Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager

~ The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail-ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. ~

ATC was founded in 1925 and is a private nonprofit organization with more than 43,000 members. It is responsible to the federal government for ensuring proper management of the 2,189-mile-long Appalachian National Scenic Trail (known as the A.T.), most of which is located on public lands administered by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, or agencies of the 14 states through which it passes.

ATC assigns sections of the A.T. to 31 Trail-maintaining clubs and provides numerous services to their volunteers, who work to build and maintain the Trail and its facilities. ATC's crew programs supplement the work done by those volunteers.

Position Overview

Under the primary supervision of the Senior Regional Director-North, this position is responsible for providing leadership in land and boundary stewardship for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the assigned region. The Natural Resource & Land Stewardship Manager facilitates collaboration and cooperation between Trail-maintaining Clubs and public-agency partners to achieve monitoring and management of tracts and boundaries that protect the Appalachian Trail.

This position is responsible for supporting and coordinating regional land monitoring and maintenance programs, collecting, organizing and analyzing boundary data, conducting boundary monitoring and maintenance training, conducting and coordinating encroachment mitigation efforts, supporting natural resource stewardship efforts and supervising seasonal Boundary Technicians. The Stewardship Manager will work in a dynamic team environment with ATC staff, Trail volunteers, the National Park Service, the National Park Service Land Acquisition Office for National Scenic Trails, the US Forest Service, numerous state agencies, and other land management partners to address priority Trail resource management goals.

Responsibilities

Program Development & Management:

• Collaborates with program staff and agency partners to establish a structured, systematic program of boundary monitoring and maintenance that will facilitate perpetual protection of Appalachian National Scenic Trail tracts and surveyed boundary lines.
• Aggregates, organizes, maintains, and analyzes boundary data to develop work projects for supporting and coordinating boundary monitoring and maintenance activities.
• In coordination with APPA Law Enforcement, and in accordance with standard operating procedures, responds to, manages, and works to mitigate reported land and boundary threats/violations/encroachments. Maintains detailed reports on findings and follow-up actions.
• Conducts deed assessments and interpretation to support tract management and neighbor relations.
• Coordinates project management related to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 compliance for corridor management projects.
• Develops and implements management strategies to protect high priority natural resource areas threatened by encroachment issues.
• Coordinates regional invasive species inventory and monitoring, helps to establish management priorities using the Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) approach, and implements resource management actions.
• Maintains a current commercial pesticide applicator license.
• Supports regional Rare, Threatened and Endangered (RTE) plant and wildlife program by assisting ATC staff and volunteers with monitoring, management and training efforts.
• Provides support in the pre-acquisition phase of land purchases and land-exchanges; including land stewardship assessments, coordination with the National Park Service Land Acquisition Office, deed interpretation, mapping and site assessments.
• Supports data management and GIS integration of Agriculture SUP’s.
• Implements annual task agreement(s) developed with the National Park Service.
• Maintains computerized data management systems to manage corridor and resource data and information.
• Compiles quarterly and annual summaries of regional program accomplishments compatible with ATC and agency partner reporting needs.

Engaging & Supporting Club and Community Partners:

• Provides support and training for the Trail Clubs and Club corridor stewardship programs.
• Collaboratively develops and presents standardized training methodology, materials, and learning opportunities to regional Trail Clubs, volunteers, staff, and agency partners.
• Coordinates boundary monitoring and maintenance projects with Trail Clubs. May assist Trail Clubs with episodic crew recruitment and management for boundary monitoring and maintenance projects.
• Works to strengthen and build cooperation between ATC and state partners through effective communication, coordination and land management support.
• Prioritizes, coordinates and supports Trail Clubs with invasive species control work.
• Facilitates communication and cooperation with Trail Clubs and agency partners.

Leadership:

• Supervises seasonal Boundary Technicians; includes detailed work planning, training, management and administrative oversite. Represents ATC at professional and academic conferences for the purpose of maintaining an understanding of emerging scientific knowledge, exchanging information and advocating for A.T. Stewardship.
• Acts as a lead/co-lead for ATC Leave No Trace Master Educator Courses.
• Responsible for planning and managing program budget, purchasing supplies, and maintaining and inventorying tools and equipment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree. Degree in conservation biology, ecology, forestry, natural resources management, engineering, surveying, or outdoor resource related field.
• Creativity and attention to detail while handling multiple tasks and meeting assigned deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Northeastern U.S. natural history.
• Ability to solve problems and handle issues of a complicated/complex nature.
• Skilled in project management and contract oversight.
• Supervisory and project planning and implementation experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, ability to maintain favorable relations, and inspire cooperation with volunteers. Ability to develop and present training programs with a variety of media.
• Familiarity and experience with ArcGIS software and GIS principles.
• Familiarity and experience using GPS technology.
• Demonstrated proficiency with map and compass, survey plats, and orienteering.
• Ability to interpret and work with maps/plans oriented towards natural resources, land use, development, or engineering/construction.
• Experience living and working outdoors, including primitive, backcountry camping.
• Experience with the safe and efficient operation of a variety of land stewardship hand and power tools including but not limited to: loppers, hand saws, powered brush cutters and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Google applications and GIS.
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule; position requires regular travel throughout New England and weekend work.
• Maintains Wilderness First Responder and CPR training (WFA as a minimum); can be obtained post-hire.
• Leave No Trace Master Educator or Trainer preferred: training can be obtained post hire.
• Familiarity with the Appalachian Trail or other trail work experience is desirable.

Physical Demands:

• Work environment is in a multi-person office situation with moderate noise. Field work may include the use of power tools not exceeding 120 decibels. (PPE provided)
• Regular use of a computer is required; Microsoft Office, ESRI GIS, and Google applications are used.
• Must be able to provide or arrange transportation to field sites (rental and mileage reimbursement provided).
• Requires valid state driver’s license with a safe driving record.
• Incumbent may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions and seasonal exposure to extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow, humidity, intense heat, and sunlight.
• Incumbent must be able to handle heavy brush, walk for extended periods, stand for long periods, perform routine moderate lifting, and to carry up to 50 pounds in a backpack over a minimum of three miles, traverse rough uneven terrain, and wet and slippery surfaces.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, resume and three references.
• Positions will remain open until filled, however preference will be given to applications received by March 15th.
• Please reference where you saw this post.