Overview

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) accepts applications for full-time and part-time internships throughout the year. Internships may range from several weeks to several months and are generally unpaid.

ATC internships offer:

• exposure to a non-profit work environment
• experience with a well-established and renowned environmental organization whose field of action spans 14 states
• opportunities for contact with federal agency partners (National Park Service, USDA Forest Service) as well as other partner organizations (maintaining clubs, environmental non-profits, other partners and collaborators)

ATC’s Headquarters are located in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, and can host three full-time interns at a time. Housing may be available; when unable to accommodate applicants, ATC will assist them in finding housing in the area.

ATC’s four Regional Offices also may have internship opportunities: please contact them directly for more information on current projects.

Headquarters Internship Positions (unpaid)

Geographic Systems Information Internship

Position Title: GIS Volunteer
Location: Harpers Ferry, W.V.
Temporary housing may be available.
   
A GIS technician is needed to assist ATC and National Park Service staff on GPS and GIS projects by collecting, organizing, and integrating a wide variety of data; editing and manipulating data; building and designing databases and geo-databases; analyzing existing data to inform decision-makers on management issues; and producing maps and other management materials.
*This is a volunteer only position. No stipend will be offered. Temporary housing may be available.

Specific Projects
• Apply ATC’s Conservation Model (a GIS based tool developed to help identify adjacent areas of importance along the A.T.).
1) Compile necessary data (view-shed data, parcel data, etc.) to apply the model to areas along the Trail.
2) Analyze resulting data and summarize findings
3) Refine the model and incorporate additional data to improve it as a decision-making tool.
4) Use the model to help direct conservation efforts in Tennessee-North Carolina and support for our conservation partnership with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC).

• Enhance the Appalachian Trail Inventory and Assessment Process (a system designed for collecting inventory and assessment information with GPS and storing that information in a relational environment).
1) Organize and integrate field data—GPS information and digital photography.
2) Create maps showing trail-inventory and assessment information.
3) Migrate existing data from shapefile to geodatabase format using SQL server.
4) Help set up ArcSDE for serving data remotely.

Qualifications
• 1 to 2 years of experience using ESRI’s GIS software (ArcGIS 9 suite - Arcview, ArcInfo, and ArcEditor, Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, etc). Comparable educational experience (at least two classes on ESRI GIS software) will be considered.
• A firm understanding of GIS concepts, map projections, and cartographic principles (at least two classes focused on GIS and/or cartography).
• Facility with computers and experience using Windows 2000/XP operating systems, spreadsheet and word processing programs such as Excel and Word, internet software, and basic databases (e.g., Access).
• Understanding or working knowledge of one or more of the following is a plus: Geodatabases, SQL Server, Visual Basic, ArcSDE, or ArcIMS.

Database management intern

The database management intern will work with Conservation as well as I.T. and GIS staff on improving and upgrading the Conservation databases as well as linking them to other systems. Interns will have the opportunity to design database solutions in response to program needs, as well as research and present other information technology tools.

Qualifications: Good knowledge of Microsoft Access and Visual Basic programming is required; knowledge of GIS software (ArcView) and SQL server is a plus. The intern will also need to communicate effectively with staff, both to analyze and respond to program needs as well as to transmit any operational information needed.

Non-profit management and leadership intern

The non-profit management and leadership intern will participate in the day-to-day operations of the Conservation Department and gain exposure to all aspects of non-profit management, including meeting organizing and reporting, project management and operational support. Policy research, fundraising, communications and membership development projects can also be included based on the intern’s interests.

Qualifications: Facility with a variety of computer applications such as Word, Access and Excel is required, as well as knowledge of standard office procedures and equipment. The successful candidate will be organized, detail oriented and a systems thinker, and will have good communication skills, both oral and written. The position also requires the ability to coordinate several projects at a time, both team-based and individual

Conservation intern

The Conservation intern will provide support to ATC’s land protection and A.T. MEGA-Transect programs, and may assist with Trail management programs. Duties may include assisting with the administrative and field components of the stewardship of ATC fee lands and easements, as well as assisting with tracking ongoing land protection projects; tracking and coordinating specific A.T. MEGA-Transect projects with multiple partners; and assisting with the management and coordination of Trail programs such as incident reporting and response, and chainsaw training.

Qualifications: The successful applicant will have good oral and written communication skills, including composition and editing, and will be familiar with a variety of computer applications including Word, Access and Excel. This position requires familiarity with conservation principles and tools. Prior experience in the field of conservation is preferred.

To Apply:

For more information and to apply, contact conservationintern@appalachiantrail.org. Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your interests, your strengths and achievements, and your motivation for working with ATC.