Trails and Backcountry Specialist

**Job Information**

Job Requisition ID: 72786
Ministry: Forestry and Parks
Location: Kananaskis Improvement District
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: July 29, 2025
Classification: Maintenance Service Worker 2

**Salary**: $2,063.66 to $2,501.55 bi-weekly ($53,861 - $65,290/year)

Provincial Parks are essential to the quality of life that Albertans enjoy. They conserve our natural landscapes and wildlife habitat and offer a broad range of nature-based outdoor recreational opportunities. Alberta’s parks inspire people to discover, value, protect, and enjoy the natural world and the benefits it provides for current and future generations.

For more information on Park locations visit:
Kananaskis County, located in and adjacent to the Rocky Mountains, stretches from the continental divide in the west to the foothills west of Calgary and from Canmore and the Bow Valley in the north to the Highwood River and areas southwest of Longview.

We manage and protect Alberta's forest resources through effective and efficient wildfire management, sustainable forest management, and maintenance of the health of Alberta's forests.

Responsible for growing our manufactured wood products and forestry sector, preserving and managing our public lands and provincial parks. Please see

**Role Responsibilities**:
As a Trails Specialist, you will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing trails and backcountry campgrounds across Peter Lougheed and Spray Valley Provincial Parks. You will also support trail operations in other areas of the Kananaskis Region as needed.

This is a hands on, field-based role that combines technical trail work, equipment operation, public engagement and stewardship.

Key Responsibilities:
**Summer Trail Maintenance**
- Construct new trails and repair existing ones.
- Routine inspections and maintenance of backcountry trails and campgrounds.
- Clear debris, manage erosion, and maintain drainage systems.
- Install and maintain signage and backcountry campground facilities.
- Assist with helicopter operations for remote maintenance.
- Assist with helicopter servicing of backcountry campgrounds and trail infrastructure.

**Winter Trail Maintenance**
- Groom and track-set ski trails using snowcats and snowmobiles.
- Maintain signage and ensure trails are hazard-free.
- Perform snow removal for facility access.

**Equipment and Safety**
- Operate and maintain equipment (e.g., ATV’s, skidsteers, chainsaws, snowmobiles).
- Follow all OH&S protocols and complete safety documentation.
- Conduct preventative and emergency equipment maintenance.

**Administration and Public Engagement**
- Complete reports (trail conditions, incidents, time logs).
- Support public trail events and interact with trail users.
- Supervise volunteers and collaborate with partner organizations.

Please

**APS Competencies**:
Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:

- **Creative Problem Solving**: Contributes ideas for improving processes and adapts existing practice to address problems. Shares observations while working on the trails and suggests ideas to improve how tasks are done or to increase efficiency.
- **Drive for Results**: Works to exceed goals and partner with others to achieve objectives. Take pride in your work - whether you're building a bridge or picking up litter, aim for quality and safety. Your efforts directly shape the experience of park visitors and support the goals of our programs.
- **Develop Networks**: Maintains collegial internal relationships and understands external network. Whether you're working on your own or with a team, it's important to think about how your work fits into the bigger picture. Consider how it affects others and look for ways to support the goals of the team, the organization, and the people who use our trails.
- **Build Collaborative Environments**: Leverages skills and knowledge of others. Collaborate with team members by recognizing and using each person’s strengths to achieve better results and support team growth.

**Qualifications**:
Minimum Requirements: High school education in a related field (i.e. carpentry, landscaping or outdoor education) and at least 1 year of related experience.

**Equivalency**:
Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education. Special Requirement: Physically able to perform the manual duties found in the position assignment.

**Preferred Qualifications**:

- Experience with trail maintenance in both summer and winter settings.
- Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Safe