Non-Native Invasive Species Coordinator

Organizational Mission:

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

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Science and Stewardship this position will be responsible for non-native invasive species (NNIS) management along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in NC, TN, VA, and GA. This is a dual role and will report to the Virginia Natural Resource Manager when completing assignments in Virigina. The primary responsibility of this position is NNIS management, including inventory, developing management prescriptions, NNIS treatment, mapping, managing contractors and youth crews, and compliance and reporting paperwork. Other responsibilities may include open areas management (grassy balds, early successional habitat), boundary and corridor management, and forest health initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Non-native Native Invasive Species (NNIS) Management
• Coordinate with ATC staff, partners, Trail Clubs, and volunteers to manage NNIS on public lands using chemical and mechanical methods.
• Inventory sections of the A.T. for occurrences of NNIS.
• Lead, plan, and coordinate volunteer NNIS management workdays with trail clubs, volunteers, and partners.
• Assist with data collection, mapping, database management, and equipment maintenance.
• Develop NNIS management prescriptions, file compliance documents, and report to federal partners.
• Open Areas Management
• Coordinate management of open areas with partners, Trail Clubs, and volunteers; including assisting with management prescriptions and supervising and implementing management activities.
• Perform stewardship activities including chainsaw operation, brush cutting, and herbicide application.
• Mapping of treatment areas, access roads, and other features using GPS/GIS.
• Forest Health
• Treat ash trees against the emerald ash borer in TN, NC, and GA.
• Assist with spruce-fir restoration activities including on the ground management and data collection.
• Other potential project work includes hemlock treatments, beech bark disease surveying, and other forest health initiatives.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in conservation biology, ecology, forestry, or natural resource management or associate degree with 3-5 years of field experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience performing natural resource management and stewardship activities.
• Working knowledge of Southern Appalachian natural history and familiarity with the A.T.
• Supervisory and project planning/implementation experience.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Experience with safe and efficient operation of a variety of land stewardship hand and power tools including but not limited to loppers, hand saws, powered brush cutters, chainsaws, and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
• Creativity and attention to detail while handling multiple tasks.
• Ability to solve problems and handle issues of a complicated/complex nature.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• The ability to maintain favorable relations and inspire cooperation with staff, partners, and volunteers.
• Familiarity and experience with ArcGIS software, GPS technology and GIS principles.?
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Google applications.?
• Pesticide applicator license in TN, NC, GA, and/or VA preferred. Willingness to attain licensing post hire is a must.
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder and CPR training desired: training may be able to be obtained post hire.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Position requires regular travel throughout the Southern Region (TN, NC, GA and VA) and some weekend work and camping.
• Must be able to commute to the southern regional office to work.
• Regional offices are multi-person offices with moderate noise and shared floor plans.
• Must be able to provide or arrange transportation to office and field sites (rental vehicles and mileage reimbursement provided when relevant).
• Work may include the use of power tools not exceeding 120 decibels. (PPE provided)
• 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.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. Access to a personal vehicle is strongly preferred.
• Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of a backcountry environment.

Additional Information:

• Term Length: Approximately 20 months
• Hourly Rate: ($22.00 – $23.00)
• Location/Region required to work from: Asheville, NC
• 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

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (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 a diverse and inclusive organization, and recognize that diversity contributes to an effective and successful organizational culture and mission.

The ATC prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, 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.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Identity Statement

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