Appalachian Mountain Club Hiring for Outdoor Guide at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire and Gorham, New Hampshire Full Time

Title:                   Outdoor Guide 

Location:            Highland Center, Appalachian Mountain Club, Crawford Notch, NH 

                           Joe Dodge Lodge/ Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Appalachian Mountain Club, Gorham, NH                        

Reports to:         Guided Outdoors Staff Supervisor

Start Date:          May 23, 2022 

End Date:           October 10, 2022 (may be flexible)

Summary Description

Through Guided Outdoors programming, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) offers an engaging slate of staff-led outdoor experiences for adults, and families, which promote the appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of natural resources. We provide people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills to enjoy the outdoors and an increased understanding of their connection to the natural world. AMC Outdoor Guides predominantly lead trips for family and adults but will also be cross-trained and occasionally scheduled to lead with youth groups. Schedules are varied and include all days of the week. Trips range in length, but time off and work are balanced for staff.

AMC’s Outdoor Guides lead outdoor trips and teach outdoor skills based out of our Outdoor Program Centers.  The Outdoor Guide acts as an interpretive and informational resource to participants and guests, providing high-quality customer service. The Outdoor Guide reports to the Staff Supervisor and works as part of a collaborative team. We seek a skilled Outdoor Guide and an energetic leader that shares a passion for the AMC mission to make the outdoors accessible to all.

 General Responsibilities

• Lead day and multi-day hiking and backpacking trips that focus on backcountry travel skills, safety, and local natural history; including but not limited to map and compass, Leave No trace, backpacking, day hikes and paddling. 
• Traveling to AMC backcountry huts and shelters for multiple nights with groups of 8-10 and a Co-Guide
• Prioritize the safety of all participants and guests
• Teach outdoor living, camping skills, and Leave No Trace ethics 
• Assess and manage environmental and human risks 
• Outstanding customer service and excellent communication skills
• Provide wilderness medical care 
• Complete written reports and co-staff evaluations 
• Make decisions that benefit the group as a whole
• Provide accurate and relevant information and advice on a variety of topics including backcountry conditions, White Mountain National Forest regulations, outdoor equipment, and area points of interest.
• Meet regularly with the Program Manager and Outdoor Guide team to assess progress and make needed changes to the program. Complete end-of-season evaluation.
• Cross-train to support other departments in AMC, including information desk staff and A Mountain Classroom. 
• Perform all other duties within the AMC as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading outdoor trips including backpacking, hiking, camping, canoeing, and group management
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and ability to work with adults and families across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences  
• Able to effectively collaborate and communicate with co-leaders that may have varying leadership and communication styles
• Able to create an emotionally safe and inclusive learning environment, create a positive group culture, and build healthy rapport with participants
• Able to maintain effective self-care during extended trips so as not to compromise the guest experience
• Wilderness First-Aid & CPR certification (WFR preferred) or the ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment.  AMC can provide this training
• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in natural sciences, adventure education, or related field, or equivalent work experience  
• Work requires frequent backcountry travel. Requires ability to hike 8-10 miles per day on uneven terrain, carrying a backpack and other equipment up to 40 pounds, in all weather conditions  
• Willingness to, at times, work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions  
• Satisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Excellent guest service skills and a demonstrated commitment to the AMC Mission 
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings. 
• Must be over 18 years old.
• Ability to drive 12 passenger van safely, and possession of clear personal driving history. 

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 record check performed on their name in their state of primary residence. 

Staff will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. The AMC will consider an exemption from the vaccine requirement if they are unable to get vaccinated due to a qualifying medical disability or a sincerely held religious objection. An accommodation or exemption from the vaccine requirement will be considered if one is available that would not pose a direct threat to others in the workplace and would not create an undue hardship for the organization.

Compensation and Benefits: Competitive pay based on experience, ranging from $13-15/hr with overtime paid. Benefits include Optional Group Health Plan, AMC membership, bed nights at AMC facilities, employee discounts, employee pro-deals with outdoor gear companies. Optional room and board is available for $45/week. 

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Appalachian Mountain Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes 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