Mid-Atlantic Trails Coordinator

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the United States. Our mission is simple yet powerful: foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. With a focus on protecting mountains, forests, waters, and trails throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, we envision a world where our natural resources are healthy, loved, and always protected, and where the outdoors occupies a place of central importance in every person’s life. This position aligns both paid and unpaid staff to move AMC’s mission and four strategic priorities:   

• Inspire joyous, meaningful outdoor experiences
• Protect critical landscapes for the well-being of people and the outdoors
• Cultivate and sustain a robust and welcoming community
• Foster access to the outdoors

The Appalachian Mountain Club seeks to fill an opening for a Trail Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Region based in our Bethlehem, Pennsylvania office. The Trail Coordinator is primarily responsible for advancing the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) vision for an interconnected network of trails, parks, and communities across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

The Trail Coordinator will support land managing partners through recreational trail assessments, volunteer support, and project planning and implementation, with a particular focus on the Pennsylvania Highlands Trail Network. The Trail Coordinator organizes and hosts meetings for the Pennsylvania Highlands Trail Network Steering Committee and participates in other groups working to advance priority trail projects throughout the region.

The Trail Coordinator will work closely with trail volunteers, state agencies, federal agencies, county planning commissions, municipalities, and other local land managers. They will help to envision and identify new trail development opportunities to connect parks and opens spaces to communities.

The Trail Coordinator reports to the Mid-Atlantic Trail Program Manager and collaborates regularly with other AMC staff in the Mid-Atlantic and other regions. This position involves a combination of administrative and field work and requires frequent travel throughout Southeastern PA and occasional travel to other sites in the Mid-Atlantic Region and Northeast US.

What You’ll Be Doing at AMC

• Lead and support the Pennsylvania Highlands Trail Network Steering Committee, a coalition of partners to plan, create, and manage the Highlands Trail network.
• Cultivate new project partners and supporters by serving as a resource and advocate for priority trail projects across the region.
• Support land managers with recreational trail assessments, condition surveys, and trail project plans for more sustainable trail networks across the region.
• Develop digital and print publications and outreach materials including brochures, signage, website content, and blog entries.
• Identify projects for the AMC’s volunteer-led Highlands Trail Stewards, who assist on trail construction and maintenance projects.
• Coordinate and deliver technical trail trainings for AMC volunteers and other regional trail stewards.
• Build enthusiasm and collaboration for advancing trail projects that connect people to nature in the Highlands and serve as a resource for colleagues and partners for potential projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Host and participate in outdoor activities, events, and site visits.
• Work in collaboration with the AMC Trails Department to support regional land managers needs.
• Provide input to program budgets and track expenses.

Qualifications

What AMC Is Looking For

• A variety of backgrounds and experiences may be considered, including trail planning or management, natural resource or recreation management, Conservation Corps experience, professional trail construction, or a related field, with at least two years of experience.
• Experience planning and coordinating trail projects, including land manager relations, securing community support, and developing signage and interpretative resources, or related experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships, especially with diverse constituents such as volunteers, land and trail managers, and public officials.
• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines and advance projects.
• Leadership and/or teaching experience for wide range of constituents.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems and digital mapping platforms.
• Comfort using web-based communications tools, including social media.
• Willingness to travel throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and work some evenings and weekends.
• Knowledge of southeastern Pennsylvania geography preferred.
• Physical Abilities Required: Most work is performed in a standard office setting. Must be able to stand, sit, walk, lift up to 20 pounds from floor to waist height, and operate standard office equipment. Must be able to travel independently and safely in all weather conditions on the hiking trails of the Mid-Atlantic Region, carrying up to 25-pounds in a backpack.

What AMC Can Offer You  

Salary range: $42,840 – $57,834

We are committed to fair compensation practices. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, competencies, and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.  

Benefits  

• Health Plan: Generous employer contributions through Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts with optional vision and dental.
• Other Insurance: 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability.
• Career Progression: The potential to have annual compensation reviews commensurate with performance and effort.
• Retirement: 403(b) with 4% matching employer contributions and a vesting schedule. This benefit increases with tenure.
• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks of Paid Time Off and up to 11 paid company holidays at hire. This benefit increases with tenure.
• Other Team Member Perks:
• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise Free Annual AMC Membership
• 10 Free nights at AMC locations
• Educational Assistance
• Pro deal discounts on equipment & gear and more!