Organizational Mission

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

The Open Areas Technician reports to the Senior Natural Resource Land Stewardship Manager and performs the essential duties of multiple program areas and projects for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The technician will operate heavy equipment across Virginia wildlife openings, train and supervise volunteers to complete high quality work across multiple projects and program areas, ensure crews and volunteers are operating safely and efficiently, and respond to emergency situations as needed. The technician must demonstrate responsibility, initiative, effective communication skills, and self-motivation.

• Implement Trail construction, reconstruction, and maintenance projects in cooperation with A.T clubs and partner agencies.
• Coordinate and implement volunteer workdays for wildlife management projects, boundary monitoring projects, and hazard tree projects.
• 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.
• Ensure volunteer and/or staff open area crew members are trained in and implement best practices in wildlife management work according to ATC standards.
• Ensure safe and sanitary conditions at the 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, process and submit photos and project narratives.
• Ensure safe operations of tools and equipment across program areas and projects

• Two or more seasons of front/backcountry camping or working outdoors.
• Minimum of one year of operating heavy equipment on public lands.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience managing wildlife openings or other similar natural resource management activities.
• Experience working with volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
• Experience driving heavy duty trucks, passenger vans on interstates and gated USFS roads.
• 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 which includes but not limited to: USFS chainsaw & crosscut saw certification, WFR/WFA, advanced rockwork, rigging, safe driving.
• Proven ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, groups and partners.

• 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.
• Must be able to provide or arrange transportation to training and field sites.
• Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of a backcountry environment.

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