Job Opportunities
2025 Caretakers Needed for Blackburn Trail Center
Owned and operated by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, the Blackburn Trail Center is located on the AT 12 miles south of Harpers Ferry. Blackburn is a premier stop for AT through-hikers and day hikers alike. The center houses trail crews and seasonal staff also hosts meetings, training workshops, and large group rentals.
Responsibilities:
The caretaker’s duties will include maintaining the Trail Center, hikers ‘cabin and campground. Should have experience in offering comfort and company to weary AT hikers. Flexibility and ability to get along with wide variety of people is a must! Individuals or couples with knowledge of the AT and hiker’s needs is a plus. Season is April through October but that can be extended.
Compensation + Housing:
$15/hour for 40 hours per week. Housing includes a queen bedroom loft and kitchen. If you have questions, including on salary and benefit details, call Chris at 703-976-2226.
How to apply:
If interested, send a letter of application, resume and professional/personal references to Chris Brunton,
e-mail to trailbossbtc@msn.com.
2025 Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Ridgerunner + Caretaker Positions
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, local Trail clubs, local land-owning agencies, and Leave No Trace hiking/camping methods.
- Advise visitors and hikers of rules on the A.T. and of NPS, USFS, state, and local regulations.
- Perform light trail maintenance and pick up litter on the Trail, at camp/shelter sites, and at Trailhead parking areas.
- 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 local maintaining clubs 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 submit a written report to ATC at the end of the season 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
- Some positions provide Leave No Trace training
- Previous A.T. volunteer experience
- Knowledge of the Appalachian Trail and ATC
- Current first-aid and CPR certification (Wilderness First-Aid certification is preferable)
- Some positions provide WFA training
How to apply:
Summer Internship
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Are you looking for a worthwhile use of your time this summer? Consider applying for an internship with us! In this role, you will support staff and board members while learning about trail management, cabin preservation, outreach, and more.
Responsibilities:
- Assist staff with day-to-day program management tasks
- Assist with special projects
- -Assist with club communications, membership, cabin booking, or store as needed.
Desired Qualifications
- Interest in connecting people to the outdoors
- Software background (Microsoft Office Suite)
- Experience with social media
- Organized with excellent attention to detail
- Willingness to learn
- College students encouraged to apply for course credit
Compensation:
Intern stipend of $1,000/month available
How to apply:
Please send your résumé and cover letter to StaffDirector@patc.net with the subject "Summer Internship".