Appalachian Trail Supervisors

Trail Supervisors are a key part of the Trail Conference. They are the boots on the ground that oversee a team of Trail Maintainers and ensure the trails in their assigned area are maintained in good condition. Without Trail Supervisors, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference couldn’t maintain over 2,000 miles of trails so that the public has a safe and positive experience in the outdoors. 

Core responsibilities:

• Trail Maintainer Supervision: Support and empower a team of Trail Maintainers. Onboard Maintainers by walking them through their assigned segment. Foster a positive atmosphere for Maintainers, hold them accountable for their work, and collaborate with the Trail Conference staff to fill any vacant Maintainer spots on the team. For club-maintained trails, work with the Club Chair.
• Proactive Communication: Communicate regularly and proactively with Maintainers, the Trail Chair, and staff.
• Trail Management: Be familiar with all trails in the assigned area and inspect them periodically, usually once a year, depending on trail conditions. Submit trail data updates for new or relocated trails, and report on illegal trail usage as required. Depending on region, work with land managers in consultation with Trail Chair.
• Accomplishment Reporting: Volunteer reports are critically important and demonstrate the value of volunteers to land managers, partners, donors, grant programs, government officials, and others. Supervisors take the lead in ensuring Trail Maintainers report their volunteer hours using the online reporting form and maintain ongoing communications with Maintainers.

Support and training:

• Trail Supervisors are provided an onboarding packet when starting their position and will receive ongoing guidance from their Trail Chair. Additionally, they will have the support of their Program Coordinator and the Volunteer Engagement team.
• Regional Trails Council (RTC) meetings provide the opportunity to network and learn from fellow volunteer leaders. Knowledge sharing with peers is a fantastic way to grow skills and expertise.

Responsibilities:

• Managing Maintainers:
  • Work with the Volunteer Engagement team, Program Coordinator and Trail Chair to fill vacant Maintainer positions.
  • Solve problems beyond the ability of Maintainers, including working with the Trail Chair to request help from Trail Crews, qualified chain sawyers to remove large blowdowns, and other help as needed.
  • Foster a positive culture through recognition of Maintainers. Nominate outstanding people for the annual volunteer awards and distribute annual recognition items. Host group get-togethers and clean up days.
  • Replace Maintainers whose work does not meet Trail Conference standards, with support of the Volunteer Engagement team and Trail Chair, if attempts to work with them to improve their skills are unsuccessful.
• Big-picture planning:
  • Attend and participate in meetings of the Regional Trails Council (RTC) and other groups/committees of interest.
  • Work with the Trail Chair to identify and address longer-term trail needs and projects in the assigned area.
  • In consultation with Trail Chair, work with land managers to discuss and assess trail system needs and priorities.

Express interest below in this fulfilling leadership role!