Western Recreation & Development jobs

About McElhanney
Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,500 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity
McElhanney is seeking a Junior Outdoor Recreation Professional to join our Trails team. This is an opportunity to build your career in trail planning, design, assessment, and development while contributing to projects across Canada and occasionally internationally.
While this role is rooted in outdoor recreation, up to 90% of your time will be computer-based, turning field observations and data into reports, maps, plans, permit applications, presentations, and other project deliverables.
This role is ideal for a strong technical writer and strategic thinker with an interest in mapping, data, and sustainable trails. You’ll work alongside our six-person Trails team and other experts while building your skills across a variety of projects.
Location & Travel: You must be able to work from our Canmore office at least four days per month, with flexibility to work remotely for the remainder of the month.
Travel is required for field work across Canada and occasionally internationally. The selected candidate must be comfortable travelling for up to two weeks at a time.
Deadline to apply: November 6, 2026, 11:59pm MT (The deadline displayed above is the same in Eastern Time)
What You’ll Do

• Write, edit, and format technical documents, including inventory and assessment reports, trail master plans, permit applications, presentations, RFPs, and procurement documents.
• Support trail inventory, assessment, planning, design, and construction activities.
• Collect, manage, and interpret spatial and field data and create digital and PDF maps.
• Apply sustainable trail principles, including consideration of grades, widths, terrain, turn radii, and other trail features.
• Complete field work in varied and sometimes challenging terrain using methods such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or OHVs.
• Travel for extended field assignments, which may include weekends, holidays, and 10+ hour field days.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong technical writing, editing, and communication skills.
• A degree or diploma, preferably in applied science, biology, planning, business, or a related field.
• Comfort working with mapping technology, databases, and other computer-based tools.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize and interpret field data.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s licence, or one in progress.
• Ability to travel and work in physically demanding outdoor environments.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with GIS, AutoCAD, or other mapping and design software.
• Experience with tender/procurement documents or construction inspection.
• Exposure to planning or community engagement.
• Previous trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, or assessment experience.

What Can We Offer You?
The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $85,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.
• Relocation Support: Financial assistance if applicable.

This role is designated as a safety sensitive position.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process. If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements outlined. We’re interested in getting to know you and explore the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!

If this is the opportunity for you, apply now or visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to learn more. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about our recognition here: McElhanney Requalifies as a Gold Standard Best Managed Company!

Visit us on Glassdoor to learn more about our employee experience.

Our Purpose: Amaze our clients. Care for our communities. Empower our people.

McElhanney is aware of activities where individuals have received fraudulent job offers. Please be advised that McElhanney will not ask applicants for any form of monetary exchange at any point in the recruitment process. To learn more visit: www.mcelhanney.com/careers/fraud-warning. The disclosure of your information in accordance with this Policy and applicable law, including to third party service providers may result in your personal information being transferred outside of Canada, including to the United States. Such transferred personal information may be subject to the laws of these other countries and the laws of other countries regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information may be different from the laws of Canada.