Seasonal Land Stewardship Technician (Central PA)

About the role

The Land Stewardship Technician will report to the Land Stewardship Coordinator and will monitor and maintain the boundary lines of the lands conserved for the Appalachian Trail, called the A.T. corridor. This involves hiking off trail through mountainous forests, clearing vegetation with loppers, putting up boundary signs, repainting blazes on trees, finding survey markers, and recording data.

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.

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.
• Able 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.

Skills

• Strong hiking, camping, and backpacking experience.
• Ability to lift and carry 50+ pounds.
• Basic knowledge of Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s cooperative management system.
• Proficiency with using a map and compass and navigating off trail.
• Strong working knowledge of computers and technology.

Benefits

• 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked.
• Land Stewardship Technician Lead will be designated prior to the start date to serve as the primary point of contact with the Land Stewardship Coordinator during work-related travel.

Pay

$19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Schedule

Normal 35-40-hour work week typically involving 4 days in the field with some overnight camping near work location, and one day for travel and data input (remote or at office).

Location/Region required to work from

Will work throughout VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, and NY