Ruffner Mountain Park Manager

The Park Manager is responsible for the safety, security, and accessibility of Ruffner Mountain’s public areas: trails, trailheads, parking, structures, and restrooms. Duties include vendor management, groundskeeping, trail and road maintenance, equipment and facility management, and maintenance. The position will report directly to the Superintendent of Jefferson County Greenways.

Position Responsibilities

Grounds, Access Roads, & Public Facilities

• Responsible for developing a seasonal maintenance plan. 
• Performs administrative, coordination, planning, and supervision of technicians and land stewards to ensure regular upkeep and maintenance of Ruffner Mountain grounds, entrances, trailheads, parking areas and public facilities including: 
  
  • Mowing, edging, trimming, blowing, pruning trees and shrubs, watering, mulching, raking, hoeing, digging, chipping brush, weeding, deadheading, and edging.
  • Cleans and removes litter from grounds, parking lots, and other public areas; assesses and orders proper waste receptacles/containers and materials.
  • Repairs, sands, scrapes, paints, or stains: tables, benches, fences, kiosks, signs, doors, gates, railings, and small structures.
  • Maintains, cleans, services, repairs, and/or replaces irrigation systems and equipment.
  • Maintains all lots and/or right-of-ways within Ruffner Mountain’s boundary in accordance with Municipal code.
  • Maintains inventory and stocking of vending machines.
  • Ensure that all access roads are clear and maintained according to Land Management Policy.
  • Ensure the pavilion and nature center are maintained, stocked, and clean during operating hours.
• Oversees and inspects the work performed by consultants and contractors; ensures that work product is compliant with contract provisions, standards, and legal and regulatory requirements
• Assist with programs, volunteer days, and related special events, including ordering materials and setting up equipment.
• Maintains and updates the project inventory list specific to Ruffner Mountain.
• Oversees the development of a master maintenance plan for East Side Park (in development)
• Provide occasional coaching of maintenance personnel supporting maintenance activities at Ruffner Mountain.

Visitor Relations, Enforcement, & Safety

• Ensures gate and other security elements are in working order and open in accordance with park hours.
• Performs customer service functions; provides information and assistance relating to visitor parking permits and enforcement, questions about the park, facilities, or activities.
• Responds to routine questions/complaints; researches problems and initiates problem resolution.
• Collects visitor counter data, creates quarterly reports of usage and trends. 
• Oversees the emergency response plans and signage in collaboration with first responders, tracks incidents
• Ensures all signage is properly maintained and provides appropriate information
• Enforces park ordinances and rules in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Maintains, services, repairs, and/or replaces Trail Cameras, security and surveillance cameras /systems. Communicate information and findings with local authorities as needed.

Trail Management

• Regularly inspect all trails and structures (signage, trailheads) for damage and vandalism:
  
  • Reports and repairs any damage or vandalism. 
  • Ensure trails are clear of debris and litter and safe for visiting students and the public.
  • Maintains all signage to Land Management and organizational standards.
  • Manages trail closures, ensuring follow-through and completion.
• Develops a plan for reducing non-official trails within the park and ensures closure of non-official trails.
• Work independently and collaboratively with staff and volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels to perform year-round trail maintenance and repair.

Equipment Management

• Maintain all tools, vehicles, and equipment owned or leased by the Jefferson County Greenways Commission.
  
  • Follows federal procurement guidelines for all equipment purchases and work orders.
  • Develops a maintenance plan for Tools and Vehicles.
  • Organization and upkeep of all tools, equipment, work areas, and storage.
  • Washes and cleans storage area, vehicle, and maintenance equipment.
• Purchase appropriate tools and supplies; provide written estimates for projects that include the amount of materials, projected costs, and completion time.

Conservation Land Management Support as needed

• Habitat management; collaborates with Conservation staff on invasive species control using multiple techniques, tree planting and other restoration activities, assisting with scientific research and other land stewardship tasks, as needed and appropriate.
• Ensures all resource management and stewardship of the property activity is achieved in accordance with management partners and regulatory agencies, including Forever Wild Land Trust, Alabama State Lands Division, Alabama Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Staff, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

General Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders that are involved in the operations, including but not limited to: the City of Irondale, City of Birmingham, Alabama State Lands, Jefferson County Greenways Commission, Jefferson County Greenways Foundation, corporate volunteers, Scout Projects, and other community stakeholders as needed.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and being on-call.
• Ability to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged terrain.
• Working knowledge of GPS/Geographical Information System Mapping (GIS)
• General principles of construction, plumbing, electrical, masonry, and painting work; operation and maintenance of common types of light to heavy equipment used in construction and landscaping.
• Skill to: fabricate and weld metal; use and manipulate small hand tools such as screwdrivers and hammers, as well as larger tools such as shovels, trowels, rakes; construct, maintain, and repair various types of structures.
• Attention to detail and ability to accurately track and report on project metrics, activities, and accomplishments.
• Proficient with Google Suite and data entry. Experience with office equipment, printers, and computers.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification or the willingness to acquire it after being hired.
• General knowledge of flora and fauna of Alabama.
• Leave-No-Trace certification or willingness to acquire within 30 days of hire.
• Pesticide/Herbicide Applicator Permit or the willingness to acquire within 180 days of hire.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured 
• A genuine passion for environmental education and land conservation. 
• Fluency in Spanish is highly desired but not required.

