Organizational Mission:
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Start Date: May 4, 2024, or ideally sooner.
Duration: Flexible schedule, an average of 12-20 hours per week*, not to exceed 500 total hours
*more hours per week leading up to the Summit will be required as will be attending the full 3-day Summit. Expectation to work the weekend of the Summit.
Status: Paid Internship $18 an hour
Stipend Amount: N/A
Location: Candidate must be in a 2-hour drive from the Appalachian Trail from DC, MD, PA, NY, NJ.
Position Summary
This position advances ATC’s work our work promoting the Appalachian Trail as a place of social connection and empowerment for all people. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has a demonstrated commitment to youth outreach and engagement and advancing the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in outdoor recreation and public lands stewardship. Through initiatives like our annual Emerging Leaders’ Summit (ELS) and our Next Generation (NextGen) Advisory Council, we work to authentically build and empower a more diverse group of young people who care about the Trail and the personal and societal benefits of a bond with the natural world.
The Emerging Leaders’ Summit(s) is a multi-day gathering during which the ATC brings together a diverse cohort of young people ages 18-30 to connect with their peers, learn trail skills, and cultivate a shared commitment to making the outdoors a welcoming place for all to enjoy. In addition to supporting the Summit the intern will work with ATC staff on Youth and Young Adult Outreach initiatives including but not limited to the Next Generation Advisory Council. This internship is sponsored by the Partnership for the National Trails System
Benefits of Our Internship
· To gain experience and/or grow planning and coordinating experience in the conservation industry.
· The intern will be provided an educational period of beneficial learning and be enmeshed in the day-to-day operations of the trail operations and be able to provide their perspective, educational expertise, and analytical thought to improving the current program and connecting with diverse participants.
· Opportunity to work with Appalachian Trail Staff, volunteers, Next Gen Council, and other partners
who are involved in planning and facilitating the 2024 Emerging Leaders Summit.
Areas of Study
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy intends this internship for students enrolled in educational pursuits and/or a recent graduate or older that brings knowledge and experience from their studies in the following program areas may provide particular benefit to the project:
· Environmental education / outdoor recreation Resource management / Forestry
· Social sciences / Sociology / Psychology
· Event and Program design/planning
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Update Outreach materials and toolkit for recruitment.
· Recruit participants through partner organizations, outreach, and alumni networks.
· Review and vet and select Summit participants in partnership with ATC staff.
· Coordinate Summit Logistics with host site including meals, lodging, and meeting space.
· Lead agenda development with ATC staff.
· Help identify guest speakers and instructors.
· Coordinate travel logistics for participants and facilitators/speakers.
· Create evaluation metrics and survey tools.
· Develop/write content for multi-channel media including social media posts, blogs, and newsletters.
· Support program evaluation and reporting.
· Serve as the on-site logistics coordinator during the Summit and the primary liason with ATC staff.
· Participate in Next Gen meetings.
· Work with Council members to develop communications tools for Next Gen Alumni
· Engage Next Gen members in the planning and facilitation of sessions at the Emerging Leaders Summit
· Other duties pertaining to supporting Outreach and Engagement of Youth and Young Adults as assigned.
Skills Required
· Excellent organization and high level of attention to detail.
· Experience planning events or programs.
· Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, groups, and partners.
· Strong competence with word, excel, and document sharing.
· Proven ability to work remotely.
· Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
· Ability to problem-solve.
· High degree of initiative and a team player.
· Desire to learn and contribute.
· Basic knowledge and enthusiasm for Public Lands and the Appalachian Trail.
· Bilingual/Spanish speakers encouraged to apply.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
● Ability to communicate with individuals by phone, email and in person.
● Some travel required.
● Working on the phone or computer for prolonged periods.
● Regular use of a computer is required; Microsoft Office, Office 365 and Google applications are used.
● May be exposed to hazardous physical conditions and seasonal exposure to extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow, humidity, intense heat, and sunlight.
● Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of an outdoor environment
ATC Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness with all employees and volunteers to enable participation and contributions to their fullest potential.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive organization and recognize that diversity contributes to an effective and successful organizational culture and mission.
The ATC prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, political affiliation, union membership, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the locations where we operate.
