Trail Specialist TERM

Organizational Mission:

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Trail Specialist will report to the Regional Manager or Director and serve as the support staff for field-based trail and conservation stewardship efforts on the Appalachian Trail. The Trail Specialist will be focused on field-based trail efforts to fully recover damage that the Appalachian Trail sustained from Hurricane Helene. The role is focused primarily in the field with ATC staff and trail club volunteers combined with some administrative duties. The Trail Specialist will coordinate closely with the local A.T. volunteer management club and other Trail partners to ensure ATC and NPS standards are achieved, and provide logistical support and technical expertise, as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as a field representative and coordinates closely with local A.T. management clubs, federal agencies, state agencies and other A.T. management partners to ensure ATC, National Park Service and US Forest Service standards are achieved on projects
• Performs detailed treadway assessments, identifies future trail work projects, and records data
• Provide guidance and ensure maintenance standards are being followed.
• Collect and maintain before and after records of each project site.
• Assist in hazard tree identification, contract management, and removal efforts at backcountry sites
• Trail asset inventory and GPS data collection for future trail projects.
• Assist ATC regional staff in program and project planning, development, and reporting.
• Attend local and regional partner meetings as needed.
• Generate accurate and on-time projects, timesheets, and expense reports.
• In conjunction with regional staff, manages contracts for trail work projects
• Supports volunteers and trail crews in planning trail work projects including trail construction, repair and rehabilitation, and relocations.
• Oversee and leads a seasonal trail crew.
• Other duties as assigned by the Regional Manager or Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Academic experience or course work in environmental studies, recreation management, natural resources management, forestry, or related field preferred
• Experience with rock work, advanced trail re-construction techniques (trail work experience in the eastern U.S. preferred), and/or campsite construction.
• Experience using and maintaining hand tools and power equipment.
• Proven ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Self-motivated person who works well independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, groups, and partners.
• Basic knowledge of Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s cooperative management system preferred.
• Comfortable working multiple days outdoors in frequently adverse weather conditions.
• Current Wilderness First-Aid, or higher, and CPR certification is preferred training is provided.
• Willingness to participate in additional required training which includes but not limited to: USFS chainsaw & crosscut saw certification, WFR/WFA, advanced rockwork, rigging, safe driving.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro/Field Maps and Survey123.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• May be exposed to hazardous physical conditions and seasonal exposure to extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow, humidity, intense heat, and sunlight.
• Must be able to hike for extended periods and perform routine moderate lifting carrying up to 50 pounds in a backpack over a minimum of five miles through rough, uneven terrain, and wet, and slippery surfaces.
• Long days in the field and weekend work, typically 40 hours per week.
• Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of a backcountry environment.
• Regular use of a computer is required; Microsoft Office, Office 365, ESRI GIS, NPS database, APD, NetSuite, RIMS, and Google applications are used.

Additional Details:

• Position is funded for one year through March 2027 with possible extension dependent upon funding.
• Hourly Rate: $22.00 - $24.00
• Location/Region: VARO, based in Sugar Grove, Va.  Housing available.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service and 1000 hours worked.
• Company paid long-term disability and life insurance provided.

ATC Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ATC encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness with all employees and volunteers to enable participation and contributions to their fullest potential.

We are committed to being an inclusive organization and recognize that a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds contributes to an effective and successful organizational culture and mission.

ATC prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, political affiliation, union membership, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the locations where we operate.

ATC's Identity Statement [https://appalachiantrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ATC-Identity-Statement.pdf]