Applicants subject to a Background Check, Driving Record Check and Drug Screening

Compensation

• Full-time position: 40 hours/week (weekend coverage is required)
• Salary Range: $55,000 to $65,000
• Health/Dental Coverage through the State Employees Insurance Board
• Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off - starting at 18 days a year
• Retirement benefits through Retirement Systems of Alabama - Employee contribution of 6%, Employer contribution of 16.02%

Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to La Fran Marks, Superintendent, Jefferson County Greenways at fran@jeffcogreenways.org.

Position closes: June 16, 2025

__________________________________________

‍

Seasonal Support Technician

This is an exciting opportunity to join a diverse, talented, and passionate team. The Seasonal Support Technician will assist with day-to-day maintenance, upkeep, and patrol of Jefferson County Greenway grounds, facilities, public areas, and additional parcels. The summer season brings an increase of visitors to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, especially on weekends. The Seasonal Support Technician provides needed assistance to Park Managers, Maintenance Technicians and Conservation Staff by providing Greenspace coverage.

Position Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Park Managers, the Seasonal Support Technician supports day-to-day operations at one or more park locations, with special emphasis on the following:

Grounds and Facilities

Performs regular patrols of grounds, trailheads, parking lots and related public facilities including: 

• Cleans and removes litter from grounds, parking lots, and other public areas; assesses, empties, and maintains proper waste receptacles/containers and materials
• Interacts with visitors to welcome them, helps guide them and answer questions
• Observes visitor use areas and helps to maintain a safe environment for all
• Enforces ordinances and rules tactfully and courteously
• Helps to support activities such as programs and events by setting up, cleaning up, assisting guests, or guiding volunteers
• Observes grounds, trails, structures, and signage
• Reports and repairs damage or vandalism
• Repairs tables, benches, fences, kiosks, signs, doors, gates, railing, and small structures

Equipment 

• Uses equipment safely and as directed
• Helps to maintain tools and equipment owned or leased by the Jefferson County Greenways
• Organization and routine maintenance of all tools, equipment, work areas, and storage
• Washes and cleans storage areas, vehicles, and maintenance equipment

Other

• Follows guidance and task assignments from Park Managers and reports activities
• Follows safety and personal protective equipment guidelines
• Provides information and assistance relating to facilities or activities
• Responds to routine questions/complaints; reports significant events to Park Manager
• Performs opening and closing procedures as needed
• Occasionally may undertake other land stewardship tasks, as needed and appropriate, such as invasive species control, tree planting and other restoration activities

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to work with a team or independently, taking the initiative to solve problems
• Ability to work weekends on a seasonal basis
• Ability to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged, outdoor terrain including fieldwork on foot and with equipment
• Ability to maintain a valid Alabama Drivers License
• Ability to use a computer or smartphone for communication and reporting
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with guests and coworkers
• Attention to detail and ability to accurately track and report on project metrics, activities, and accomplishments
• A genuine passion for environmental education and land conservation

Exceptional candidates will have some or all of the following: 

• Fluent in Spanish
• Knowledge of flora and fauna native to Alabama
• Knowledge of invasive species
• Knowledge of GPS/GIS
• Knowledge of trail construction and maintenance techniques
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification
• Leave-No-Trace certification
• Pesticide/Herbicide Applicator Permit
• Commercial Driver License
• Skilled in small engine and vehicle repairs and maintenance
• Skilled in operation of heavy equipment such as tractors or construction equipment
• Skilled in principles of construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, and painting; operation and maintenance of types of equipment used in construction and landscaping
• Skill to use and manipulate small hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, and saws as well as larger tools such as shovels, trowels, and rakes; construct, maintain, and repair various types of structures used in park access and use
• Ability to safely and effectively use power equipment such as wood saws, drills, chainsaws, weed trimmers, and brush blades

COMPENSATION

• Part-time position: 24-30 hours/week (weekend coverage is required)
• No additional benefits are provided
• Pay Range: $15

Applicants subject to a Background Check, Driving Record Check and Drug Screening

Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to Amy Conyers, Deputy Superintendent, Jefferson County Greenways at amy@jeffcogreenways.org.

Position closes: June 14, 2025

__________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in position descriptions has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in these positions. These job descriptions are not intended to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and work conditions of employees assigned to jobs. Management has sole discretion to add or modify the duties of positions, working hours, and designate other functions as essential at any point in time. These job descriptions are not an employment agreement or contract. 

Studies have shown that underrepresented groups, including women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job from diverse backgrounds and with attention to lived experience. Jefferson County Greenways will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

‍