Community Conservation Innovator Fellowship

Organizational Mission:

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Position Summary

The inaugural launch of the Community Conservation Innovator Fellowship Program is to build solutions to today’s pressing environmental challenges in the Appalachian Trail Landscape using science, partnership, and community engagement. The topical focus of the 2024 Fellowship is Community-led Collaborative Conservation. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) invites graduate-level students or equivalent lived experiences to apply to the Community Conservation Innovators Fellowship Program to provide the initial research and programmatic development strategies to position the launch of a new conservation-focused initiative within ATC’s Appalachian Trail Community program. ATC seeks to build capacity and empower designated A.T. Communities and other trailside communities to plan for smart, sustainable growth while preserving natural ecosystems.

This fellowship aims to provide a 12-month experience, embedded within ATC’s Landscape Conservation Program to provide program planning assistance through exploratory research and community engagement. It is expected that the Fellow will have the opportunity to build skills and experience working with rural Appalachian communities, conservation partners, and outdoor recreation professionals to gain insight to how community-led conservation can be implemented at a local level and impact communities and ecosystems throughout Appalachia.

The Fellow will be responsible for leading the preparatory research and analysis phase to developing the road map to launching new, innovative, and effective program initiatives and services that will support capacity-building among community partners and foster more regional collaboration and greater access to funding for community-led conservation projects. The Fellow will work closely with ATC’s Director of Landscape Conservation, the A.T. Community Program Coordinator (AmeriCorps VISTA), and additional Landscape Conservation staff. This fellowship requires a highly motivated, self- starter to lead the research and analysis needed to develop and implement innovative strategies for ATC’s A.T. Community Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

The Fellow will be responsible for the design and development of the research and analysis approach, working in partnership with the Landscape Conservation Director to meet organizational goals:

• Review literature and research related to community-led conservation, nationally and specific to the Appalachian context.
• Write and submit a research proposal and literature review after initial scoping and context review with supervisor.
• Collect and analyze data from AT community members, conservation partners, policy makers, and others, inclusive of community-based conservation priorities and opportunities identified in regional forums.
• Provide recommendations for launching new, innovative, and effective program initiatives and technical assistance strategies for capacity-building among community partners that will foster more regional collaboration and greater access to funding for community-led conservation projects.
• Present findings based on research done throughout the year to ATC staff, National Park Service, and Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership leaders in conservation, policy, community development, and outdoor recreation.

Community & Partner Engagement

To support the research and analysis duties of the Fellow, ATC is prepared to provide the opportunity for direct, in-person engagement with A.T. Community, conservation partners, and state and federal agencies across regions of the AT. The Fellow, with the Landscape Conservation team, will:

• Design community & partners engagement forums to assist the Fellow in gaining knowledge and experience with A.T. Community network leaders to better understand the value of ecosystem services in Appalachian communities, better understand current threats and trends, identify leaders for community-based conservation projects, and understand opportunities for greater collaboration at regional scales.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in environmental or natural-resource sciences, community development, city or regional planning or related field with a strong background in communications and network building; or an equivalent combination of experience required.
• Experience working with the environmental non-profit sector, managing projects, coalition/partnership building, developing and implementing communication systems, and providing logistical support.
• Understanding of landscape-scale conservation, emerging trends therein, and principles and practices for implementing landscape-scale conservation work.
• Effective communication and writing skills.
• Capable of facilitating workshops/trainings to adults.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Familiarity and experience with Windows, Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, video conferencing software, social media platforms, and website content management systems like WordPress.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• This position is remote with a required location in one of the 14 states the Appalachian Trail traverses. Will be required to operate hours on the Eastern Time Zone.
• Ability to communicate and manage work tasks by phone, email, and in person.
• Working on the computer or telephone for prolonged periods.
• Must have access to secure internet access from which to work.
• At times, may require the ability to lift or move light to moderate weight.
• Travel throughout the program area is required.

Additional Details

• This is a 12-month full time term position with ATC of 35 hours per week.
• Location: Remote - Must reside in one of the 14 Appalachian Trail States.
• This position has a salary range of $48,000 - $56,000. 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Company paid long-term disability and life insurance.
• Vacation, personal, and sick days.
• Paid Administrative Days.

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.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Identity Statement