Seasonal Jobs

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, headquartered in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is a volunteer-based, private nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the 2,175-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a 250,000-acre greenway extending from Maine to Georgia.

Each year, the ATC hires a highly qualified seasonal staff to support our ridgerunner/caretaker and crew programs. Other seasonal positions are posted when available.

We are no longer recruiting for 2008 ridgerunner, caretaker, and Trail crew positions. More information and an application for 2009 will be posted in the Fall.

Ridgerunners and Caretakers

ATC ridgerunners and caretakers hike sections of the A.T., meet and greet hikers, provide Trail brochures and literature to inform visitors about the A.T. and its intended primitive experience, its location, regulations, and traditions. They take steps to encourage the best behavior on the part of hikers, to facilitate a positive Trail experience (particularly for those who are poorly prepared), and to elicit the support of Trail neighbors and those who live nearby, but who may not understand or use the Trail properly. Ridgerunners and caretakers, by their presence, discourage and mitigate misuse of the Appalachian Trail and its environs by performing educational and public relations functions.

Trail crews

ATC crews concentrate on Trail construction and resource-management projects to assist and support local clubs and public agencies. Project sites include national forests and parks, state parks and forests, and lands acquired specifically to protect the A.T. Crews are located in Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Tennessee and seasons vary, beginning in mid-April and running through October.

Paid positions include:

Camp Coordinator. The Camp Coordinator is responsible for all the activities necessary to ensure smooth operation of ATC's crew camps and work centers. These activities include coordinating volunteer activities at the camp, welcoming and orienting new crew volunteers, assigning lodging space, purchasing food and supplies, managing the crew checking account, tool maintenance, camp maintenance and management, preparing a weekly menu, preparing meals at camp, and procuring and packaging of food for use by the crew in the field.

Crew Leader. The Trail Crew Leader is the field supervisor of the individual crews sponsored or supported by ATC, and is responsible for all aspects of the construction projects assigned to the crew, for the logistics, supply, and transportation of the crew, and for its morale, comportment, and ultimate success as a motivated group of hard-working volunteers. He or she should be a skilled builder, experienced in trail construction, tireless, and able to encourage cooperation among people in a primitive setting.

Assistant Crew Leader. The Assistant Trail Crew Leader is responsible for assisting the Crew Leader and Camp Coordinator. These positions were established to teach the skills necessary to become a crew leader.