A team of Land Stewardship Technicians monitor and maintain the boundary lines of a narrow corridor of land conserved for the Appalachian Trail. This involves work trips of 4-8 days in the Maine woods with a few trips elsewhere in New England, camping and sometimes backpacking in to work sites. The boundary maintenance involves hiking off-trail to access and follow the boundary lines, clearing vegetation, putting up boundary signs, repainting blazes on trees, finding survey markers, and recording data. The team, including the Land Stewardship Coordinator, will work together to ensure that the Appalachian Trail is protected by a well-marked boundary line and that any violations are promptly found and resolved. The undeveloped wildlands and the hiking experience found on the Appalachian Trail would not be possible without this work. This role is an ideal entry-level opportunity to gain experience in the recreation and conservation field, perfect for an avid hiker and camper who loves working outdoors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Be a contributing team member with the other Land Stewardship Technicians and the Land Stewardship Coordinator to accomplish set goals and objectives.
• Perform fieldwork monitoring and maintaining the A.T. corridor boundary lines: posting signs, painting trees, finding survey monuments, and clearing vegetation with hand tools.
• Use GPS and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping applications to enter detailed monitoring data.
• Maintain tools, supplies, equipment, and program vehicles.
• Follow protocols documenting and mitigating boundary encroachment violations on the A.T. corridor.
• Lead work trips with volunteer participants, providing training and ensuring that volunteers have a safe and satisfying experience.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, coursework towards a degree, or equivalent work experience in environmental science, recreation management, natural resources management, forestry, or a related field.
• Commitment to ATC management and resource protection efforts.
• Proven ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, groups, and partners.
• Self-motivated person who works well independently and as part of a team.
• Strong hiking, camping, and backpacking experience.
• Experience working with volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
• 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.
• Willingness to participate in additional required training which may include but not limited to: WFR/WFA, safe driving.
• Proficiency with using a map and compass and navigating off-trail.
• Strong working knowledge of computers and technology.
• Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or other first aid certification is desirable.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of a backcountry environment.
• Regular use of a computer is required; Microsoft Office, Office 365, ESRI GIS, ADP, NetSuite, and Google applications are used.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, and access to a reliable personal vehicle.
• Regular, extensive travel and camping around Appalachian Trail locations.
• Ability to lift and carry 50+ pounds.
• Normal 40-hour work week is four ten-hour days in the field with some camping near work locations, including backpacking in to work sites.
• Long days in the field and occasional weekend work may be required.
• 4 – 8 day primitive camping trips on the Maine A.T. and some trips elsewhere in New England, starting & ending each trip at the Bangor office.

Additional Information

• Term length: 20+ weeks, likely June 2 to October 17
• Hourly Rate: $19
• Housing Stipend: $500 per full month