Investing In Our KT Team

As we are all too well aware, Vermont, and the entire nation for that matter, is experiencing a staffing shortage at crisis levels. Kingdom Trails is not immune to this. This past summer we admit it was a challenge for us to hire for many of our seasonal positions. Positions that our services and trails depend on to welcome and provide a quality and safe experience for not only our trail users, but our community as well.

Our Leadership Team and Board of Directors knew it was time to take action and change gears. In order to hire and retain our incredible employees we need to better value and invest in our staff. This has always been a long term goal of ours, as outlined in our strategic plan, “to strengthen our organizational culture with an appreciation and investment in staff and encourage a healthy work environment.” Even in our own mission statement we “foster the health of our community,” which extends to our KT Team.

KT began by educating ourselves. We attended workshops on workforce development and retention such as NEK Collaborative’s Connects online gathering. We also contracted with HR experts from Kimberly Penharlow Consulting to guide us toward a stronger internal structure. Through these opportunities we have learned that KT must offer careers, paired with worthwhile, full time, salaried positions, plus benefits, to attract and maintain the amazing team that makes KT so exceptional. 

We are very happy to announce, for the first time in Kingdom Trail’s 28 year history, we are offering health benefits to our full time employees. And our package goes beyond this health benefit as we also include professional development opportunities and other perks. Our hope, with these added benefits and compatible salary, KT employees will be provided peace of mind throughout their workday knowing they are supported holistically. 

This shift has also led KT in the direction of forming our own Core Values. Through a joint process between staff and Board members, KT has agreed on guiding principles to portray our organization's beliefs. Our Core Values can also better allow employees to feel confident that they are working for a nonprofit that aligns with their personal goals and that KT is a good fit for them.

KT Core Values 

●  We welcome all who visit and live in our region.

●  We prioritize access and inclusion.

●  We use our trails with gratitude and respect.

●  We communicate with honesty and transparency.

●  We invite respectful and diverse opinions.

●  We steward smart growth in collaboration with our landowners and other stakeholders.

●  We embrace outdoor recreation, health and safety as a shared responsibility.

●  We grow wisely by listening, learning and evolving.

With this transition, KT is now proud to announce that we are looking for more motivated, passionate leaders to join our growing team! In the New Year we hope to expand by hiring a Development Director to lead fundraising, manage donor appeals and relationships, and identify grants opportunities to support sustainable funding dedicated toward KT's mission. 

A Welcome Center Manager to lead day to day operations of the best in class customer service at KT’s Welcome Center, serving as the first point of contact between visitors and KT. 

A Retail Specialist to facilitate retail sales at the KT Welcome Center and Online Store by ensuring there are meaningful products aligned to outdoor rec trends and KT’s mission. 

We encourage all those who may be interested to apply by submitting your resume and cover letter to info@kingdomtrails.org prior to Monday, January 24th at 4pm. Also keep a look out as we announce other opportunities such as a Community Outreach & Partnership Manager and Facilities & Equipment Manager in the near future.

Please know the Kingdom Trail Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex or sexual identity, gender or gender identity, national origin, age, ability, or genetics.