Seasonal Ridgerunner Great Smoky Mountains

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

ATC Ridgerunners provide information about the A.T. and its intended primitive experience, 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. They discourage and mitigate misuse of the Appalachian Trail and its environments by performing educational and public-relations functions.

Ridgerunners are assigned to hike specific sections of the A.T. during the day and camp at specific, high-use overnight sites throughout their patrol. 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 trainings. Applicants must demonstrate maturity, responsibility, initiative, and self-motivation.

• Meet and greet the public and educate them about the A.T., the ATC, local Trail Clubs, local land agencies and Leave No Trace practices.
• Advise visitors on rules and regulations pertinent to the A.T. in the Smokies, including general backcountry and thru-hiker permits, proper food storage, and when relevant, parking tag requirements.
• Perform minor Trail maintenance which includes but not limited to, picking up litter on the Trail, overnight sites, and at Trailhead parking areas.
• Assist with privy maintenance as needed.
• Assist visitors, and when necessary and able, aid in emergency response incidents.
• Report unsafe conditions, misuse, and abuse of the A.T. and its overnight facilities.
• Maintain regular contact with field supervisors, Club volunteers, agency partners, and local officials.
• Complete a summary report at the end of each work period and attend a weekly debrief call with supervisors and partners.
• Regularly traverse steep and uneven terrain in all weather conditions, traveling upwards of 15 miles daily, while carrying approximately 30 pounds.

• Commitment to Trail and resource protection efforts.
• Proven ability to work alone with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups.
• Strong backpacking and outdoor experience.
• Experience in working with volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day in steep, mountainous terrain.
• Basic knowledge of Long Trail/Appalachian Trail system preferred.

• Leave No Trace Trainer or Master Educator desirable, but training provided.
• Current First-Aid and CPR certification (Wilderness First-Aid certification is preferable) training can be provided.
• Previous A.T. volunteer experience is a preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Regular use of a computer is required; Microsoft Office, Office 365, ESRI GIS, NPS database 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.
• Must be able to hike for extended periods, stand for long periods, perform routine moderate lifting, carry up to 50 pounds in a backpack over a minimum of five miles, traverse rough, uneven terrain and wet and slippery surfaces.

• Living and performing work in the backcountry for multiple days and overnights.

• Must have valid driver’s license. Access to a personal vehicle is strongly preferred.

• Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of a backcountry environment
• Long days in the field and weekend work, typically 40 hours per week

Additional Information:

• Ridgerunners in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will work either a short season (17 weeks) or a long season (38 weeks) beginning in February 2024.
• In-person training will begin Monday, Feb. 5. Any remote training components that take place prior to the in-person training will be communicated ahead of time.
• For short season Ridgerunners, the last day of the season will be Sunday, June 30. For long season Ridgerunners, the last day of the season will be Sunday, Oct. 27.
• While Ridgerunners in the Smokies are ATC employees, they will have a close working relationship with Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club.
• Hourly Rate: $18 - $18.50
• Benefits: 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked.
• Smokies Ridgerunners have the option of either staying in free, provided housing adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park or receiving a $500 housing stipend.

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