Description:
The Regional Trails Steward provides leadership, coordination, and support for trail stewardship efforts across Iron County. This position combines hands-on trail maintenance work with community engagement, trail monitoring, data management, and volunteer coordination to promote sustainable recreation infrastructure across the region.
The role supports regional trail systems, including Cedar City-area networks (Three Peaks,
Southview), Dixie National Forest, and surrounding partner-managed lands. The Steward serves as a liaison between the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC), Iron Trailcraft, and community partners while gaining valuable professional experience in outdoor recreation leadership, public land stewardship, and project coordination.
This position offers hands-on experience in regional trail management and is designed to support students pursuing careers in Outdoor Recreation, Public Administration, Environmental
Studies, Natural Resources, or related fields.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct trail condition monitoring, document maintenance issues and needs, and directly address them through hands-on labor and field work.
- Plan and lead volunteer build days for larger trail projects, coordinating logistics, safety, and task assignments.
- Perform physical trail maintenance tasks including tread repair, drainage work, brushing, and other hands-on stewardship activities.
- Update and maintain trail inventory platforms, utilizing Trailforks and related data systems.
- Serve as a regional point person for local trail stewardship initiatives.
- Communicate project goals, priorities, and progress with IIC staff and partner organizations.
- Track and report work completed, volunteer participation, mileage, and project outcomes.
- Promote Leave No Trace principles and responsible recreation practices.
- Ensure all field activities follow established safety protocols and stewardship best practices.
- Provide practical insight into trail conditions informed by personal user experience.
- Represent the IIC, SUU, and partner organizations professionally with community members and the public.
- Assist with logistics, including transportation planning, field scheduling, and safety preparation.
- Support identification of emerging trail needs and recommend stewardship actions when appropriate.
Qualifications:
- Must be age 21+.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must have a valid drivers license.
- Incoming, current, or recent SUU student.
- Ability to work full days outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
- Physical ability to hike long distances and perform moderate to strenuous trail maintenance tasks; must be able to move and manipulate heavy loads up to 75+ pounds.
- Must be an active and avid mountain biker with demonstrated experience riding trails in the region.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining clear communication with supervisors and partners.
- Organized, dependable, and committed to fostering positive community relationships.