Overview
Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners provide information about the A.T. and its intended primitive experience, location, regulations, and traditions. They work to encourage the best behavior on the part of hikers to facilitate a positive A.T. experience, and to elicit the support of those who live nearby. They discourage and mitigate misuse of the Appalachian Trail and its environs by performing educational and public-relations functions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Meet and greet the public and educate them about the A.T., ATC, local Trail Clubs, local land managing agencies and Leave No Trace principles and practices.
• Advise visitors on rules, regulations, and current conditions pertinent to the A.T. and applicable land managing agencies.
• Perform minor trail maintenance including removing obstructions, managing drainage and removing litter from the treadway, overnight sites, and trailhead parking areas.
• Assist visitors as needed, including aiding during emergency-responses and other incidents as necessary.
• Report unsafe conditions, misuse, and abuse of the A.T. treadway, facilities, and lands.
• Assist local maintaining Clubs with privy, shelter, overnight site, treadway and other maintenance and repair projects as needed.
• Maintain a daily log and report to supervisors and partners at the end of each work period.
• Maintain regular contact with field supervisors, Club volunteers and agency partners.
• Regularly traverse steep and uneven terrain in all weather conditions, travelling upwards of fifteen miles daily.
Ridgerunners are employed to hike specific sections of the A.T. during the day and camp at overnight sites throughout their patrol. Applicants should demonstrate the interest and ability to contribute to the public-service effort of working on a National Scenic Trail and to promote volunteerism and membership in ATC and its club affiliates. They should possess the required skills listed below and be able to attend required training. Applicants must demonstrate maturity, responsibility, initiative, and self-motivation.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to ATC management and resource protection efforts.
• Proven ability to work alone with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, groups and partners.
• Ability to live independently and work in a remote area with minimal supervision.
• Strong backpacking and outdoor experience.
• Experience working with volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day in steep, mountainous terrain.
About Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the 2,193 mile-long Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a 250,000 acre scenic greenway extending from Maine to Georgia.
