The Municipality of Highlands East is currently seeking candidates for the future position of Part-Time, Trails Coordinator in the Property/Parks & Recreation Department.
Reporting to the Property Supervisor, the successful candidate will lead the continued development and implementation of the Municipality’s multi-use trail system. Building on foundational work, including the municipal Trails Strategy Initiative report, the Trails Coordinator will take a staged approach to expand and enhance trail infrastructure, access, and programming. This role requires strong collaboration with municipal departments, community stakeholders, and approval authorities to secure access across Crown, municipal, county, and private lands.
Job Details
This position is for 30 hours per week, varied days of the week Monday to Friday and has a $31.24 per hour rate of pay as per CUPE Local 4416 Collective Agreement. Overtime, weekend and evening work may be required. Position to commence as soon as possible.
To apply you must possess:
- A Post-Secondary Diploma in Environmental Studies, Recreation Management Urban Planning, or a related field
- Minimum two (2) years experience in trail development, parks planning, or community project coordination
- Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License.
Job Description
Primary Function
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Under the direction of the Property Supervisor, the Trails Coordinator will lead the continued development and implementation of the Municipality’s multi-use trail system. Building on foundational work, including the municipal Trails Strategy Initiative report, the Trails Coordinator will take a staged approach to expand and enhance trail infrastructure, access, and programming. This role requires strong collaboration with municipal departments, community stakeholders, and approval authorities to secure access across Crown, municipal, county, and private lands.
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Responsibilities
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- Implement and update the existing Trails Strategy in alignment with municipal goals and community needs and develop policies and procedures pertaining to the Trails Initiative.
- Coordinate the planning, design, and phased development of multi-use trails and ensure accessible to individuals with disabilities and accommodate diverse user groups.
- Design and implement a comprehensive trail signage system that is inclusive, accessible, and easily understood by all user groups (e.g., hikers, cyclists, snowmobilers, etc.).
- Liaise with landowners, Indigenous communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to negotiate and secure land access agreements.
- Establish, liaise and maintain a positive relationship with the residents, business community, local boards and authorities, provincial and federal governments.
- Promote trail use through community engagement, education, and outreach initiatives.
- Monitor trail usage through the installation of trail counters and gather feedback to inform future planning.
- Ensure compliance with environmental, legal, and regulatory requirements for trail development and use.
- Research and apply for grants and funding opportunities to support trail initiatives.
- Develop and assist with managing project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and within established parameters.
- Assist the Property Supervisor with preparing and compiling budget estimates for operational and capital expenditures and revenues; monitor monthly budget as approved by Council.
- Perform safety audits as required and suggest or implement safety measures and signage along trails and within parks to ensure the well-being of users.
- Oversee trail maintenance standards and coordinate with operations staff or contractors.
- Assist with trail maintenance and inspections.
- Develop and assist with promotional materials for the municipal trail system.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for Council review and approval on day-to-day operations and new or proposed legislation or resolutions to address such recommendations.
- Attend regular or special Council meetings to communicate and interface with the Mayor, Council and the public on matters as required and carry out Council direction.
- Assist the Property Supervisor with directing formal contracts, tenders and quotations for materials and equipment required to meet the Municipal Procurement Policy, including advertisement for tenders, negotiation with suppliers and payment of invoices.
- Ability to research, source solutions, and implement best practices to ensure performance meets or exceeds standards set by comparable municipalities.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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Skills
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- Proficiency in GIS mapping tools, Microsoft Office Suite and general computer competency is an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills to engage with diverse community stakeholders effectively, and foster partnerships with community organizations.
- Understanding of land use planning, and sustainable and environmentally responsible practices and regulations in trail design/development principles.
- Working knowledge of federal, provincial, and municipal legislation and regulations pertaining to public lands such as the Planning Act.
- General knowledge of organizations, industry associations and government programs related to the trails industry, would be considered an asset.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Highly organized with the ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, promote a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment, and ensure a spirit of teamwork by promoting the benefits of collaboration and consultation in a municipal setting.
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects and budgets successfully.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidence and promote an ethical work environment.
- Demonstrated ability to act in accordance with established guidelines, follow standard procedures and enforce policies, procedures, and legislation such as Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, etc.
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Education
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- Post-secondary education in Environmental Studies, Recreation Management, Urban Planning, or a related field.
- Valid G License in good standing and reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.
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Experience
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- Minimum 2 years of experience in trail development, parks planning, or community project coordination.
- Experience working with multiple levels of government and private landowners, would be an asset.
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Working Conditions
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- The Trails Coordinator is expected to work within an office environment. Ability to sit for long periods of time reviewing or inputting information into the computer system. Incumbent has the ability to move freely to reduce fatigue.
- Outside work is also expected and the incumbent could be exposed to all weather conditions.
- Typical work week will be 30 hours per week, days of work may vary. Weekend or evening work may be a requirement from time to time.
- Position requires visual and metal concentration with regular interruptions from co-workers and the public.
- Physical activity includes lifting and bending for file maintenance. Also required to traverse the municipal trail systems on foot or use of municipal vehicles including side by side.
- Attendance at meetings when required.
- Exposure to predetermined deadlines, interruptions and setting priorities.
- Deals with difficult customers occasionally.
- Occasional lifting and carrying of items weighing less than 30 lbs (i.e., office supplies).
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How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our dedicated team of municipal professionals, applications clearly marked “Application – Part-Time, Trails Coordinator” may be submitted on or before 12:00 p.m, Tuesday, May 5, 2026 via email, mail, in person, or fax. Interested applicants may submit their resume, including references, in confidence to:
Tracy Vader, HR/Payroll Coordinator
Municipality of Highlands East
P.O. Box 295, 2249 Loop Road
Wilberforce, ON K0L 3C0
Fax: 705-448-2532
E-Mail: humanresources@highlandseast.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Municipality of Highlands East is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants requiring accommodation are asked to contact the HR/Payroll Coordinator.
Applicant information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used to determine qualifications for employment with the Municipality of Highlands East. Questions about this collection should be directed to Tracy Vader, HR/Payroll Coordinator.