Plano Trail Steward

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Volunteer Job Description Trail Steward Program

Program Mission:

• To encourage and promote community involvement and support for Plano Parks Nature Preserves. Natural Areas and City trails to instill a sense of pride and ownership among residents of our community and all generations to enjoy.

Job Goal:

• To provide up-to-date information on trail conditions, help deter vandalism (by being a "presence" in the field), report any work that needs to be completed. Suggestions to increase program effectiveness are encouraged!

Job Location

• The job locations include the natural surface trails within Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve and Bob Woodruff Park Open Space Preserve.

Duties:

• Walk trails, observe trail conditions, and pick up litter.
• Share park and trail information with other trail users if asked.
• Engage with strangers and explain and enforce rules in a diplomatic and non-confrontational matter.
• Hand out a business card to park users who may have questions on ordinances.
• Keep track of your volunteer hours on MyVolunteerPage.com.
• Report via text and/or email to Program Supervisor within 24 hours of walking the trails. (Pictures from the field are encouraged.)
• Things to Report:
  • When you walked (date and time).
  • Where you walked (name of park/preserve and/or natural surface trail (so staff doesn’t duplicate patrol) and general condition of trail.
  • What the overall condition of the trail was (pictures encouraged- cell phone pics. are fine).
  • Animal sightings: Bobcats, coyotes, beavers, nutria, and snakes.
  • Trail encroachments by tall grass causing unsafe conditions or inability to completely see trail.
  • Downed trees/large limbs blocking trails (try to estimate the diameter).
  • Dead or broken branches hanging over the trail.
  • Broken, loose, or missing boards on benches, boardwalks or bridges.
  • Broken/missing trail markers.
  • Graffiti (spray paint or chalk).
  • Try to keep track of the number of hikers you encounter and submit it in your report.

Qualifications:

• Must be able to walk 2 miles at a time.
• Must have a cell phone (safety).
• Must provide your own transportation to and from trails.
• Volunteers under 18 must hike with an adult.
• NOTE: This position can accommodate volunteers working as a family team or with friends.
• Knowledge of park and its features, local habitats and species, and park rules and regulations.
• Good written and communication skills. Photo skills helpful (being able to use a cell phone camera will satisfy this requirement). Ability to email reports to Program Supervisor.

Training:

• Attend volunteer orientation training.
• Attend job training, which includes job overview, items to report, things to do, and how to handle emergencies.
• Know park ordinances before going out on trails.

Dress Code:

• Have City ID (will be provided by HR and will need to be returned when volunteer resigns).
• Wear volunteer vest during all official walks (will be provided and will need to be returned when volunteer resigns).
• Carry Program Supervisor’s business card to hand out when necessary.

Time Commitment:

• Average one hike per week during the spring, summer, and fall. Winter hiking is optional.

Evaluation:

• Verbal evaluations conducted as needed by Program Supervisor.