Trails & Backcountry Team Lead

Trails & Backcountry Team Lead

• Company website link: https://www.alberta.ca

• Company name: Government of Alberta

• Location: Kananaskis Village, AB

• Postal Code: T0L 2H0

• Region: Alberta

• Company Office local Address: Kananaskis Village Administration Office, Kananaskis, AB

• Contact info: +1 403-591-7755

• Email address: info@gov.ab.ca

• Country: Canada

• Job Type: Full-Time

• Job Average Salary rate: CAD 75,000 – CAD 95,000 yearly

• Currency: CAD

Job description

Job Information

Job Title: Trails & Backcountry Team Lead

Job Requisition ID: 74972

Ministry: Forestry and Parks

Location: Kananaskis Region of Alberta Parks

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary: Permanent

Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: October 3, 2025

Classification: Technologies 6

Salary: $2,972.85 to $3,903.67 bi-weekly ($77,591 – $101,885/year)

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported. For more information on diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/diversity-inclusion-policy.aspx .

Alberta’s Parks and Public Lands are essential to the quality of life that Albertans enjoy. Alberta’s parks inspire people to discover, value, protect and enjoy the natural world and the benefits it provides for current and future generations. Parks Division is responsible for infrastructure management and development for both Alberta Parks and Public Lands to ensure outdoor, nature-based recreation opportunities for all Albertans that are safe, sustainable, accessible, and enjoyable while balancing conservation values.

For more information about the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, please visit our website at: https://www.alberta.ca/forestry-and-parks .

Role Responsibilities

Are you ready to lead one of the most dynamic and rewarding outdoor recreation programs in Alberta? As the Trails and Backcountry Team Lead for the Kananaskis Region of Alberta Parks, you will be at the forefront of shaping sustainable, world-class trail and backcountry experiences for Albertans and visitors alike.

This is more than a job; it is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in one of Alberta’s most cherished outdoor landscapes. In this role, you will lead diverse and skilled teams in delivering a comprehensive, year-round program that supports safe, accessible, and environmentally responsible outdoor recreation. This work directly contributes to Alberta’s growing tourism economy across varied terrain, spanning the Lower Foothills through to the Alpine Subregion.

Critical Aspects Of The Role Include

Leading with purpose: Provide strategic direction and operational oversight to multiple teams responsible for trail and backcountry maintenance, infrastructure design and construction, including winter operations including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.

Being a collaboration champion: Build and nurture critical relationships with local communities, volunteer agencies, and a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring trails and recreation stewardship are focused on achieving mutual success.

Innovating: Drive innovation at this unique point in history, with opportunities to spearhead initiatives that improve data management, enhance trail sustainability, and modernize organizational approaches, ensuring continuous improvement across all work units.

Managing operational complexity: The position will balance leadership, planning, budgeting, and risk management to deliver successful outcomes in an evolving landscape and environment.

This role is ideal for a leader with a deep appreciation for Alberta’s natural landscapes and the ability to manage increasingly complex field operations. The successful candidate will possess a unique blend of technical trail-building knowledge, an understanding of snow science and its impact on the development of world-class winter recreation opportunities, and expertise in stakeholder diplomacy. They will not only love being outdoors and consider it their happy place but also be excited to spend weeks in the office, driven by a commitment to public service and the complexities that this rewarding role provides.

Please click on this link to view the job description.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf .

Qualifications

Two-year technical diploma in civil engineering, natural resource management or outdoor recreation leadership may be considered along with 6 or more years of related experience supervising multi-disciplinary teams in field and operational contexts.

Equivalency : Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education. Special Requirement: Physically able to perform the manual duties found in the position assignment

A valid Class 5 driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, engage communities, and foster collaboration across diverse groups.
• Thorough knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislation, along with other key legislation, policies, and guidelines, such as those related to species at risk and avian protection (e.g. Migratory Birds Convention Act) is essential. Familiarity with land and resource management legislation including, but not limited to, the Provincial Parks Act, the Public Lands Act, Historical Resources Act, Fisheries Act, is also required.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, coordinating, and evaluating complex initiatives.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage teams, guide change, and hold self and others accountable for results.

