Trails and Youth Programs Coordinator

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) is seeking a seasonal, full-time Trail and Youth Programs Coordinator to support trail stewardship efforts through VVMTA’s Adopt a Trail program, while also overseeing youth crews participating in the Eagle County Youth Corps (ECYC) program. This position works closely with VVMTA’s Trail Stewardship Manager and partner organizations to lead volunteer trail projects, coordinate Adopt A Trail efforts, and provide hands-on supervision, mentorship, and leadership to high school–aged youth participating in the ECYC program.

The ideal candidate is an experienced trail professional who excels at working with volunteers and youth, managing field projects, and fostering a positive, educational, and safe work environment. This role blends trail project leadership, volunteer coordination, and youth development in a dynamic outdoor setting.

The VVMTA launched the Adopt A Trail (AAT) program in 2016 with 30 local volunteer teams adopting 30 trails to maintain. Since then, the program has grown to include 60 volunteer teams adopting over 50 trails across all land managers in Eagle County that are maintained by an army of local volunteer trail stewards. Annually, the program engages over 800 volunteers who provide over 3,000 hours of volunteer trail stewardship activities.

The Eagle County Youth Corps (ECYC) is a collaborative summer program led by the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) in partnership with Walking Mountains that provides paid, hands-on stewardship and workforce development opportunities for local high school–aged youth. Through multi-week summer sessions, ECYC engages crews of young adults in trail maintenance, environmental restoration, and public lands stewardship projects across Eagle County.

Participants gain practical skills in safe tool use, teamwork, and outdoor leadership while learning about ecology, land management, and career pathways in conservation. The program fosters environmental stewardship, builds job readiness, and empowers youth to become active caretakers of Eagle County’s public lands.

• May 4th, 2026 – October 10th, 2026
• Opportunity to begin part-time work during the planning season, prior to the May 4 seasonal start date
• Average of 35 hours per week
• Monday–Friday schedule with occasional evenings and weekends
• ECYC program weeks typically run Monday–Thursday, full-day field schedules

• Scout, identify, and inventory trail maintenance projects across Eagle County
• Plan, schedule, and execute trail stewardship projects in coordination with the Trail Stewardship Coordinator
• Lead supervised trail workdays with Adopt A Trail volunteer teams
• Maintain organized records of completed and upcoming trail projects
• Convey the mission, values, and goals of the Adopt A Trail program to volunteers
• Clean, maintain, inventory, and transport tools and equipment
• Document trail work with detailed before-and-after photos
• Log all trail workdays and volunteer hours
• Communicate regularly with land managers, volunteers, and VVMTA staff

• Serve as a field leader and supervisor for ECYC crews (high school–aged participants) across two, 2-week summer sessions
• Provide daily supervision, mentorship, and instruction to youth crew members
• Lead and participate in trail maintenance, restoration, and stewardship projects alongside ECYC participants
• Teach and reinforce safe tool use, trail etiquette, teamwork, and professional conduct
• Support educational components including environmental stewardship, land management awareness, and career exposure
• Foster inclusive, positive group dynamics and model strong work ethic and leadership
• Collaborate with partner organizations (e.g., Walking Mountains) and fellow crew leaders
• Participate in pre- and post-project briefings, trainings, and evaluations; represent VVMTA and partner organizations in a respectful, professional manner

• Other volunteer trail projects could include: VVMTA…