ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION

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

POSITION SUMMARY

The New Hampshire and Vermont (NH/VT) Field Coordinator serves as the support staff for field-based trail and conservation stewardship efforts on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire and Vermont. The NH/VT Field Coordinator works primarily in the field with ATC staff and trail club volunteers combined with administrative duties. This is a seasonal position with potential to return each year. Position is based on a 40-hour work week, compensated at $18-$20/hour commensurate with skills and experience. Start and end dates are negotiable, mid-May through mid-October, not to exceed 25 weeks of employment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Support

Serves as a field representative in both states, 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, and provides logistical support and technical expertise as necessary. The position:

• Supports volunteers and trail crews in planning trail work projects including but not limited to trail construction, repair and rehabilitation, and relocations
• Performs detailed treadway assessments, identifies future work projects, and records data across the length of the 311 miles of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire and Vermont
• Regularly reviews federally funded work projects performed by local partners and contractors to provide guidance and ensure maintenance standards and goals are achieved
• Collects and maintains before & after records of each project site
• Assists in hazard tree assessment and removal efforts at backcountry overnight sites and trailhead parking areas
• Provides occasional training for volunteers
• Other duties as assigned

Program Support

Supports core ATC, NPS, USFS and State agency programs.  These include, but are not limited to:

• Exterior corridor boundary monitoring, maintenance, encroachment mitigation, and volunteer coordination
• Trail asset inventory and GPS data collection for future trail projects
• Maintained landscapes (open areas) management
• Other duties as assigned

Administrative

• Assists ATC regional staff in program and project planning, development, and reporting
• Attends site visits and planning meetings with partner organizations
• Generates accurate and on-time project, timesheet, and expense reports
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience on and/or leading trail crews including rock work and advanced trail re-construction techniques (trail work experience in the Northeast U.S. preferred)
• Academic experience or course work in environmental studies, recreation management, natural resources management, forestry, or related field
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a field and office setting with staff, volunteers, and agency partners
• Familiarity with the Appalachian Trail, hiking, conservation volunteerism, and related fields
• Extensive experience using and maintaining hand tools and power equipment
• Strong backcountry travel and overnight camping skills
• A current and valid driver’s license with no restrictions and access to a reliable vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting maps, property deeds, and surveys
• Proficiency with technological operations, including Microsoft Office suite, handheld GPS units, and ESRI ArcGIS mapping software
• Proficiency with plant/tree identification, sawyer skills and/or hazard tree assessment experience
• Strong familiarity with the principles of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics – Trainer or Master Educator desired (training may be available)
• Current Wilderness First Aid certification (training may be available)
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Physical Demands

• Ability to hike long distances over rugged terrain and work in all weather conditions at remote locations, often with heavy loads
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively on the phone, by email, and in person with staff, volunteers, agency partners, and the general public
• Travel, evening, and weekend work frequently required

Work Environment

• Rigorous outdoor work environment along the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire and Vermont with potential exposure to biting/stinging insects, allergenic plants, and other hazards found in a natural environment, as well as extreme and varied weather conditions and terrain
• Independent, field-based work environment with administrative duties
• Office environment with a moderate level of noise due to activity on the phone, computer, and printer
• The position is largely field-based with access to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s office space in Hartford, VT.