Assets
• Experience in trails or backcountry operations, outdoor recreation planning, or environmental stewardship.
• Knowledge of government policies, processes, and decision-making frameworks.
• Professional designations or certifications such as Project Management (PMP).

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards .

Notes

Hours of work are Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week. Some weekend or evening work may be required depending on operational priorities.

Candidates must be physically capable of performing the essential duties of the position such as lifting, hiking on uneven terrain, operating equipment, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

What The GoA Has To Offer
• Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx .
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca .
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information – https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits .
• Professional learning and development – https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive .
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca .
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.

“Excerpt from the official job listing”

See full job description from the company website.

Job Summary

The Trails & Backcountry Team Lead oversees maintenance, development, and safety of trails and backcountry areas. This role manages teams, coordinates projects, ensures environmental stewardship, and engages stakeholders to deliver high-quality, sustainable outdoor experiences in alignment with provincial standards.

About Us

The Government of Alberta provides responsible stewardship of natural resources, parks, and recreation areas to enhance public access, safety, and enjoyment. We focus on sustainable management, environmental protection, and community engagement, ensuring outdoor spaces remain accessible and preserved for future generations while delivering high-quality programs and services.

Culture and Work Environment

We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and environmentally conscious workplace. Employees work closely with teams, share knowledge, and innovate to improve operations while balancing fieldwork demands, administrative responsibilities, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability.

Why Work With Us

Working with the Government of Alberta allows you to lead outdoor projects that impact community experiences. We offer career growth, hands-on leadership opportunities, and the ability to contribute to environmental preservation and sustainable recreation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead trail and backcountry maintenance, development, and safety initiatives.

• Supervise and coordinate teams in field and administrative operations.

• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

• Plan and manage projects, budgets, and resources.

• Collaborate with stakeholders, community groups, and partners.

Key Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in environmental management, forestry, or related field.

• Experience managing teams and outdoor projects.

• Knowledge of trail construction, backcountry operations, and safety protocols.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work in challenging outdoor environments.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive health, dental, and pension coverage.

• Paid leave and wellness programs.

• Professional development and leadership training.

• Fieldwork experience and flexible schedules.

• Supportive, inclusive, and environmentally focused culture.

Location Insights

Kananaskis Village offers a unique outdoor lifestyle with access to mountainous terrain, recreational trails, and protected natural areas. The location provides both professional and personal growth opportunities for individuals passionate about conservation and outdoor leadership.

Job Overview Table Category Details Position Trails & Backcountry Team Lead Company Government of Alberta Location Kananaskis Village, AB, Canada Salary Range CAD 75,000 – 95,000 yearly Type Full-Time Common 5 Interview Questions and Tips

Describe your experience managing outdoor teams or trail projects. (Provide specific leadership examples.)

How do you ensure safety and environmental compliance in backcountry areas? (Highlight protocols.)

Share a project where you improved trail infrastructure or visitor experience. (Emphasize outcomes.)

How do you manage limited resources and project timelines? (Show problem-solving skills.)

Why do you want to lead trails and backcountry operations with Alberta Parks? (Align passion with role.)

Market-Based Salary Overview and Analysis

Trails and backcountry leadership positions in Alberta typically earn between CAD 70,000 and CAD 100,000 annually. Government roles provide additional benefits, pension plans, and job stability, offering competitive total compensation compared to similar private-sector or conservation-focused roles.

Disclaimer

We aggregate publicly available job listings and link to the original source. We are not the hiring company and do not manage the recruitment process. Please apply only through the official careers website above.

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The Government of Alberta is hiring a Trails & Backcountry Team Lead in Kananaskis Village, AB. Review responsibilities, qualifications, and salary, and apply through the official careers website.

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