Position Title: Environmental Planner
Location: Boiling Springs, PA
Status: Exempt
Supervisor: Mid Atlantic Regional Director
Department: Trail Management

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 Purpose: 


Under the direction of the Regional Director, the Environmental Planner advances the implementation of the 2008 Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Act, exercising considerable independence and autonomy in the day-to-day execution of related tasks.  The Environmental Planner works with municipal officials, state partners, local land trusts, conservation organizations and others and serves as the ATC primary liaison for municipal outreach and land use planning in Pennsylvania. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:


  • Provide leadership and coordinate efforts of the public and private partners in advancing the implementation of Act 24.  These efforts include logistical support for municipal partners and conservation organizations, regular communication with said partners, formulate and implement strategies for priority projects and programs support and manage projects. Track and maintain a comprehensive inventory of related initiatives undertaken by the partners.
  • Create maps and other visual graphics for research and analysis, public meetings, partner meetings, and various other forums using Geographic Information System (GIS) software and other tools.
  • Establish and maintain regular communication with state, regional, county and local planning authorities in those jurisdictions through which the A.T. passes.
  • Foster and facilitate the cooperative partnership among ATC, Trail-maintaining clubs, conservation organizations, academic institutions, land use planning agencies, chambers of commerce and historical societies in the region; serve as primary liaison among representatives of these organizations.  Promote the partnership and protection efforts through various media sources.
  • In cooperation with Department of Community and Economic Development, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, , Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Clubs  and individual municipalities, assist with the development of planning and zoning ordinances consistent with the provisions of the 2008 Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Act.
  • Serves as the ATC lead for the Community Partner ™ program in Pennsylvania.
  • Using established ATC protocol, administer mini-grant program to advance the implementation of Act 24
  • Serve as ATC's lead in the Kittatinny Coalition, including coordination of all efforts in the Kittatinny Central region.

Qualifications:


  • Bachelor’s degree in land use planning and administration, landscape architecture, resource management, conservation, community planning, or related fields; masters degree preferred.
  • 2-4 years related experience. 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent public speaking and community organizational skills.  
  • Demonstrable fluency with GIS and related computer skills (eg Microsoft Office)  
  • Familiarity with Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code (MPC) highly desirable.  
  • Familiarity with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its cooperative management system is desirable. 
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with diverse groups including local, state, and federal agencies, Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) and private citizens.  
  • Ability to organize, track, and follow through to successful completion and report the details of several projects at once.  
  • Ability to work effectively on a variety of tasks, programs and projects, 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 and frequently changing priorities with patience, perseverance, and minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements:


  • Ability to communicate with individuals by phone, email and in person.
  • At times, may require the ability to lift or move light to moderate weight.

Work Conditions:


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

To Apply:

The deadline to apply is July 19, 2013. To apply please email resume to [email protected]
.