A.T. Ridgerunners and Caretakers provide information about the A.T. and its intended primitive experience, its location, regulations, and traditions. They work 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 those who live nearby, but who may not understand or use the Trail properly. They discourage and mitigate misuse of the Appalachian Trail and its environs by performing educational and public-relations functions. Ridgerunners are assigned to hike specific sections of the A.T., while Caretakers remain at specific overnight sites. Some positions combine elements of both. They must be able to work both independently with minimal supervision and cooperatively as a member of a team. 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Meet and greet the public and educate them about the A.T., ATC, PATC, local land-owning agencies, and Leave No Trace hiking/camping methods.
- Advise visitors and hikers of rules on the A.T. and of NPS, state, and local regulations.
- Perform light trail maintenance and pick up litter on the Trail, and at camp/shelter sites, .
- Assist visitors and hikers whenever possible; assist emergency-response agencies when requested.
- Report unsafe conditions, misuse, and abuse of the A.T. and its shelters (including vandalism, vagrancy, forest fires, beer and liquor parties, drug use, suspicious persons, vehicles, unauthorized hunting, tree cutting, etc.)
- Assist PATC with their backcountry sanitation projects. Maintain privies at A.T. shelters in satisfactory condition.
- Maintain a daily log, submit a report to supervisors at the end of each work period, and a summary of your season to PATC detailing highlights, problems, etc.
- Maintain regular contact with field supervisors, club volunteers and agency partners.
Required Skills
- Commitment to Trail- and resource-protection efforts
- Proven ability to work alone with minimal supervision
- Excellent communication and education skills
- Ability to interact with the public under stressful conditions
- Extensive backpacking experience
Desired Skills
- Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles
- Previous A.T. volunteer experience
- Knowledge of the Appalachian Trail and ATC
- Knowledge of first-aid and CPR (Wilderness First-Aid certification is preferable)
