This role involves approximately 70% fieldwork, including supervising crews, inspecting sites, and performing hands-on maintenance – and 30% administrative duties such as planning, budgeting, reporting, and project coordination. The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the sustainable management and safe, accessible use of outdoor spaces that promote community recreation and environmental well-being.  

The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, and the general public. 

The work environment includes an office, shop, and outdoor environment where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee works in varied weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to noisy and/or loud equipment, moving vehicles, and equipment which subjects the employee to hazards. 

The job is an on-call position, responding to emergency situations. Employees designated as immediate response personnel must live thirty (30) minutes or less from their usual daily work site.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Natural Resources Management (Field & Administrative)

• Supervise and engage in the maintenance and restoration of natural open spaces, turf, native habitats, and landscaped areas.
• Implement vegetation management strategies including invasive species control and habitat restoration projects.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations related to natural resource stewardship.

Trails Infrastructure Maintenance (Field & Administrative)

• Oversee inspection, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of asphalt trails, pathways, bridges, and associated infrastructure.
• Develop and execute preventive maintenance plans and safety inspections for trail systems.
• Manage and coordinate work crews and contractors performing trail repairs, signage installation, and safety upgrades.

Urban Forestry Program (Field & Administrative)

• Lead urban forestry activities such as tree planting, pruning, removal, health assessments, and risk management.
• Maintain urban tree inventories and oversee pest and disease management programs.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal urban forestry standards.

Leadership and Coordination (Primarily Administrative)

• Supervise, train, and evaluate maintenance staff and seasonal workers; oversee daily field operations.
• Develop and manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and track progress on projects.
• Coordinate with Parks Division leadership, other city departments, community organizations, and external agencies.
• Maintain records, work orders, and use GIS or asset management systems for tracking maintenance and project status.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED required;
• Associate degree or higher in Parks and Recreation Management, Urban Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field preferred OR 4 years of related full-time work or military experience related to degree preferred;
• Class B CDL*;
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist certification*.

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

*Hiring Note: CDL and Certification required within six (6) months of hire. Failure to acquire the appropriate certifications by the established date will violate the terms of the position and will result in dismissal from the position.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position. 

Knowledge of:

• Urban forestry principles, asphalt trail maintenance, natural resource management, and environmental compliance;
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of natural open space, turf, native habitat, and landscaping maintenance;
• Safe operation of hand and power tools;
• Employee supervision, training, evaluation, and disciplinary methods, techniques, and objectives;
• Budgeting processes, including formulating and implementation;
• Preparation and maintenance of documents, records, and logs;
• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications;
• City policies regarding safe work practices relating to use of equipment, power tools, ladders and bucket trucks, grounds keeping equipment, light and medium equipment, and repair and maintenance materials.

Skill and Ability to:

• Operate maintenance equipment and perform physically demanding outdoor work in varied weather conditions;
• Supervise and direct the operations, maintenance, repair, and construction operations of the City Parks Department;
• Supervise and perform maintenance and restoration of natural open spaces, turf, native habitats, and landscaped areas;
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate the work of full-time and part-time/seasonal employees;
• Operate hand and power tools and a motor vehicle;
• Operate a personal computer, including programs and applications specific to the duties;
• Develop preventative maintenance plans and safety inspections;
• Maintain maintenance records, logs, and documentation;
• Implement an annual budget and monitor spending for compliance;
• Work on multiple projects, set priorities, and allocate resources for project completion;
• Work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard or type, reach with hands and arms, operate a motor vehicle or job-related equipment; and climb ladders and/or work in confined spaces. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees: 

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  - Medical
  - Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations. 

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.