Organizational Mission

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

Primary Purpose

The Community Engagement Assistant works under the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and directly with the U.S. Forest Service at the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests main office in Gainesville, Georgia. The position supports the Georgia Mountains Children’s Forest Network (CFN), a collective of dynamic partners coming together to make change. As land managers, NGO’s, and individuals with unique tools and resources, CFN together works to expand and build upon successful programming and increase access to public lands for all.

CFN hosts programs such as: Forest For Every Classroom educator workshops, which provide skills for place-based service learning; NextGen Forest Ambassadors outdoor experiential program for teens; Every Kid Outdoors 4th-grade outreach programs; along with myriad classroom visits, career connections, events, festivals, and more!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of conservation education programs for a variety of young people, educators, and partners.
• Provide administrative and practical CFN program support, including youth and parent communication, teacher and administrator communication, creating content for email newsletters, scheduling meetings and developing agendas, arranging logistics for events, conducting logistics for events, etc.
• Work with local volunteers and non-profit groups to engage in community development activities and delivery of conservation education, recreation, and natural resource programs and activities.
• Use a variety of communications tools to share information with the public regarding the Forest Service and CFN, including web content, videos, factsheets, reports, flyers, infographics, and interpretive displays.
• Maintain robust and dynamic social media and web presence appropriate for all audiences; ensure accounts and posts are fully accessible to people of all abilities.
• Prepare audio-visual programs, according to instructions, for both specific presentations and for broad repeated use.
• Organize and maintain CFN photo and video archives.
• Support Smokey Bear wildfire prevention outreach programs as needed.
• Process applications and conduct site visits to inform reports and proposals.
• Additional tasks to support ATC, Forest Service, and CFN priorities, as needed.

An Ideal Candidate:

• Is a flexible, self-motivated problem-solver with an adventurous, can-do approach.
• Collaborates well with others and shines in a team environment.
• Has experience thinking about and discussing themes of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Enjoys spending time with groups of young people and creating mentorship opportunities.
• Has interpersonal communication, public speaking, and/or customer service experience with an emphasis on conservation education, partnership and stakeholder engagement.
• Has good working knowledge of written and oral communication principles, techniques, and methods; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations.
• Uses good writing skills sufficient for writing and editing features and quasi-technical articles and reports.
• Has the ability to perform duties in an office setting, as well as assignments that may result in exposure to hazards associated with foot travel to remote forested areas and lifting/carrying event materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Has experience creating and coordinating presentations using various software programs such as video editors, Zoom, PowerPoint, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, AdobeConnect, etc.
• Possesses a Public Relations, Communications, Education, Outdoor Recreation, Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, or similar relevant degree.

Program Supports Include:

• Supervision and mentorship from U.S. Forest Service.
• Forest Service uniform; use of government vehicle for work-related travel; equipment and supplies needed to perform duties.
• Oversight and guidance on Forest Service policies and practices; review of all external products.
• Lots of training opportunities, including formal and on-the-job training in planning, organizing, and executing information, external relations, public involvement, and environmental education activities, to develop experience in various phases of public affairs, partnerships, and volunteer services.
• Some remote flexibility is available, with some regular office days and field days.

Additional Details:

• $20.00 per hour.
• Ideal start date in February 2023.
• 35 hours per week, for 28 weeks.
• Location: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Gainesville, Georgia.
• Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.

To Apply

Please submit an application packet that consists of a resume and cover letter via our ADP application portal. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with an ideal start date in Mid-February. Please apply as soon as possible.

Organization Details