Seasonal Land Stewardship Technician (Central PA)

Organizational Mission: 

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

Position Summary

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. This role will work with other Land Stewardship Technicians to ensure that the Appalachian Trail is protected by a well-marked boundary line and that any violations are promptly found and resolved. The undeveloped wildlands and unmatched hiking experience on the A.T. would not be possible without the work of the Land Stewardship Technicians. This role is an ideal entry-level opportunity to gain experience in the recreation and conservation field, perfect for an avid hiker and camper who loves working outdoors. Technicians perform challenging and fulfilling work that is crucial to the protection of the lands conserved for the Appalachian Trail, called the A.T. corridor.

Essential Duties and 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

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.
• Ability 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.
• Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or other first aid certification is desirable.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of a backcountry environment.
• Regular use of a computer is required; Microsoft Office, Office 365, ESRI GIS, NPS database, ADP, NetSuite, RIMS, and Google applications are used.
• Regular, extensive travel and camping around Appalachian Trail locations.
• Ability to lift and carry 50+ pounds.
• 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).
• Long days in the field and occasional weekend work may be required.

Additional Information:

• Term Length: Approximately September 21, 2026 – Dec 11, 2026
• Office Location: Mid-Atlantic Regional Office 318 E Old York Road, Carlisle, PA, 17015
• Hourly Range: $19.00 – $21.00
  • Housing Stipend of $500 per month in addition to hourly rate is given for each full calendar month worked.
• Location/Region required to work from: Will work throughout VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, and NY
• 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. In addition to performing all core Land Stewardship Technician duties, the Lead Technician will also:
  • Coordinate team transportation for work travel, including use of rental or personal vehicles.
  • Arrange lodging accommodations during work-related travel, such as camping, bed-and-breakfasts, or hotels.
  • Coordinate meeting times and locations with local volunteer clubs.
• Offer for Lead Technician role 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.