Organizational Mission:

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

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Science and Stewardship or VARO Senior Natural Resource & Land Stewardship Manager depending on region this position is responsible for non- native invasive species (NNIS) management along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in NC, TN, and GA. The primary responsibility of this position is NNIS management, including inventory, developing management prescriptions, NNIS treatment, mapping, compliance and reporting paperwork, establishing agreements with contractors and youth crews, and managing the Invasive Species Strike Team. Other responsibilities may include open areas management (grassy balds, early successional habitat), forest health initiatives, and other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Non-native Native Invasive Species (NNIS) Management

• Management and implementation of ongoing NNIS inventory in the Southern Region, focusing on areas of Helene related disturbance.
• Generate management prescriptions and plans for contractor, youth crew, and NNIS Strike Team implementation in applicable region.
• Oversee project implementation via site visits/quality checks and by joining NNIS Strike Team workdays.
• Plan, coordinate and lead volunteer NNIS management workdays with trail clubs, volunteers and partners.
• Coordinate compliance, recordkeeping and reporting of NNIS related activities with federal partners.
• Work with trail-wide natural resource colleagues to help develop and manage a mapping and recordkeeping platform for NNIS spatial data.
• Manage NNIS Strike Team operations, including shop/office space and daily operations ensuring proper storage of all supplies and equipment to OSHA and licensing standards.
• Maintain the NNIS Strike Team budget and purchasing of supplies, equipment, and materials as needed.
• Ensure safe operations and conditions during work trips, material transportation, and respond appropriately to any emergency situation that may arise.
• Assist with ash tree treatments and other forest health initiatives in TN, NC and GA.

Open Areas Management

Coordinate management of open areas with partners, Trail Clubs, and volunteers; including assisting with management prescriptions and supervising and implementing management activities.

• Perform stewardship activities including chainsaw operation, brush cutting, and herbicide application.
• Conduct mapping of treatment areas, access roads, and other features using GPS/GIS.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in conservation biology, ecology, forestry, or natural resource management.
• Minimum of 2-year's experience performing natural resource management and stewardship activities.
• Working knowledge of Southern Appalachian natural history and familiarity with the A.T>
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule
• Supervisory and project planning/implementation experience.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Experience with safe and efficient operation of a variety of land stewardship hand and power tools including but not limited to loppers, hand saws, powered brush cutters, chainsaws, and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
• Creativity and attention to detail while handling multiple tasks.
• Ability to solve problems and handle issues of a complicated/complex nature.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• The ability to maintain favorable relations and inspire cooperation with staff, partners and volunteers.
• Familiarity and experience with ArcGIS software and GIS principles.
• Familiarity and experience using field-based GPS technology.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Google applications.
• Valid state driver’s license with a safe driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• Pesticide applicator license in TN, NC and/or GA preferred. Willingness to obtain licensing post hire is a must.
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder and CPR training desired: training may be able to be obtained post hire.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Position requires regular travel throughout the Southern Region (TN, NC, and GA) and some weekend work and camping.
• Regular use of a computer is required.
• Maintains a personal workspace at residence, with access to southern regional offices. Regional offices are multi-person offices with moderate noise and share floor plans.
• Must be able to provide or arrange transportation to office and field sites (rental vehicles and mileage reimbursement provided when relevant).
• Regularly works in an outdoor environment.
• Work may include the use of power tools not exceeding 120 decibels. (PPE provided)
• Incumbent may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions and seasonal exposure to extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow, humidity, intense heat, and sunlight.
• Incumbent must be able to handle heavy brush, walk for extended periods, traverse rough, slippery and uneven terrain, stand for long periods, perform routine moderate lifting, and carry up to 40 pounds in a backpack over a minimum of three miles.

Additional Details:

• Term Length: 5-year term with possible extension.
• Hourly Rate: $24.00 - $25.00 hourly.
• Location: Preferred position location is in-person in Southwest, VA. Other remote locations will be considered and must be within two hours of the nearest Appalachian Trail access point to Mount Rogers which includes Blacksburg or Roanoke. Travel to remote sites and offices will be required. 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Company paid long term disability and life insurance provided.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service.

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

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