Recreation Infrastructure Development Coordinator - Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) 15744
Description
The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) in the Office of the Provost at West Virginia University is seeking applications for a Recreation Infrastructure Development Coordinator. The Coordinator will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, implementation, oversight, and evolution of outdoor recreation infrastructure development for West Virginia University. The Coordinator will be the key leader for driving ongoing planning, development, implementation, and operations of infrastructure to enhance access/experience of West Virginia's natural assets in outdoor recreation. Some of the activities include community engagement, planning (feasibility, concept, master, etc.), design, construction documentation, permitting, construction management, long-term maintenance planning and implementation, and land management and other government entity engagement. This position will be responsible for supporting grant writing, curricular initiatives, student engagement activities, and support the OEDC and faculty partners in Landscape Architecture, Agricultural Extension, and Recreation, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Resources, among other programs in a variety of projects relating to outdoor recreation. This is a full-time, 12-month position reporting to the Assistant Dean for the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) and working extensively with the Dean of the Davis College (which manages the WVU farm and forest properties).
West Virginia has a wealth of natural outdoor resources, with abundant trails, whitewater, fly-fishing, and rock-climbing. Morgantown's 48-mile Rail-Trail system, the Mon River Trails, won the 2020 Rail Trail Conservancy's 'Rail Trail Hall of Fame' national award. The Monongahela River and Cheat Lake offer flatwater paddling; Mon River is a designated water trail, with recent investment in kayak launches throughout Morgantown. There are also over 23,000 acres of existing/potential public greenspace within 25 minutes' drive of Morgantown, with over 100 miles of existing trails. With so many natural amenities within easy distances of Morgantown, WVU has been rated the top (large) college out of 9 states in the southeast and mid-Atlantic for outdoor adventure (Blue Ridge Magazine, 2020). Morgantown has accrued a long list of recognitions as an excellent place to live, to raise a family, or to retire (see https://www.morgantownwv.gov/240/Recognition).
Duties and Responsibilities
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Development (70%)
Develop and lead the outdoor infrastructure development strategy, policies, and processes, working with the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative and the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.
Provide leadership for OEDC and Davis College outdoor recreation development initiatives, collaborating effectively with faculty and staff supporting these efforts.
Work with land management agencies, non-profits, volunteer advocates, and other government entities in the development of the infrastructure (including easements, permitting, reporting, etc).
Lead planning, design, construction, maintenance, and management of outdoor recreation facilities, including but not limited to: multi-use trails, paved trails, mountain bike optimized trails, trailheads, water put-ins, climbing areas, etc.
Work with various stakeholder groups and university partners to develop project plans for construction.
Develop cost estimates and budgets for established and proposed projects.
Pursue funding to support outdoor recreation project implementation. Support and sometimes lead communities, non-profits, and WVU in grant applications to support outdoor recreation infrastructure initiatives.
Develop maintenance/management plans for new outdoor rec facilities, as they are implemented.
Engage in outreach with other West Virginia communities to support them in developing and enhancing outdoor recreation infrastructure that can recognized by national groups (such as: designation as IMBA ride centers, bike friendly communities, trail towns, etc.)
Education Support (20%)
Engage with students, faculty, staff, and the community in planning, design, and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Develop workshops, trainings, etc. to support growing the outdoor economy throughout the state.
Work with industry experts and university faculty to identify research gaps and support the efforts to address these gaps.
Work with communities, the state, and WVU (including faculty, staff, and students) to report the process and impact of the infrastructure development.
Support ongoing efforts to develop / enhance teaching curricula in recreation infrastructure development. This could include guest lecturing, student supervision, partnering with faculty in curriculum development, and teaching (if the successful candidate holds a master's degree or PhD)
Present at state, regional, and national conferences.
Other (10%)
Create detailed reports and/or publications around the metrics gathered from program activities, collaborating with WVU faculty, staff, and partners.
Report/document the process and impact of West Virginia's outdoor recreation infrastructure, working with WVU faculty, staff, and students (as well as local communities and the state).
Identify, monitor, and promote the impacts, outcomes, and benefits of outdoor recreation infrastructure development projects and partnerships
Engage with national organizations, industry, and thought leaders about outdoor recreation infrastructure development in WV.
Represent WVU, OEDC, and Davis College in stakeholder meetings related to outdoor recreation infrastructure development
Support faculty in the OEDC and Davis College in their research efforts pertaining to outdoor recreation infrastructure development
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree is required.
Master's degree in a related field is preferred.
A minimum of three (3) years of progressive program management and development.
Community engagement for recreation related projects.
Experience in outdoor recreation infrastructure development.
Knowledge and experience with the outdoor recreation industry.
Demonstrated ability to balance multiple projects, partners, and stakeholders while working to develop innovative, strategic, and thoughtful solutions for outdoor recreation projects.
Experience working with government agency land mangers (local, county, state, and federal) in interpreting / applying relevant land management policy and practices.
Experience facilitating workshops and community meetings.
Knowledge of how outdoor recreation infrastructure coalesce with downtown businesses, retail, hospitality, entertainment, k-12, real estate, and other entities to create vibrant outdoor communities.
Self-motivated innovator, who looks for unique opportunities to contribute to progress (WVU and state)
Skilled in a variety of office-based software systems (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Skilled in a variety of consulting/contracting-specific software systems (e.g., GIS, MS Project) and/or design software (Adobe, AutoCAD).
Requirements
Resume.
Cover Letter.
Three (3) professional references with their full contact information.
Valid Driver's License.
Qualifications to prepare and/or evaluate construction documents: licensed contractor, landscape architect, engineer, or the ability to pursue such licensure within first 18 months of appointment.
If you have any questions, please contact Danny Twilley, PhD at danny.twilley@mail.wvu.edu or phone 410-708-7254.
About WVU
At West Virginia University, we pride ourselves on a tireless endeavor for achievement. We are home to some of the most passionate, innovative minds in the country who push their limits for the sake of progress, constantly moving the world forward. Our students, faculty and staff make this institution one of the best out there, and we are proud to stand as one voice, one university, one WVU. Find out more about your opportunities as a Mountaineer at https://talentandculture.wvu.edu
West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer, and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.
Job Posting: Nov 2, 2020
Posting Classification: Non-Classified
Exemption Status: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule: Full-time
Internal Number: 214323
About West Virginia University
West Virginia University, founded in 1867, has a long and rich history as a public, land-grant institution. WVU encourages scholarship and offers high-quality academic programs while serving the state of West Virginia and the nation. WVU statewide includes campuses in Beckley, Charleston, Keyser, Martinsburg and Morgantown – which has been ranked as a #1 Small City in America. WVU is an R1 Doctoral Research University (Highest Research Activity), one of only 115 nationwide. WVU offers 212 degrees throughout the 14 colleges and schools. Areas of specialty include STEM education, healthcare in Appalachia, shale gas utilization, radio astronomy and forensics. WVU researchers have helped confirm the existence of gravitational waves and uncovered diesel vehicle emissions discrepancies. Statewide, there are over 31,000 graduate and undergraduate students along with 190,000 alumni worldwide. WVU is reinventing West Virginia’s future by strengthening education, healthcare and broad-based prosperity.
