Do you love being outdoors and connecting with people? Want to be part of a collaborative trail team in DC this summer, and be paid to engage with folks about trails and fix trails?

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is looking for two passionate and energetic professional trail champions with a wide range of skills and experiences for our 2021 Trail Ranger Team. We are looking to hire two dependable and thoughtful people. Beyond this, there is not a standard job history, experience of biking, years of experience or skills set for previously successful Trail Rangers. 

These positions are expected to begin April 29th and will end on September 30th, 2021. Pay will be $18.50 per hour for new Trail Rangers, and $19.00 per hour for returning Trail Rangers. These positions are seasonal, full-time opportunities. Shifts will still vary in start time, and will be scheduled on weekdays and weekends. 

About the Trail Rangers Program

WABA’s Trail Ranger program encourages trail use through daily trail presence, community engagement, trail maintenance, and trail user assistance. Reporting to our Outreach Manager, Trail Rangers cover trails within the District, including the Metropolitan Branch Trail, Anacostia River Trail, Marvin Gaye Trail, Oxon Run Trail, and connecting street routes. Trail Rangers act as trail ambassadors, offering a consistent and friendly presence from May through September to make the trails more approachable, enjoyable, and dependable for transportation and recreation.

Intangible benefits include: working outside on those perfect spring days, getting to know your city better through talking with neighbors, and appreciation from fellow trail users. 

You can learn more about the Trail Ranger program here.

Job Responsibilities:

• Spend the majority of your work hours outside, biking on or between trails (except during thunderstorms and other hazardous conditions).
• Work in shifts with a partner riding electric-assist cargo bikes at a relaxed, conversational pace on an 8 hour shift.
• Collaborate with your team member to determine daily priorities and share program information. 
• Support and encourage trail use with friendly and helpful trail presence, regular maintenance efforts and consistent outreach events.
• Help lower barriers to bicycling, build community, and build a more robust trail network.

• Run cleanups and community events with the program coordinator (currently paused, subject to Covid-19 precautions and community spread).
• Perform trail condition inspections and trail corridor maintenance, including pruning branches, gathering trash, and removing obstructions.

Qualifications

Trail Rangers must have:

• A proven track record for being dependable, timely, and communicative.
• The willingness to be positive and engaging in a public setting.
• The willingness and enthusiasm to work in a collaborative team and as a proactive, self starter. 
• The capacity to be available for 40 hours per week in 8 hour shifts with weekday and weekend availability. Shifts are generally:
  • 6:30 am – 2:30 pm or 11:00 am – 7:00 pm on weekdays.
  • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on weekends.
• A commitment to work April 29th to September 30th, 2021.
• The ability to ride a bike with a willingness to ride in mixed city traffic and off-street trails.
• A commitment to being a safe and exemplary bicyclist.
• A commitment to respect, include, and be kind to all.
• An understanding of how race, gender, and other factors shape conversations and experiences. 
• The willingness to further their knowledge of trail and neighborhood history.

Additional qualifications and experience that are helpful but not required:

• A proven track record for working collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent communication skills in informal settings and across lines of difference.
• Creative problem-solving skills and capacity to innovate.
• The ability to prioritize and a thoughtful attention to detail.
• Lived experience with our program trails and the surrounding neighborhoods.

• Working knowledge of basic bicycle maintenance including patching a flat tire and adjusting brakes.
• Fluency in Spanish, ASL and/or Amharic a strong plus.

Support

WABA is committed to:

• Teaching you the skills necessary for the job (urban bike riding, basic trail maintenance, basic bike maintenance, how to do bicycle outreach).
• Ensuring an inclusive, collaborative professional team environment.
• Run an intersectional outreach program that recognizes the multitudes of identities and promotes diversity, inclusion, and equity for employees and the public.
• Orientation and team management that prioritizes your well-being, including training in preventing common biking injuries.
• Doing our best to have a consistent schedule that respects your time and outside obligations. 
• Providing all the tools, bikes and materials needed to perform the job, including electric cargo bikes.

Benefits

• This is a full-time, non-exempt, temporary position from April 29th to September 30th 2021.
• Wages will be $18.50 an hour for new Trail Rangers and $19.00 for returning Trail Rangers. 
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums from May 1st to September 30th. 
• Sick, holiday, and funeral leave. Employees will accrue 8 hours sick leave per month, and have paid time off for every federal holiday during employment. 
• WABA supports and promotes the health of it’s staff. You may use accrued sick time for unscheduled leave when not feeling well (mind or body), as well as for scheduled medical appointments.
• Optional commuter transit benefit (pre tax deduction).
• A fun and relaxed workplace environment.
• Passionate, supportive colleagues who are dedicated to working together for our mission and seeing the impact of our work. 

COVID-19 Operational Staff Safety Plan:

WABA expects that COVID-19 precautions will be necessary for all of the 2021 season.

• Properly worn quality masks will be required on the job at all times, except for distanced water and snack breaks. KN95s and surgical masks will be provided. 
• The majority of Trail Ranger work will be performed outside, with minimal inside work. Shift setup and breakdown will be staggered between employees to avoid sharing air space. 
• Trail Rangers should expect to see limited other WABA staff in the office, but they will be working in a separately-ventilated space. 

Apply

This position is full-time from April 29, 2021 through September 30, 2021 for 40 hours per week. 

Please email a cover letter and resume to jobs@waba.org with “Trail Ranger” as the subject line. Please make sure your application illustrates how you meet the qualifications for the job and what additional skills you would bring to the team. 

Here are some helpful resources as you prepare your job application materials: compilation of resources and resume basics.  

Applications will be accepted until March 15th though candidates are strongly encouraged to apply earlier and a first round of decisions will be made on March 1st. Phone interviews will begin March 25th, hiring decisions will be made by April 16th and team orientation will begin April 29th. 

WABA is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, arrest record or criminal convictions, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, sex, or age.