White Mountain 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! 

Dates: April through Oct, 2024. Dates can be flexible, but preference is given to candidates who can work a full season.

AMC’s White Mountain Trail Crew is 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 region.  Five crews, each comprised of three crew members, one assistant crew lead, and one crew lead will be deployed in 2024, with Crew Leaders getting a head start in spring to work together and build skills and expectations. 

Crews work ten-hour days, and work four days on, three days off, Monday through Thursday, with rare exceptions. All travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid. Crew Leaders sometimes have responsibilities that take up to five additional hours per week, such as project reporting and logistics.  

2024’s work includes several large-scale projects on iconic trails like Old Bridle Path, Greenleaf Trail, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, and Webster Cliff.  At Rumney climbing area, we will build belay pads and steps with dimensional lumber. Projects range in duration from two to fourteen weeks. Amongst the five crews and more than a dozen projects there is an opportunity to master and learn trail work techniques in a variety of settings with a variety of tools.  Many projects will include backcountry camping during work weeks.   

Days off housing is provided at Camp Dodge, and includes wifi, coin-op laundry, prepared meals, abundant trail access, and commanding views of the Northern Presidentials.   

A $45 per week paycheck deduction covers all employee food including days off if you stay on campus. A wide variety of food is available and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated.   

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 two crews. 

Crew Leaders are responsible for logistics, project specifications, morale, quality and quantity of work produced.  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 a crew of 4 trail crew members to ensure a safe working environment and quality trail work in the field 
• 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: $19.00 - $20.00 Hourly, 40-45 hours/week 

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!