Bike Park Trail Designer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of active lifestyles and outdoor recreation, the focus on bike park trail designers has never been sharper.
As the popularity of biking grows, so does the demand for innovative minds who can create, improve, and maintain our biking trails.
But let’s dig a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a bike park trail designer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
- A hiring manager mapping out the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the art of trail design,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable bike park trail designer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s pedal right into it.
Bike Park Trail Designer Duties and Responsibilities
Bike Park Trail Designers are responsible for the creation and maintenance of bike trails in a park setting.
They need to have a comprehensive understanding of terrain, environmental impact, rider safety, and trail construction techniques.
The duties and responsibilities of a Bike Park Trail Designer include:
- Analyze the physical characteristics of the site, including soil, vegetation, and topography
- Plan and design a variety of bike trails, considering different skill levels and rider interests
- Prepare detailed drawings and specifications for trail construction
- Work closely with construction crews, overseeing the implementation of design plans
- Perform regular inspections of bike trails to ensure safety and quality standards are maintained
- Make necessary adjustments or repairs to trails as needed
- Implement erosion control measures to protect the environment and ensure the longevity of trails
- Coordinate with park management and local authorities for necessary permits and approvals
- Engage with park users to receive feedback and suggestions for improvements
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements in trail design and construction
Bike Park Trail Designer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a creative and dedicated Bike Park Trail Designer to design and oversee the construction of bike trails in our parks.
The Bike Park Trail Designer will be responsible for designing trails that meet safety standards, provide enjoyable experiences for riders of all skill levels, and comply with environmental regulations.
Our ideal candidate has a passion for cycling, a deep understanding of trail design principles, and experience working on similar projects.
Responsibilities
- Designing, planning and overseeing the construction of bike trails.
- Carrying out site inspections to assess the feasibility of potential trail locations.
- Preparing detailed design drawings and specifications.
- Working closely with construction crews and park staff to ensure that trails are built to design specifications.
- Conducting regular safety inspections and arranging for maintenance work as required.
- Collaborating with park management to develop trail signage and maps.
- Consulting with local communities and stakeholders to address any concerns and incorporate feedback into trail design.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Trail Designer or similar role.
- Strong knowledge of bike trail design principles and safety standards.
- Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD or similar.
- Excellent project management skills.
- A degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field would be advantageous.
- Experience with environmental impact assessments.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Bike Park Trail Designer
- Work Environment: Mostly outdoor work with some office-based planning and design work. Some travel may be required to visit trail locations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Parks and Recreation Director or Park Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a portfolio of previous trail design projects to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Bike Park Trail Designer Do?
Bike Park Trail Designers are specialized landscape architects who design and construct trails specifically for biking.
They work for municipalities, private companies, or as independent contractors.
They assess the land where the bike park will be built and design trails that are both challenging and enjoyable for bikers.
This often involves analyzing the natural features of the terrain and incorporating these features into the design.
Bike Park Trail Designers use a variety of tools and machinery to build the trails.
They may also design and construct features such as jumps, bridges, and pump tracks.
They must consider safety, environmental impact, and aesthetic appeal in their designs.
They often collaborate with other professionals, such as environmental scientists and engineers, to ensure the sustainability and durability of the trails.
After the trails are built, Bike Park Trail Designers may be responsible for ongoing maintenance and improvements.
They may also evaluate user feedback to continually improve the design and functionality of the bike park.
Bike Park Trail Designer Qualifications and Skills
A competent Bike Park Trail Designer should have the skills and qualifications to match your job description, such as:
- Proficient knowledge of biking and biking trails to create safe and enjoyable routes for various skill levels.
- Demonstrated ability in landscape architecture and trail design, with the ability to use topographical maps and software for planning and designing bike trails.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage the entire trail development process, from conceptualization to construction and maintenance.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills to address issues that may arise during the trail design and building process.
- Outstanding communication skills to effectively collaborate with construction teams, park managers, and local authorities.
- Environmental awareness and knowledge of sustainable trail building practices to minimize environmental impact.
- Physical fitness to hike trails, inspect terrain, and oversee construction.
- Attention to detail to ensure all aspects of trail design, including signage, safety measures, and rider experience are taken into consideration.
Bike Park Trail Designer Experience Requirements
Bike Park Trail Designers generally begin their careers by gaining experience in outdoor design, construction or landscaping, often obtaining a related degree such as landscape architecture or civil engineering.
