Park Specialist - Trails

Park Specialist – Trails

and help shape exceptional outdoor experiences, where you will lead in the planning, maintenance, and enhancement of trails, greenways, natural areas, and wetland mitigation sites. In this dynamic role, you'll guide staff, manage equipment and resources, and drive improvements that keep our public spaces thriving. If you’re energized by stewardship, organization, and hands‑on leadership, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

The Trails Park Specialist plans, schedules, establishes performance standards, monitors and implements all work activities in the Trails program which includes trails and greenways, open space natural areas and wetland mitigation. This includes maintaining inventory of all Trails program areas and their needs, providing technical direction and training to staff, providing input on budgetary requirements, recommending new construction and renovation, and developing and implementing an integrated pest management program for area of responsibility.

Responsible for the selection, care, operation and replacement of all equipment for the program area. Oversees all staff assigned to program area and provides input on performance evaluations. Participates in the hiring of seasonal employees, subject to supervisor approval. Tracks and orders materials, equipment and supplies for program area, including price and product evaluation as well as bid packet creation and evaluation.

Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service.

This position will start at Step 1 ($37.75/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $37.75 - $49.24. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time:
Fri. 08/24/26 8:30 AM Pacific Time

• Three years’ experience in grounds care, forestry, vegetation control, trail maintenance or trail construction;
• One year of vocational school or related coursework in horticulture/grounds/turf care may substitute for one year of required experience;
• Knowledge of all facets of park trails and grounds care for the local ecology;
• One year lead worker experience preferred.

• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Employment contingent upon passing criminal convictions check and child and adult abuse records check (See fair hiring practices);
• Valid Washington State driver’s license by the time of hire and good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted prior to hire;
• Ability to secure a Commercial Driver’s…