August 22, 2025

Welcome to the Friday Waypoint where you'll find the latest updates about opportunities & activities with the Florida Trail Association.

December 9–13, 2024

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Help the Tropical Trekkers prepare 70+ miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail for the hiking season! After a summer of growth, we have plenty to tackle—mowing, lopping, brush cutting, and blazing.

There’s a role for everyone, no matter your skill set. Expect camaraderie, time with friends, and the satisfaction of making a real impact.

All meals will be provided. We have reserved several campsites at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.

What to Bring:

• PPE & tools if you have them (hard hat, safety vest, gloves, eye/ear protection, loppers) We’ll provide any gear you don’t have.

• Closed-toe shoes & long pants

• Sunscreen, bug spray, lunch, water (2L minimum), small pack or fanny pack

• Extra dry boots & socks recommended

• Be ready for Florida’s unpredictable weather—hot and wet or cold and windy, we work through it all!

[Sign Up to Volunteer →]

🌟 We’re hiring! 🌟

New opportunities to join the FTA team!

Program Assistant: The Program Assistant role is primarily responsible for providing administrative support across multiple program areas of the organization. This includes supporting the leadership team in areas such as customer service, events, outreach, marketing, merchandise, memberships, and various other administrative tasks.

Status: Full Time / Year-round

Location: Hybrid in Gainesville, FL- Flexible balance of working from home and our office (not eligible for fully remote work)

Compensation and Benefits: $48,000/year salary; paid time off; health, vision, & dental insurance; retirement benefits; cell phone & internet stipend

Start Date: Flexible between Sept 15-30, 2025

FTA Technical Advisors: Technical Advisors are responsible for leading high quality trail work projects on the FNST.  Trail work along the FNST largely consists of corridor brushing with hand tools and mechanized equipment. Infrastructure construction, repair, and removal can also be expected.

Status: Full Time / Seasonal

Location: Gainesville, FL

Compensation and Benefits: $17.12-$21.40 based on experience

Start Date: October 1, 2025

Spring Creek Technical Advisors: Technical Advisors will support construction of a major FNST trail bridge across Spring Creek in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. The primary project will be supporting all aspects of the bridge construction during the 2025-2026 field season, including material preparation and transport, construction of the bridge and approach boardwalks, and new footpath construction and improvements.

Status: Full Time / Seasonal

Location: Gainesville, FL

Compensation and Benefits: $17.12-$21.40 based on experience

Start Date: October 20, 2025

🔗 Full job descriptions & how to apply: www.floridatrail.org/jobs

We are thrilled to welcome Reid Smith to the team as our new GIS Specialist!

Reid is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, bringing a strong foundation in geospatial science and technology. He has extensive experience in spatial data creation, quality control, management, and analysis, gained through his professional roles at Virginia Tech. In these positions, Reid utilized the ESRI ArcGIS suite to overhaul maps, standardize data, and streamline both fieldwork and analysis. He also demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and a proactive nature, even writing Python scripts to automate tasks like identifying duplicate data points. Reid's passion for conservation is evident in his previous work with endangered bog turtles and salamander species.

A Florida native, Reid grew up hiking and enjoying the work of the Florida Trail Association, particularly in the Apalachicola National Forest. His role will be crucial in supporting the Florida National Scenic Trail by leading the development and implementation of our Geospatial Program. He will be responsible for conducting spatial data analysis, creating professional-level maps, and providing GIS technical support to staff and volunteers. We are excited for Reid to apply his technical skills and passion for conservation to our mission of protecting and promoting Florida's trails.

🌿 Want to Know What Our Partners Are Up To?

From community events to workshops and new program offerings, there's always something going on.

👉 Click here to see upcoming events and opportunities.

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Owl T-shirt & Florida Trail Trucker Hat