Organizational Mission:

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

Position Summary

The Restoration Program Coordinator position performs essential duties of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Science and Stewardship program in Virginia, including red spruce restoration, monitoring and management, botanical surveys, TES species monitoring, TES habitat management and protection, and other natural resource protection related projects. 

The Restoration Program Coordinator will manage multiple field programs and provide leadership and supervision for seasonal staff, volunteers, and other partner organizations. The coordinator will plan and perform field work, coordinate project logistics, let and oversee contract work, collect and manage GIS data, produce thorough reports, maintain ATC supplies and equipment, and ensure safe and efficient operations. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement natural resource monitoring and management projects in cooperation with A.T clubs and partner agencies. 
• Coordinate and implement volunteer workdays for red spruce projects, survey work, and planting days. 
• Hire, train and supervise seasonal boundary staff.
• Coordinate management activities with agency partners such as the USFS and the NPS to ensure projects are following all NEPA compliance requirements and best management practices. 
• Respond to or help with emergency situations as needed.
• Ensure safe operations and conditions during work trips, transport materials, and respond appropriately to any emergency situations that may arise. 
• Promote an atmosphere in which all partners and volunteers feel welcomed, motivated, safe, and included, and where participation and contributions from all are valued and appreciated.
• Follow the direction of designated supervisors with respect to duties, logistics, timetables, projects, submit biweekly timesheets, weekly hour and project reports, process and submit photos and project narratives, and perform other administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Two or more seasons of front/backcountry camping, or working outdoors
• At least one season of experience conducting botanical surveys, restoration of red spruce or other similar natural resource management activities.
• Experience using and maintaining hand tools and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Proficiency using a compass and interpreting maps and survey plats.
• Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS software, GPS, and Microsoft applications.
• Experience driving heavy duty trucks, passenger vans on interstates and gated USFS roads.
• Willingness to participate in additional training – USFS chainsaw & crosscut saw certification, WFR/WFA, Leave No Trace, safe driving, etc.
• Effective leadership, communication, organization, and critical thinking skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• 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.
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day in steep, mountainous terrain.
• 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
• Rigorous outdoor work, long-distance travel on foot, and occasional camping in rugged terrain and remote locations with exposure to ticks and pests, as well as extreme and varied weather conditions.
• 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 provide or arrange transportation to training and field sites (rental vehicles and mileage reimbursement provided when relevant).
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Requirement: This position requires a successful candidate to pass a motor vehicle record check. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that meets organizational and insurance requirements.

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