Organizational Mission:

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

Position Summary

Highly qualified seasonal trail crew leaders are recruited each year to lead crews that complete routine trail maintenance, major rehabilitation/repair, and relocation projects in both front-country and remote backcountry settings along the Appalachian Trail from Georgia. These critical positions manage trail crews, train and supervise crew member volunteers and staff to complete high quality work, ensure crew is operating safely both in camp and on the worksite, and respond to emergency situations. Applicants must demonstrate responsibility, initiative, effective communication skills, and self-motivation. They must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and cooperatively as a member of a team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement Trail construction, reconstruction, and maintenance projects in cooperation with A.T clubs and partner agencies.
• Determine logistical needs in advance to ensure that appropriate tools, equipment, materials, and other necessary resources are available to complete assigned projects.
• Ensure volunteer and/or staff trail crew members are trained in and implement best practices in Trail design, construction, reconstruction, and maintenance according to ATC and land managing agency standards.
• Ensure safe and sanitary conditions at field camps and work sites, transport crews safely, and respond appropriately to any emergency situations that may arise.
• Promote an atmosphere in which all crew members 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, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Ensure purchases of food, supplies, gear, and materials follow ATC’s financial procedures.
• Travel on foot over rough terrain and for long distances while carrying equipment in possible inclement weather.
• Assist Basecamp Coordinator with volunteer transportation, volunteer basecamp orientation, routine camp maintenance or other duties as scheduled or required.

Qualifications

• Two or more seasons of front/backcountry camping or working outdoors.
• At least one season of trail crew leadership
• At least one season of experience in building/rebuilding trails: constructing new sidehill, stone steps or cribbing, log steps or cribbing, improving drainage, addressing erosion, etc.
• Ability to manage and be responsible for all aspects of a trail crew.
• In good mental and physical health, ability to hike up to 10 miles per day in steep, mountainous terrain.
• Commitment to ATC management and resource protection efforts.
• Proven ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, groups and partners.
• Ability to live independently and work in a remote area with minimal supervision.
• Strong hiking 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.
• Comfortable working multiple days outdoors in frequently adverse weather conditions.
• Leave No Trace Trainer or Master Educator desirable, awareness training is provided.
• Current Wilderness First-Aid, or higher and CPR certification is preferred training will be provided.
• Willingness to participate in additional required training – USFS chainsaw & crosscut saw certification, WFR/WFA, advanced rockwork, rigging, safe driving, etc.
• Willingness to undergo background and driving record checks as required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regular use of a computer is required; Microsoft Office, Office 365, APD, NetSuite, Salesforce, ESRI GIS, NPS database and Google applications are used.
• 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 hike for extended periods, stand for long periods, perform routine moderate lifting, carry up to 50 pounds in a backpack over a minimum of five miles, traverse rough, uneven terrain and wet and slippery surfaces.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. Access to a personal vehicle is strongly preferred.
• Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of a backcountry environment

Additional Information:

• Term Length: Currently planned April 9, 2026, to August 19, 2026.
• Housing Stipend: (If employee meets the qualifications outlined in policy and is budgeted) Housing provided.
• Hourly Rate: $21.00 – $23.00
• Location/Region required to work from: Georgia to central Virginia from Konnarock Basecamp, Sugar Grove, Virginia
• Benefits: 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked.
• Offer is contingent upon successful MVR report.

ATC Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (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 a diverse and inclusive organization and recognize that diversity contributes to an effective and successful organizational culture and mission.

The ATC prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, 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.