Seasonal Trail Crew Member (Great Smoky Mountains)

Organizational Mission:

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

Position Summary

Crew members work in the field under direct supervision by the crew leader and report directly to the Regional Manager. This position collaborates and works with the trail crew, which consists of crew members and/or volunteers to complete routine trail maintenance and/or implement trail construction and reconstruction projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement trail construction, reconstruction, and maintenance projects in cooperation with A.T clubs and partner agencies.  
• Carry out tasks given by the Crew Leader and Assistant Crew Leader to determine logistical needs in advance to ensure that appropriate tools, equipment, materials, personnel, 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 crew leader or supervisors with respect to duties, logistics, timetables, and projects. 
• Submit biweekly timesheets, assist with project reports, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Ensure purchases of food, supplies, gear, and materials following ATC’s financial procedures. 
• Travel on foot over rough terrain and for long distances while carrying equipment in possible inclement weather. 

Qualifications

• Two or more seasons of front/backcountry camping or working outdoors preferred.
• 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. 
• In good mental and physical health with the 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.
• 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, but awareness training is provided.
• Current Wilderness First Aid, or higher, and CPR certification is preferred, but 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. 

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.
• Access to a personal vehicle is strongly preferred.
• Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of a backcountry environment.

Additional Details:

• Term Length: February 22, 2027 to October 29, 2027
• Hourly Rate: $21.00 - $22.00 
• Location/Region required to work from: Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from crew base near Gatlinburg, TN.
• Benefits: 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked.
• A field food stipend will be offered.
• Crew members have the option of staying in free, provided housing at crew base near Gatlinburg, TN.
• Offer is contingent upon successful MVR report. 

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