Organizational Mission:

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

Position Summary

The ATC Naturalist Ridgerunner reports to the Regional Director for the Southern Region (SORO) and provides information to visitors about the Appalachian Trail, including its intended primitive experience, location, regulations, and traditions. The role encourages positive hiker behavior to support a safe and enjoyable Trail experience and helps prevent and mitigate misuse of the Trail and its surrounding environment through education and public‑facing engagement.

The Naturalist/Ridgerunner is assigned sections of the A.T. during the day and camps at designated overnight sites while on patrol. They educate hikers about the sensitive ecology of the Roan Highlands and promote Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics to reduce recreational impacts. The position also supports basic ecological and stewardship activities aligned with grassy balds and open area management programs and collects visitor‑use data for ATC’s Visitor Use Management (VUM) team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrol sections of the A.T. on the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests, with 80% of trail time spent between Carvers Gap and Grassy Ridge.
• Engage visitors in conversations to answer questions and provide education about Roan ecology and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
• Dismantle and document excessive fire rings and pack out trash found along the Trail and at overnight sites.
• Collect and document visitor data, including visitor numbers, visitor categories (such as day hikers and thru‑hikers), and overnight site utilization. Maintain records of interpretive and Leave No Trace interactions and quantify trash removed.
• Document and report any illegal activity or emergency situations to local authorities, including U.S. Forest Service
• Use RIMS (recreation impacts monitoring system) to document and report any trail deficiencies to ATC and TEHCC, including blow-down trees, or tread problems.
• Assist with grassy balds management- this includes conducting vegetation surveys, carrying equipment and tools to field sites, conducting management activities (like brush-cutting or weed-eating), non-native invasive plant control, and mapping work areas using a GPS.
• Assist with habitat assessments, recreational impact monitoring, and wildlife and plant surveys.
• Submit weekly reports to ATC, SAHC, and TEHCC summarizing activities from the previous week.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to engage positively with the public and diverse stakeholders.
• Background in biology, ecology, or natural resources management.
• Strong communication and education skills.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping abilities.
• Commitment to ATC’s resource protection efforts.
• Current first aid training and certification.
• Leave No Trace training and certification.
• Knowledge of basic GPS/GIS applications.
• Ability to learn to visually identify 5–10 Appalachian plant species.
• Ability to learn to identify 3–5 bird species by sight and song
• Knowledge of basic trail maintenance techniques.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• 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. 
• This position requires attending hikes of various levels of elevation and duration.
• Ability to carry a 50 lb. pack up to 12 miles in a day
• Ability to use power tools (e.g. weed-eater, chainsaw) to conduct vegetation management
• Experience and equipment for camping under any weather condition.
• This position follows a 40‑hour work week, requiring at least two days and two nights (Friday–Sunday) on the Appalachian Trail interacting with visitors, as well as two days (generally Thursday and Friday) dedicated to ecological fieldwork adjacent to the Trail corridor, subject to weather.
• Trail nights are typically spent at the Overmountain Shelter site, Roan High Knob Shelter, or on the western balds, including Grassy Ridge.
• Use of a personal vehicle for work‑related travel is expected; mileage will be reimbursed.

Additional Details:

• Term Length: Approximately May 1, 2026, to Aug. 31, 2026
• Hourly Rate: $18.50 – $19.50 
• Location/Region required to work from: North Carolina and Tennessee.
• Benefits: 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked. A field food stipend is 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

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