Trails Master Planning Supervisor (10624, Grade 32)

Apply to be the Trails Master Planning Supervisor at Montgomery Parks!

• Are you a big-picture thinker passionate about creating trail networks that provide exceptional outdoor experiences? 
• Are you ready to oversee master planning and implementation to enhance a world-class trail system in Montgomery County? 
• Do you thrive on collaboration, innovation, and leadership, working with staff and diverse stakeholders to shape trail systems that serve communities and protect natural resources? 

If so, Montgomery Parks is the perfect place for you. 

Our award-winning park system features more than 260 miles of natural surface and paved trails, enjoyed by hikers, bikers, and equestrians. We’re also home to three mountain bike skills parks designed for riders of all experience levels. We are seeking an energetic and organized Trails Master Planning Supervisor to lead and grow our trails program and these vital community resources. 

Job Summary:
The Trails Master Planning Supervisor is a visionary leader responsible for planning and managing natural surface and paved trails in Montgomery County. This role oversees a team of trail planners, construction managers, program coordinators, and staff focused on programming, volunteer engagement, and marketing. The Trails Master Planning Supervisor develops and executes strategies to enhance the trail system, improve user experiences, and foster public engagement through better trail conditions, connections, amenities, and programming.

• Lead and manage the trails team, including planners, construction managers, construction crews, program coordinators, and volunteers.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal Montgomery Parks staff, trail user groups and advocates, transportation agencies, planning organizations, and other stakeholders. 
• Develop and implement an annual plan for trail projects and improvements. 
• Review existing trail plans and systems to create a comprehensive strategy for implementing recommendations from the Countywide Trails Plan. 
• Conduct planning studies such as community needs assessments, conditions analyses, and trail count studies. 
• Review and analyze trail, transportation, and infrastructure projects on parkland in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team setting.
• Contribute to park master plans and other planning efforts with a focus on trails, transportation, and park infrastructure. 

Key Skills and Characteristics:

• Trail Design & Planning: Expertise in best practices for designing and planning trails, including evaluating connectivity, environmental constraints, and analyzing data (e.g., population statistics, user preferences, and traffic counts). 
• Transportation Planning: Understanding how trails integrate with broader systems, including bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and transit. 
• Land Use & Environmental Planning: Knowledge of sustainable development, land management, and conservation principles. 
• Project Management: Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute projects while managing budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Leadership: Strong team management, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with stakeholders, community groups, government agencies, and internal staff. 
• Public Engagement: Experience leading outreach efforts, gathering community input, and responding to feedback.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reports, presentations, and stakeholder discussions.
• GIS & Mapping: Proficiency in GIS and mapping tools for trail analysis and design. 
• Policy Knowledge: Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations affecting parks, trails, and public lands 

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Master's Degree in Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Geography, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Science, or related fields to job functions.
• One of the following certifications: Certified Planner (AICP/APA), Professional Engineer, Professional Landscape Architect (PLA/ASLA), or professional certificate on appropriate to discipline. 
• Proficiency using Geographic Informa on Systems (GIS) in the current version of ArcGIS, online survey and public input so ware, the Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Productivity so ware including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. Familiarity using and updating databases is beneficial.  
• Ability to communicate in another language. 

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office and outdoor setting with frequent field visits which can be physically demanding requiring someone who can work in a wide range of weather conditions and terrain. Work involves frequent positioning of self to obtain maps, drawings, plans, remaining in a stationary position, moving about inside the office, communicating with the public, officials and employees. Driving to attend various meetings and conduct site inspections. Subject to various job demands such as high volume of work, tight deadlines and extended hours. Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available! Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field. 
2. Six (6) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience that includes supervisory or project leadership and coordination experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together totals ten (10) years.
4. Valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.  Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Classification Specification Planning Supervisor

Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. We will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at 301-495-4525 to request accommodation.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
Montgomery County Department of Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, ideology or status as a Veteran. Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Salary : $89,092 - $157,697