New England Trail Data Management Assistant

Summary Description: The New England National Scenic Trail (NET) is a 215-mile long distance hiking trail from Long Island Sound in Connecticut to the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border and is one of only 11 national scenic trails in the U.S. The route consists of classic New England landscape features across a combination of public and private land including long distance vistas with rural towns as a backdrop, agricultural lands, un-fragmented forests, and large river valleys. Most of the Massachusetts section of the NET was previously known as the Metacomet-Monadnock trail, which was created through Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) volunteer efforts in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, AMC manages the NET in Massachusetts in partnership with the National Park Service and the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, which manages the NET in Connecticut. 

The Data Management Assistant will be responsible for researching, updating, and managing the landowner data for the Massachusetts portion of the NET. A significant portion of the trail lies on private land, and AMC strives to maintain strong working relationships with all of its landowners in order to ensure proper protection and care for the trail. Current and accurate data is critical for maintaining contact with each landowner and informing them of relevant trail information. The Data Management Assistant will work with AMC and the NET Coordinator to help strengthen landowner relationships and advance the protection of the trail. 

Primary Responsibilities: The Data Management Assistant will be responsible for researching and updating current landowner data for the trail. This includes, but is not limited to: 

- Confirming tax parcel data is accurate for the nineteen Massachusetts towns whose parcels intersect with the NET.

- Developing an updated landowner map for each section of the trail.

- Compiling a master list of landowner data and contact information.

The Data Management Assistant may also work with the NET Coordinator on other activities such as trail events and contributing to NET online promotional resources.

- Applicants should be well-organized and able to work independently.

- Possess at least one year of undergraduate coursework with studies in outdoor recreation, environmental studies, geography, or similar field.

- Coursework experience in GIS and familiarity with ArcMap 10, and the ability to produce basic maps and interpret tax parcel data.

- An interest in the outdoors and land protection.

- Some familiarity and knowledge of the Massachusetts Pioneer Valley area preferred.

- Personal vehicle required.

Employee Perks: The AMC offers a great benefits package! Here is a partial list that highlights some benefits offered to our seasonal employees. Benefits may vary based on position.

- Use of AMC facilities, free and discounted rates.

- 30% employee discount on merchandise sold at our facilities and in AMC catalogues.

- Free AMC membership. AMC members receive AMC Outdoors magazine, a 20% discount on lodging, a 10% discount on retail goods and access to chapter events and activities.

Note that benefits may vary based on position and/or work schedule and are subject to change.

To Apply: Interested candidates should forward a resume along with a cover letter when applying. No calls please.

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

The AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies, and procedures. Our goal is to be a community that is comfortable, inviting, and accessible for people of any age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Join us!