Visual Resource Inventory Coordinator (TERM)

Organizational Mission:

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

Position Summary

The Seasonal Visual Resource Inventory Coordinator will report to the Senior Visual Resource Manager and is responsible for leading seasonal staff and volunteers in inventorying the views along the A.T. using the Visual Resource Inventory) VRI) protocol. This position will facilitate collaboration between ATC, Appalachian Trail maintaining Clubs, agency partners and other Appalachian Trail (A.T.) landscape partners to achieve visual resource inventory assessments of A.T. viewpoints trail wide. Utilizing the National Park Service (NPS) Visual Resource Inventory (VRI) protocol developed by the NPS Air Resources Division, this position is responsible for recruiting and coordinating volunteers and partners, planning and leading VRI protocol trainings, coordinating and managing field monitoring visits, data collection, data entry and data management. This position will also train, coordinate and lead 3 seasonal VRI technicians annually.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Upload, organize and perform quality checks on data.
• Work in a close partnership team with the other Visual Resource Inventory Technicians and volunteers. Applies and understands the NPS Visual Resource Inventory protocol and training manual.
• Collaborate with ATC staff and agency partners to coordinate and host standardized VRI protocol training.
• Coordinate with VRI team members to plan and complete VRI field assessments at A.T. viewpoints.
• Coordinate with ATC staff, AT Clubs and agency partners to produce a complete updated listing of official A.T. views.
• Coordinate and lead phone and web conferences with club and agency partners for the purpose of data and information gathering.
• Maintain detailed assessment and data records from VRI field and phone sessions.
• Convert all data collected during field and phone assessments into a digital format.
• Aggregate, organize and manage VRI data on the NPS Enjoy the View data portal.
• Compile quarterly and annual summaries of program accomplishments compatible with ATC and agency partner reporting needs.
• Lead seasonal VRI Technicians; includes detailed work planning logistics, training, and daily workplan management.
• Train seasonal VRI Technicians on all aspects of the VRI, including GPS and camera protocols.
• Assist with hiring seasonal Visual Resource Inventory Technicians.
• Responsible for inventorying VRI tools and equipment and maintaining them in good working order.
• Edit view photos using Adobe Suite.
• Other work as assigned by Visual Resource Manager.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in environmental science, conservation biology, ecology, recreation management, natural resources management, forestry, or a related field.
• Experience planning and executing projects.
• Significant hiking experience and comfort working in backcountry settings.
• Self-motivated person who works well both independently and in a team environment.
• Current Wilderness First-Aid, or higher, and CPR certification is preferred training is provided.
• Experience using and maintaining field-based GPS technology and camera equipment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with map and compass.
• Ability to solve problems and handle issues of a complicated/complex nature.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to support and present training programs using a variety of media.
• Familiarity and experience using GPS technology and ArcGIS software.
• Experience living and working outdoors, including primitive, backcountry camping.
• Strong photography and composition skills and Adobe photo suite experience desired.
• Familiarity with the Appalachian Trail or other trail work strongly desired.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• 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 and perform routine moderate lifting carrying up to 40 pounds in a backpack over a minimum of ten miles through rough, uneven terrain, and wet, and slippery surfaces.
• Long days in the field and weekend work, typically 35 hours per week. Occasional overnight
• 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.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, and access to a reliable personal vehicle.
• Must be able to provide or arrange transportation to training and field sites (rental vehicles and mileage reimbursement provided when relevant). Regular summer travel to locations trail wide.
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule; the position requires regular travel throughout A.T. trail states and occasional weekend work to attend Regional Partnership Meetings.
• Remote work required when not in the field.

Additional Details:

• Full-Time TERM position average of 35 hours a week.
• Pay Rate: ($20.00 – $23.00 hourly)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Company paid long-term disability and life insurance.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service.
• Location: Hybrid 25% – 50% travel. Must be located in one of the 14 Appalachian Trail States.

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.