Southern New England Trail Crew Leader

Ready to dive into epic outdoor adventures and make a positive impact on the environment? Look no further than the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) - the oldest conservation, education, and recreation organization in the USA!  Our passion for the outdoors knows no bounds, and we want YOU to be a part of it. As an employee, you'll unlock access to exciting programs, policies, and procedures that empower you to make a real difference. Join the AMC team now and embark on the journey of a lifetime! 

AMC is home to the oldest paid trail crew in the country, founded in 1919. Our 2024 season is brimming with technical trail work in front-country and backcountry locations throughout the beautiful and historic region. We will field two Southern New England Trail Crews in 2024, with Crew Leaders and Assistant Crew Leads (ACLs) getting a head start in spring to work together and build skills and expectations. The ACL shares in leadership of a five-person crew with the Crew Lead. 

Crews work ten-hour days, and work four days on, three days off, Monday through Thursday, with rare exception. All travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid. 

2024’s work in Massachusetts includes several all-persons trail construction projects. Our Southern New England crews will be using a variety of machinery including excavators, skid steers, compactors, and power wheelbarrows to build 5-foot-wide surfaced trails that will provide all persons’ access to green spaces throughout the state. 

There is also a variety of more traditional trail crew work with hand tools, building structures and improving treadway on natural surfaced trails. 

Days off housing is provided at AMC's Noble View Facility in Russell, MA, and includes wifi, a kitchen facility, common areas, trail access, and fellowship with other AMC seasonal employees. 

Training opportunities can include axe and crosscut use and maintenance, chainsaw use and maintenance, Wilderness First Aid, rigging, drilling and splitting rock, heavy equipment operation, and more. Crews are well-supported with one Field Coordinator per crew. 

Crew Leaders and ACLs are responsible for logistics, project specifications, morale, quality and quantity of work produced. The division of labor is typically worked out between co-lead pairs, with the ACL in a supporting role. AMC is committed to supporting our crew leads with training, clear expectations, consistent communication, support of a work-life balance, and presence in the field. 

What you’ll be doing at AMC: 

• Coordinate and support crew members to ensure a safe working environment and quality trail work in the field with Crew Lead, 
• Supervise the construction of machine-built all persons trails with Field Coordinator and Crew Lead,  
• Operate excavators, skid steers, and other machinery. AMC will provide paid time and pay for Crew Leaders and ACLs to get MA hoisting license, and provide on the job training in machine operation. 
• Supervise the construction of trail structures like staircases, drainages, bridges, and retaining walls. 
• Layout project work and continually check specifications using levels, measuring tape, chalk lines, etc… when needed. 
• Safely and effectively use hand tools like pick mattocks, rock bars, hammers, loppers, saws, axes, and pulaskis. Train and supervise crew in use. 
• Safely and effectively use power tools such as drills, drivers, reciprocating saws, and generators. Train and supervise crew in use. 
• Safely and effectively use rigging equipment such as winches, cable, blocks, shackles, and slings. Train and supervise crew in use. 
• Work in and be prepared for nearly all weather conditions including rain, heat, humidity and bluebird days. Ensure preparation of crew, prioritize safety of crew. 
• Work in as low-impact a way as is possible. Revegetate impacted areas and worksites. 
• Foster a spirit of cooperation, safety, teamwork, and responsible stewardship 
• Plan menus, order food, and assist in the preparation of meals for the crew 
• Serve as the primary responder/coordinator in the event of an emergency 
• Communicate regularly with Trails Program staff to obtain feedback and suggestions 
• Assist with maintenance of tools and equipment, and program facility as needed 
• Ability to drive AMC passenger vehicles and pickup trucks 
• Professionally represent the AMC to the public and cooperating agencies. Maintain a neat and professional appearance as much as is possible given the circumstances. 

What AMC is looking for: 

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old by start date, no exceptions. 
• Ability and desire to live and work outdoors for extended periods of time 
• Ability to work under varying weather conditions 
• Ability to carry heavy loads (50+ lbs.) for long distances over rugged terrain 
• Commitment to backcountry stewardship and Leave No Trace ethics 
• Commitment to professionalism 
• Good judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills 
• In order to drive, must have safe driving record and practices, subject to verification through a driver's license history check. 
• Leadership Experience 
• Trail Work experience and knowledge 
• Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity 
• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher 

What AMC Can Offer You:

Salary range: $20.00 Hourly 

We are committed to equitable compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process. 

Benefits 

• Room & Board:  Bunkhouse housing for FREE – subsidized meals  
• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 hours per week   
• Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution 
• Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service  
• Other Team Member Perks:   
• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise   
• Free Annual AMC Membership  
• 4 Free nights at AMC locations  
• Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!