Saw Program Manager TERM (Roanoke, VA)
About The Position
The Saw Program Manager reports to the Senior Trail Operations Manager and leads the trailwide (Georgia–Maine) administration of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) sawyer safety program. This role is responsible for overseeing training, certification, compliance, and program integrity related to chain and crosscut saw operations across the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The Saw Program Manager ensures alignment with federal standards, including USDA Forest Service policy (FSM 2358) and National Park Service (NPS) requirements, while maintaining a consistent, high-quality program across staff and volunteer populations. In close partnership with ATC staff, A.T. maintaining clubs, federal agency partners, and contractors, this role drives program delivery, strengthens safety practices, and advances a standardized, trail wide approach to sawyer training and certification. The position plays a critical role in upholding ATC’s commitment to safety, operational excellence, and stewardship of the Appalachian Trail.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3-5 years of professional experience in outdoor recreation, resource management, or forestry.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies to ensure organizational compliance and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Demonstrated strength in collaborating with diverse stakeholders and fostering positive relationships.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems.
- Experience in retail, inventory management, and order fulfillment.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with USFS and/or NPS saw policy and programs highly preferred; current or past sawyer certification preferred. If needed, saw training, evaluation and certification or recert can be provided by ATC.
- Familiarity with the Appalachian Trail, hikers, volunteers, and cooperative management structure preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead the implementation and oversight of ATC’s saw program, ensuring alignment with USDA Forest Service and NPS standards, maintaining cooperator status, and communicating policy, safety updates, and guidance across staff and partners.
- Direct saw training program delivery, including instructor engagement, site selection, participant readiness, and overall training quality, ensuring consistency across regions.
- Oversee training operations and systems, managing registration, communications, and reporting through Salesforce while ensuring data accuracy, compliance, and a seamless participant experience.
- Manage sawyer certification processes and records across USFS and ATC systems, ensuring proper documentation, timely certification distribution, and alignment with designated certifying officials.
- Partner with regional staff, agency personnel, and A.T. clubs to support volunteer engagement, strengthen program understanding, and facilitate coordinator development.
- Facilitate stakeholder alignment through regular communications and meetings with staff, volunteers, instructors, and partners to support program effectiveness.
- Administer program resources, including contractor agreements, PPE inventory and distribution, and First Aid/CPR reimbursements, ensuring efficient and compliant operations.
- Develop and manage the program budget and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring resources and processes align with program needs and evolving requirements.
- Evaluate and advance program growth opportunities, including development of safety training offerings beyond the Cooperative Management System (CMS) and associated revenue models.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support saw skill development opportunities and field evaluation sites aligned with land management priorities.
- Coordinate saw strike team deployment and program response efforts following natural disasters or emergency events.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
- Company paid long-term disability and life insurance provided.
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
