Organizational Mission:

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

Position Summary

The Land Stewardship Technician will report to the Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager and will monitor and maintain the boundary lines of the lands conserved for the Appalachian Trail, called the A.T. corridor. This involves hiking off-trail through mountainous forests, clearing vegetation with loppers, putting up boundary signs, repainting blazes on trees, finding survey markers, and recording data. This role will work with other Land Stewardship Technicians and the Land Stewardship Coordinator to ensure that the Appalachian Trail is protected by a well-marked boundary line and that any violations are promptly found and resolved. The undeveloped wildlands and unmatched hiking experience on the A.T. would not be possible without the work of the Land Stewardship Technicians. This role is an ideal entry-level opportunity to gain experience in the recreation and conservation field, perfect for an avid hiker and camper who loves working outdoors. Technicians perform challenging and fulfilling work that is crucial to the protection of the lands conserved for the Appalachian Trail, called the A.T. corridor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other team members to accomplish the goals and objectives set by the Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager.
• Perform fieldwork monitoring and maintaining the A.T. corridor boundary lines: posting signs, painting trees, finding survey monuments, and clearing vegetation with hand tools.
• Use GPS and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping applications to enter detailed monitoring data.
• Maintain tools, supplies, equipment, and program vehicles.
• Follow protocols documenting and mitigating boundary encroachment violations on the A.T. corridor.
• Lead work trips with volunteer participants, providing training and ensuring that volunteers have a safe and satisfying experience.
• Other duties as assigned by the Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, coursework towards a degree, or equivalent work experience in environmental science, recreation management, natural resources management, forestry, or a related field.
• Commitment to ATC management and resource protection efforts. 
• Proven ability to work with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, groups, and partners. 
• Self-motivated person who works well independently and as part of a team. 
• Strong hiking and outdoor experience. 
• Experience working with volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
• Basic knowledge of Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s cooperative management system    preferred. 
• Comfortable working multiple days outdoors in frequently adverse weather conditions. 
• Leave No Trace Trainer or Master Educator desirable, awareness training is provided. 
• Current Wilderness First-Aid (or higher) and CPR certification is preferred..
• Willingness to participate in additional required training which may include but not limited to: WFR/WFA, safe driving.  
• Proficiency with using a map and compass and navigating off-trail. 
• Strong working knowledge of computers and technology.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• 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, ADP, NetSuite, RIMS, and Google applications are used.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, and access to a reliable personal vehicle.
• Regular, extensive travel and camping around Appalachian Trail locations in Maine and occasionally across the Northeast.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Normal 40-hour work week is four ten-hour days in the field with overnight car-camping near work locations.
• Long days in the field and occasional weekend work may be required.
• Office location in Bangor, ME is used as a base for start and end of work weeks. 

Additional Information:

• Term Length: Approximately June 3, 2024 - October 18, 2024
• Hourly Rate: $18.00
• Location/Region required to work from: Office location in Bangor, ME is used as a base for start and end of work weeks. 
• Housing Stipend provided.
• Benefits: 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked.

ATC Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (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 a diverse and inclusive organization and recognize that diversity contributes to an effective and successful organizational culture and mission.  

The ATC prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, 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.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Identity Statement