Dream Job Alert - Scottish Borders Trail Development Co-ordinator

Scottish Cycling is looking to appoint a ‘DMBinS/TVTA Scottish Borders Trail Development Co-ordinator’ to deliver a partnership project to develop and improve mountain biking trails in the Tweed Valley and across the Scottish Borders. The role will support the objectives of the TVTA while being managed by and employed by Scottish Cycling through its department Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS). The role will be split between administration and hands-on practical trail maintenance.

Scottish Cycling is the internationally recognised governing body for cycle sport in Scotland. It is an integral part of British Cycling. Together the organisations cover all six cycling disciplines including BMX, cycle speedway, cyclo-cross, mountain biking, road, and track.

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) is a department within Scottish Cycling that is responsible for overseeing the national strategy for mountain biking in Scotland.

The Tweed Valley Trails Association (TVTA) is a registered Scottish Charity set up by mountain biking enthusiasts in 2017 to help sustain and manage the trail network across the whole of the Tweed Valley Forest Park.

The TVTA’s purpose is to maintain and improve the mountain bike trail network in the Tweed Valley.

The Scottish Borders is one of the leading mountain biking destinations in the UK. By supporting the continued growth and development of the mountain biking trail network we will help deliver greater impacts through developing the skills agenda, supporting innovation in small businesses and investing in local communities to improve the health and well-being of local communities, support sporting success and sustainably develop the economic contribution that mountain biking makes across the Borders.

The main purpose of the role is to represent the TVTA and DMBinS to liaise with landowners, land managers, and the MTB community to deliver an increased number of dig days and deliver hands-on practical work alongside the required paperwork to sustain and improve the trail network we all love.

The role will work hard to engage new volunteers for the TVTA, especially, those from underrepresented groups such as women and young people. COVID-19 restrictions have limited the TVTA’s ability to run dig sessions and this role will support the group to bounce back stronger and respond to the increased maintenance demand from the higher than ever number of riders on the trails.

The role will also be pivotal in supporting the TVTA board to continually improve their internal administration processes and undertake the administration work to allow for more dig-days and organised sessions to be delivered by volunteers.

Many riders have taken up cycling during the pandemic or have returned to the sport, this role can help share the message of responsible mountain biking and help riders to understand that mountain biking needs riders to give back to get the most out of the sport.

It is likely that the role will involve sharing knowledge and helping any other trail associations wanting to set up in the wider Scottish Borders.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

The post will be based in the Scottish Borders and the successful candidate will be based outdoors for a significant amount of time outdoors in all weather conditions. When office based the candidate will have access to the Peel Tower, Glentress and the post-holder will also require a flexible approach to manage the demands of the job.

Working both independently and as part of our dynamic team, your experience, qualifications, and knowledge across a range of areas will contribute to driving forward DMBinS, TVTA, and Scottish Cycling’s aim to excel in service delivery.

Applicants should be highly organised, motivated, and be able to form strong relationships with TVTA as the key delivery partner and stakeholder organisations as diverse as Scottish Borders Council, Edinburgh Napier University, and South of Scotland Enterprise.

The post is for a fixed term contract till end of June 2022 (further funding will be actively sought to continue the role).

The annual salary will be £28,000-£30,000 dependent on experience.