Resource Management Technician Position Description

Organizational Mission

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come.
 

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Northern Resource Management Coordinator based in Harpers Ferry, WV and working closely with New England regional staff and the National Park Service, the Resource Management Technician (RMT) is responsible for expanding invasive exotic plant monitoring and management in the region, coordinating volunteers to monitor rare plants, implementing a citizen-science based project to monitor phenology, and assisting with other conservation initiatives as needed.  The employee will assist with data collection for active programs and will work closely with volunteers, engaging a wide variety of people to address environmental issues.  The RMT will work cooperatively with Trail maintaining clubs, agency partners, universities, and other collaborators within the New England region to implement resource management projects. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with the administration of ATC’s invasive exotic species monitoring and management program in the New England region. The RMT will work closely with the ATC and agency partner staff at the National Park Service’s Appalachian Trail Park Office (ATPO) to develop a volunteer policy for controlling invasive exotic (IE) species in the A.T. corridor.  Assists staff and partners in analyzing existing IE data to prioritize management needs and take appropriate actions.  The RMT supports volunteer recruitment and training, and maintains program records including inventory data and volunteer numbers.  The RMT communicates and coordinates with regional agency partners and organizations, A.T. clubs, and associated volunteers.  The RMT conducts invasive species inventories using established protocols along the A.T.

• Supports ATC’s rare plant monitoring in New England region.  The RMT works closely with ATC and ATPO staff to implement volunteer training and to assist with surveying rare plant sites. Hosts workshops to improve volunteer recruitment and training, maintains program records and data, and manages associated volunteers. The RMT will assist with communication between key agency partners such as State Natural Heritage employees, university botanists, and A.T. clubs to assure program effectiveness.  The RMT will also communicate with Trail maintaining clubs to ensure awareness and protection of rare plants is exercised while conducting regular A.T. maintenance. The RMT conducts rare plant inventories at established sites along the A.T.

• Assists with the implementation of ATC’s Phenology Monitoring program. Hosts at least one workshop to initiate volunteer recruitment and training in New England.  Coordinates with A.T. Clubs, agency partners and associated volunteers. Communicates with ATC staff, agency partners, and the National Phenology Network about the standardization of protocols, data capture, and program evaluation.  Maintains program records including phenological data and volunteer numbers.

• May represent ATC at conferences, events and workshops.  Creates and delivers presentations, materials and aids in coordination efforts when needed.  

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Holds a Bachelor’s degree (or working towards a degree) in environmental science, botany, ecology, biology, or related field.
• Confidence with the identification of native and non-native plant species
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize, track, and follow projects through to successful completion and report the details of programs.
• Ability to work effectively without direct supervision.
• Ability to inspire cooperation and effective communication among individuals, private groups, local, state and federal agencies.
• Self-starter who can take on and manage multiple tasks.
• Familiarity with the Appalachian Trail, hikers, and volunteering on the A.T.
• Experience or training in personal computer operations.  Fluency in Microsoft Office, and e-mail software is essential. GIS and GPS experience desired.
• Outdoor skills such as first aid training, map and compass navigation helpful.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Some travel and weekend work may be required.
• Ability to communicate with individuals by phone, email and in person.
• May require the ability to lift or move light to moderate weight.
• Requires ability to hike significant distances carrying a pack weighing up to 50lbs
• Requires the ability to work under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to use outdoor equipment such as brush cutters, loppers and shovels.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Moderate noise level due to open office environment with a high level of activity on the phone, computers, and printers.

The deadline to apply is May 20, 2012. To apply please email resume to [email protected].