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Regional Manager - Smokies and NC

Deadline:
Employer:
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Job Field:
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Job Type:
Full Time
Location:
North Carolina
Location Detail:
Asheville
Job Description:

The Regional Manager (RM) for the portion of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina and Tennessee, from Fontana Dam in North Carolina, through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, to Spivey Gap (approximately 200 miles), serves as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s primary representative in this area. The RM functions as a partnership liaison that implements and manages, coordinates or supports identified programs and projects within this Trail section. The Regional Manager strengthens and enhances the mission of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and supports the volunteer stewardship and management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (ANST). This position may be responsible for daily supervision of assigned staff (interns, seasonal employees as designated). Learn more at https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fappalachiantrail.o…

 

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, recreation management, resource management or related field; with 3-5 years of experience required

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and relationships concurrently with excellent organizational and communication skills, in an environment with minimal direct daily supervision. Ability to work collaboratively within the Cooperative Management System, including state and federal agency partners, volunteer constituencies, alliance organizations, community and business leaders, and media representatives

Ability and commitment to be fully engaged in a dispersed yet cohesive staff team structure

Excellent analytical and critical evaluation skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Experience or training in personal computer operations, including Microsoft Office suite, and ESRI ArcMap GIS software

Familiarity with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, hikers, conservation volunteerism and related fields is desirable

 

Miscellaneous:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 

Partnerships Liaison

 

Serves as the primary organizational liaison to the Appalachian Trail clubs including the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, Carolina Mountain Club, and Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club. The position:

 

Briefs local management partners regarding ATC strategic direction, policies, programs and projects.

Provides club leadership with the appropriate paperwork and training to respond to work-related incidents and submit federal volunteer worker claims.

Provides assistance, training and technical expertise, where appropriate.

Participates in club and agency meetings and work trips

Develops working relationships and alliances with identified organizations that strengthen the capacity of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Cooperative Management System

Ensures club MOU’s, volunteer agreements, and local management plans are up to date.

Supports renewal process for state MOUs as requested.

Supports communication among non-A.T. club partnerships including land trusts, Natural Resource stewards and partners from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focused organizations.

Project Management

 

Full-cycle project management of identified regional projects while ensuring good communications throughout the management partnership. Current projects include, but are not limited to:

 

Federally funded trail repair and reconstruction efforts and contract administration

Project planning and environmental review process including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and state environmental assessment compliance planning for identified projects.

With other A.T. protection partners, assess and develop appropriate responses to external threats to corridor lands and the A.T. footpath. Under the supervision of the relevant Regional Director, and with the support of other director level senior staff, draft comments, testifies at public hearings or negotiates directly with developers to minimize impact of threats.

Land conservation opportunities that benefit the ANST in partnership with private, local, state, and federal partners

Restoration projects including demolitions, site restorations, and removal of abandoned property as necessary for the protection and management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Resource Management

 

Support Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) monitoring and management with partners

Support resource management staff with forest health initiatives, wildlife habitat management, and ecological restoration projects

Local management planning process, including capital planning and Trail assessments

Program Management

 

Working collaboratively with ATC teams to implement, manage, coordinate, or support identified regional programming. Programs may include, but are not limited to:

 

Club/agency-sponsored seasonal programs

Visitor use outreach/education, including local Ridgerunner and Trail Ambassador programs

Trail crews

Volunteer recruitment, development and recognition programs

Volunteer skill development trainings in areas including Leave No Trace education, trail construction and maintenance, overnight site management, safety and risk management, natural and cultural resource management, sawyer safety training

Community Engagement/Education

 

Serve as ATC’s representative to Appalachian Trail Community’s and school related classroom programs in collaboration with ATC outreach staff.

Engage regional and local partners, including community organizations, businesses, schools, and agencies to participate in A.T. stewardship, recreation, and management.

Serve as lead liaison with the Children Forest Network, collaborating with the ATC’s education and outreach team to co-host workshops for youth and educators.

Support teams to develop and implement interpretation strategies.

Public Relations

 

Implements ATC’s response to emergencies and ANST-related incidents in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pisgah, Cherokee, and Nantahala National Forests.

Coordinates with the Regional Director regarding the submission of promotional public relations and communications materials.

Provides visitor information services to the general public as needed.

Attends public events to promote ATC membership and recruit A.T. volunteers in cooperation with local A.T. clubs.

Administration

 

Assist the Regional Director and other ATC staff in program planning, development, and budget management

Attend regional and national staff and partnership meetings and retreats

Complete accurate and timely expense reports, timesheets, and purchasing procedures

Other duties as assigned

 

Salary:
Minimum $45,000 annual salary
Benefits:

Full-time exempt position

Minimum $45,000 annual salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance available

403b Retirement with 7% match after 1 year of service

COVID-19 vaccination will be required for this position as a condition of employment. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.

How to Apply:

Please submit an application packet that consists of a resume, list of three references, and a cover letter at: https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fappalachiantrail.o…

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