Trail Development Manager

About Us:

The Association of Northern Trails Scotland (ANTS) champion long distance walking and hiking in the far north of Scotland, chiefly through the promotion, maintenance and development of the John o’ Groats Trail (JOGT). We connect communities, promote health and wellness, and improve access to our natural landscapes. Our organisation is committed to fostering a love for the outdoors and ensuring access to trails for all!

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Trail Development Manager(s) to lead the development of a new trail: The North Coast Trail (NCT). The North Coast Trail serves as an extension of the JOGT, continuing westwards from John o’ Groats, across the scenic northern coast of Scotland. The Trail Development Manager will also play a key role in planning, designing, and implementing this trail, as well as promoting, maintaining and upgrading the existing John o’ Groats Trail.

This position involves working extensively with local communities and landowners in the area, as well as other partners and stakeholders. Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of trail construction, community engagement and consultation, the funding landscape and project management.

Responsibilities:

• Engaging the local community for in-depth feedback on the creation of a NCT trail.
• Consulting and working with local landowners to design NCT trail agreeable for everyone.
• Investigate grant funding opportunities for NCT trail infrastructure.
• Implement NCT trail infrastructure improvements.
• Consider and implement means of making the Trail Development Manager position sustainable through membership, business sponsorship and merchandise.
• Assistance with the John o' Groats Trail as and when required
• Assistance with administration of the registered charity as and when required
• Lead and partner on organised walks and events
• Budget allocation and management
• Risk management
• Preparation of reports and reviews for ANTS board members

Targets:

• Develop North Coast Trail route
• Liason with local landowners and creation of landowner list of North Coast Trail (Caithness section)
• Develop infrastructure / strimming list/map for North Coast Trail (Caithness section)
• Develop subcommittee and volunteer group for North Coast Trail
• Lead on way-marking the JOGT and developing preliminary route
• Engage in community consultations at John o' Groats, Mey, Dunnet, Scarfskerry, Castletown, Thurso, Reay.
• Seek funding for developments along NCT including people counters, as well as along JoGT
• Develop funding strategy for development of Trail in Caithness and beyond, including funding NCT position.
• Assist with developments along John o' Groats Trail

Qualifications:

• A qualification in Environmental Science, Recreation Management, Landscape Architecture, or a related field is desired, but not essential.

Experience desired

• Proven experience in project management, preferably outdoor projects which involve construction
• An understanding of what is required for trail development
• Track record of community development / working with communities and groups
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainable trail development practices
• A driving license is required for this position

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities or requirements. The company reserves the right to modify the responsibilities and qualifications of the position based on business needs