High Country Seasonal RidgeRunner at Appalachian Trail Conservancy – Roanoke, Virginia

Organizational Mission:

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

ATC Ridgerunner report to the Regional Manager and provides information about the A.T. and its intended primitive experience, location, regulations, and traditions. They work to encourage the best behavior on the part of hikers to facilitate a positive Trail experience (particularly for those who are poorly prepared), and to elicit the support of those who live nearby. They discourage and mitigate misuse of the Appalachian Trail and its environment by performing educational and public-relations functions.

An ATC Ridgerunner is assigned sections of the Appalachian Trail during the day and camp at designated high‑use overnight sites throughout their patrol. Applicants should demonstrate interest and ability in providing public service on a National Scenic Trail and in promoting volunteerism and ATC membership. Candidates must possess the required skills listed below, attend mandatory training, and demonstrate maturity, responsibility, initiative, and self‑motivation.

• Meet and greet the public and educate them about the A.T., ATC, local Trail Clubs, local land managing agencies and Leave No Trace principles.
• Advise visitors on rules, regulations, and current conditions pertinent to the A.T. and applicable land managing agencies.
• Perform minor trail maintenance including removing obstructions, managing drainage, and removing litter from the treadway, overnight sites, and trailhead parking areas.
• Assist visitors as needed which includes aiding during emergency responses and other incidents as necessary.
• Report unsafe conditions, misuse, and abuse of the A.T., treadway, facilities, and lands.
• Assist local maintaining Clubs as needed with shelter, overnight site, treadway and other maintenance and repair projects.
• Maintain a daily log, report to supervisors and partners at the end of each work period.
• Maintain regular contact with field supervisors, Club volunteers, agency partners, and local officials.

• Commitment to ATC management and resource protection efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to engage positively with the public and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to live independently and work in a remote area with minimal supervision.
• Strong backpacking and outdoor experience.
• Experience working with volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day in steep, mountainous terrain.
• Basic knowledge of Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s cooperative management system preferred.
• Leave No Trace Level 2 or Level 3 training (Trainer or Master Educator) desirable, but training is provided.
• Current Wilderness First-Aid, or higher and CPR certification is preferred; but training will be provided.

• Frequently hiking long distances over rugged terrain in variable weather
• Living and performing work in the backcountry for multiple days and overnights
• 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.
• 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
• Regular use of a computer is required; Microsoft Office, Office 365, ESRI GIS, NPS database, APD, NetSuite, RIMS, and Google applications are used.
• Use of a personal vehicle for work‑related travel is expected; mileage will be reimbursed.

Additional Details:

• Term Length: Currently planned April 14, 2026, to October 14, 2026.
• Housing: Housing available at Konnarock Basecamp.
• Hourly Rate: $18.50 – $19.50
• Location/Region required to work from: High Country SW Virginia, Tennessee state line to I-81 at Groseclose, VA
• Benefits: 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked.

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