This initial experience is key in understanding the physical and environmental factors at play when designing bike trails.
Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles in landscape design or construction.
These individuals may gain hands-on experience in trail building, park maintenance, or related outdoor roles.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of trail design, such as soil analysis, erosion control, and sustainable design principles.
They may also have experience in using specialized design software and tools and can typically handle larger and more complex trail design projects.
Professionals with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership roles within their teams.
They may have overseen large scale projects, worked with government bodies or private entities for approvals, and have a proven track record of successful bike park trail designs.
At this level, they are often responsible for training and supervising less experienced staff, as well as handling project management duties.
Bike Park Trail Designer Education and Training Requirements
Bike Park Trail Designers typically have a degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
Some may also have a background in environmental science, considering the role’s requirement to balance ecological sustainability with trail design.
Practical experience and knowledge about various biking disciplines and biking trail design are crucial for this role.
Experience can come from volunteer work, internships, or employment in park maintenance or management.
Knowledge about safety regulations and standards in trail design, construction, and maintenance is also essential.
Understanding the local geography, climatology, and ecology is advantageous as it aids in designing suitable and sustainable trails.
In addition to formal education, a certification from a recognized body like the Professional Trail Builders Association (PTBA) can be beneficial.
These certifications typically cover topics like trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, and management.
An understanding of CAD and GIS software is often required to create detailed designs and maps.
Familiarity with equipment like GPS devices for mapping and surveying can also be advantageous.
While not mandatory, a passion for outdoor activities, particularly biking, can provide a practical perspective on the design and utility of biking trails.
Working knowledge of mountain biking and familiarity with different biking styles and equipment can also be beneficial.
Bike Park Trail Designer Salary Expectations
A Bike Park Trail Designer can expect to earn an average salary of approximately $57,500 (USD) per year.
This can vary significantly based on experience, location, the complexity of the projects undertaken, and the funding resources of the hiring organization.
Bike Park Trail Designer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Bike Park Trail Designer need?
A Bike Park Trail Designer should have strong knowledge of trail building techniques and standards, with a focus on safety and sustainability.
They should possess spatial thinking and ability to visualize the trail in three dimensions.
They should have an understanding of soil types, weather patterns and environmental factors.
Additionally, project management and communication skills are also important as designers often work with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Do Bike Park Trail Designers need a degree?
While a degree in landscape architecture, environmental science or related fields can be beneficial, it is not mandatory.
However, a Bike Park Trail Designer should have some form of specialized training in trail design and construction.
Experience in biking, knowledge of bike park features and a strong understanding of rider abilities at different levels can be highly advantageous.
What should you look for in a Bike Park Trail Designer resume?
A Bike Park Trail Designer’s resume should highlight experience in trail design and construction, preferably in a bike park setting.
It should also demonstrate knowledge of environmental factors, soil types, and topography.
Any additional qualifications such as project management or civil engineering would be a plus.
Experience with CAD or other design software is often beneficial.
What qualities make a good Bike Park Trail Designer?
A good Bike Park Trail Designer should be passionate about biking and outdoor activities.
They should be creative, able to visualize and design innovative trails, yet pragmatic and focused on safety and sustainability.
They should be excellent communicators, able to work with diverse teams and stakeholders, and capable of managing a project from conception to completion.
Attention to detail and a good understanding of rider needs and abilities are also important qualities.
What are the daily duties of a Bike Park Trail Designer?
On a typical day, a Bike Park Trail Designer may start by reviewing the project plan and assessing progress.
They could spend time on-site, supervising construction and ensuring the trail is being built according to the design.
They may have meetings with stakeholders, present design plans and updates, and work on adjusting the design based on feedback or changing conditions.
They could also spend time researching new design techniques or materials to improve trail quality and sustainability.
Conclusion
And there we go.
Today, we’ve revealed the ins and outs of becoming a bike park trail designer.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about drawing trail maps.
It’s about shaping the future of outdoor recreation, one trail at a time.
With our specialized bike park trail designer job description template and real-life examples, you’re all geared up to make your move.
But why put on the brakes?
Pedal further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap to precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every trail is a part of the grand adventure.
Let’s carve that future. Together.
How to Become a Bike Park Trail Designer (Complete Guide)
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