Skill Definition

Create and utilize a systematic approach (criteria for evaluation) for oversight of personnel and volunteers to ensure skills, knowledge, and behaviors meet standards for high quality trail operations, the implementation of trail management goals, safe operations, and overall effectiveness

Entry Level Performance

  • Demonstrate understanding of performance expectations and criteria
  • Assess a simple trail project (i.e. maintenance scope, short timeline) using the performance objectives

Full Performance Level

  • Assess a crew’s capabilities and select projects appropriate for the skills of the crew.
  • Evaluate, track and report performance outcomes using the criteria identified in the plan
  • Communicate the scope of work establishing standards for crew performance
  • Assess and correct crew performance in the field

Expert Level Performance

  • Create and implement a plan that details the crew performance objectives as the criteria for evaluation, including an after action review to inform future projects
  • Develop a schedule and plan to maximize crew performance with additional training, management, and ongoing review
  • Correct or eliminate ongoing or recurring performance issues that affect crew safety or limit performance objectives
  • Identify opportunities for crew members growth and development in roles to aid career advancement.

Resources for Performance Management

Documents and MediaVideo TrainingsTraining ProgramsCalendar
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Learn More

Documents and Media for Performance Management

SCA Leader Teams Handbook
SCA Leader Teams Handbook

This handbook defines the role of the SCA and the Programs’ policies and guidelines. It is to be referred to and followed. There are three sections- general information, a section specifically for the Leader Team Crew Leader, and a section…

Introduction to Trail Management (Part 3 of 3)
Introduction to Trail Management (Part 3 of 3)

One part of a three-part series on the Introduction to Trail Planning, Design and Development, and Management. PART THREE: In the Introduction to Trail Management we will discuss visitor and maintenance management.

Project Management
Project Management

This guide will provide the basic steps to completing a project, how to become an effective project manager, and the necessary skills it takes to successfully lead volunteer groups.


Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Performance Management

Digital Transformation of Trail Management and Monitoring
Digital Transformation of Trail Management and Monitoring

Mike Linnane of Evolve Technologies and award-winning Trail Manager Eoin Hogan will present on the development path of the world’s first integrated digital trail management system. The webinar will outline the evolution from a paper-based trail…

Introduction to Trail Management (Part 3 of 3)
Introduction to Trail Management (Part 3 of 3)

One part of a three-part series on the Introduction to Trail Planning, Design and Development, and Management. PART THREE: In the Introduction to Trail Management we will discuss visitor and maintenance management.


Further Education

Training Programs for Performance Management

Trail Academy
Trail Academy

Trail Academy is our free class series that teaches students how to tackle any trail-related challenge. Courses are hosted both in the field and online, and are a great starting point for anyone looking to become a certified Trail Crew Leader or…

Trail Sustainability Institute
Trail Sustainability Institute

The Trail Sustainability Institute (TSI) is NWTA’s internal training classes for everything related to trail building. We want to make sure our trail builders are knowledgeable in not only how to build/maintain fun trails, but ensure those trails…

PCTA Trail Skills Course
PCTA Trail Skills Course

Because wildfires, wind storms, floods, gravity, and vegetation growth are constant threats to the PCT, the annual maintenance and reconstruction of the trail is a never-ending and monumental undertaking. Such work, historically carried out by…

Trailbuilding Professional Certificate
Trailbuilding Professional Certificate

The Trailbuilding Professional certification integrates field-based training using hand tools and heavy machinery with first responder training, geospatial information science and technology (GIST), natural resource management, and business…

Trail Master Steward – Introduction Course
Trail Master Steward – Introduction Course

The Trail Master Steward online course is intended to provide volunteers, trail organizations, and land managers both a foundational understanding of the values inherent in trail stewardship as well as introduce the basic skills required to be…

Advancing Trails Webinar Series
Advancing Trails Webinar Series

American Trails brings agencies, trail builders, planners, architects, advocates, and volunteers the latest in state-of-the-art information on all aspects of trails and greenways. Our webinars focus on a variety of trail topics, usually applicable…

Training Calendar

Upcoming Trainings for Performance Management

Custom Trainings

There are 65 trainers on TrailSkills
with Performance Management experience

Hire Workers

There are 227 workers on TrailSkills
with Performance Management experience

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Know of a good resource for this skill? Let us know! From webinars, to workshops, to PDFs, we'd like to add them to our resource library.

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Trail Skills Collaborators
Federal Highway Administration USDA Forest Service National Park Service Bureau of Land Management
American Trails Professional TrailBuilders Association Partnership for the National Trails System Northern Vermont University Northwest Arkansas Community College Eppley Institute Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals Washington Trails Association