Trail Operations Specialist (Roanoke, VA)

Organizational Mission:

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

Position Summary

The Trail Operations Specialist reports to the Senior Trail Operations Manager and is responsible for administrative activities that support and enhance the overall Trail Operations program. The Specialist communicates with staff, A.T. partners in agencies and A.T. Clubs, and contractors related to sawyer safety courses, performs data entry and quality assurance of database content, plans meetings, and produces reports on accomplishments and budget expenditures. By providing high-quality programmatic support for ATC’s Trail Operations, the incumbent bolsters the Conservancy’s work to provide a sustainable Trail managed through the coordinated efforts of ATC’s Regional staff and an empowered partner and volunteer network.

The Trail Operations work of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy coordinates a comprehensive sawyer safety program on the Appalachian Trail, oversees large federal funding awards for Helene recovery, supports the requests of and accountability to other federal awards by ATC’s regional offices, manages large scale infrastructure projects, and provides systems and resources to reduce the duplication of Trail management effort.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn and follow USFS and NPS Saw programs and policies for consistent program implementation.
• Support the timely distribution of information within ATC and to A.T. partners related to current Saw Trail Advisory Group (TAG) outcomes, safety notices, and agency guidance.
• Enter and receive purchase orders, draft contracts, ensure proper utilization of grant codes for expenditures.
• Collaborate with regional staff, A.T. Club partners, and agency partners to assess sawyer certification or other training needs.
• Coordinate logistics for courses including work with course providers and contractors on estimates, scheduling, invoicing and payments.
• Communicate, as needed with participants and instructors to ensure expectations are shared and met related to resolving obstacles to facilitate timely issuance of materials to participants.
• Perform data management in Salesforce ATC’s central database and the USFS Sawyer Database.
• Maintain contact records, manage training events, accept registrations, fulfill certification record keeping, and to produce reports on participation and program outcomes.
• As requested, schedule virtual and/or in-person meetings to support various trailwide programmatic objectives.
• Fulfill ATC’s commitments to equip sawyers with certification documents and materials including copies of evaluations, sawyer card, and A.T. volunteer sawyer items.
• Receive and manage requests for reimbursement and personal protective equipment (PPE). fulfillment. Place purchases for PPE. Extend support for PPE fulfillment requests, as needed.
• Support the development of a business plan for providing safety training outside of the Cooperative Management System (CMS).
• Follow the budget developed for program of work and communicate known variances to appropriate colleague.
• Maintain and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Support the coordination of saw strike teams, if needed, in aftermath of natural disasters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred, or 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of federal policy and management guidelines and the technical details of saw program management, sustainable trail management, and necessary requirements, preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience using databases, project management, or data visualization tools is preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage a variety of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the Appalachian Trail, hikers, and volunteers, preferred.
• Experience in retail, inventory management, and order fulfillment, preferred.
• Commitment to mission-driven work and fostering meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and organizational partners.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Occasional travel for meetings and courses may be required.
• The position involves extended periods working at a computer or on the phone.
• Occasionally requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or move light to moderate weights.
• Requires frequent communication through phone, video, email, and in-person interactions.
• Ability to perform field work in remote backcountry conditions, sometimes in very rugged terrain, and varied weather conditions, as well as exposure to various pests and wildlife.
• Use of personal vehicle for work-related travel is expected; mileage will be reimbursed.
• Work is performed in a combination of remote, shared office, meeting, and field environments.
• Remote work requires reliable high-speed internet access.
• Requires prolonged periods of working at a computer and using standard office equipment.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support meetings, events, deadlines, or other business needs.

Additional Details:

• Location: Harpers Ferry, WV, or Roanoke, VA.
• Term Length: Upon hiring to July 2030; longer term possible but not guaranteed.
• Hourly Range: $22.00 - $24.00
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Company paid long-term disability and life insurance provided.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service. 

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