Appalachian Mountain Club Hiring for Southern New England Trail Crew Member at Russell, Massachusetts Full Time

Southern New England Trail Crew Member

Wage: $15.00 hourly, 40 hours/week, plus free camping and subsidized food

Dates: Summer: May 23 – August 18, Fall: August 22 – Oct 27, 2022.  Positions available for duration May to October as well as for shorter summer season.

Hiring Timeline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews beginning in January and continuing through spring until 15 positions are filled. If the job is posted, we are accepting applications!

Location: Projects throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.  Housing at AMC’s Noble View facility, in Russell, MA

Supervisor: Matt Moore, Professional Trail Crew Manager

Description

AMC is home to the oldest paid trail crew in the country, founded in 1919.  Our 2022 season is brimming with technical trail work in front-country and backcountry locations throughout the beautiful and historic region.  We will field one Southern New England Trail Crew in 2022, comprised of one crew leader and four crew members.

Schedules can vary, but the ten-hour day is standard, and most crews either work four on, three off or eight on, six off.  All travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid.

2022’s work includes stone work and trail rehabilitation on the Appalachian Trail, the Mid-State Trail, in Minuteman National Park, and in other locations. Amongst the six individual projects, there is 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 AMC’s Noble View Facility in Russell, MA, and includes wifi, coin-op laundry, trail access, and fellowship with many other AMC seasonal employees.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in all aspects of the construction of trail structures like staircases, drainages, bridges, and retaining walls.   
• Safely and effectively use hand tools like pick mattocks, rock bars, hammers, loppers, saws, axes, and pulaskis.
• Safely and effectively use power tools such as drills, drivers, reciprocating saws, and generators.
• Safely and effectively use rigging equipment such as winches, cable, blocks, shackles, and slings.
• Hike to and from project sites over rugged backcountry terrain, carrying tools and equipment.
• Work in and be prepared for nearly all weather conditions including rain, heat, humidity and bluebird days.  
• Work in as low-impact a way as is possible.  Revegetate impacted areas and worksites.
• Assist with backcountry camp chores; cooking, cleaning, proper food storage, etc.
• Whenever possible, contribute to the crew with a positive mental attitude.
• Professionally represent the AMC to the public and cooperating agencies.  Maintain a neat and professional appearance as much as is possible given the circumstances.   

Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old by start date, no exceptions
• Fully vaccinated, see below.
• 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.   Not every crew member is required to drive.

Desired Skills

• Trail Work experience and knowledge
• Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity
• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher

Benefits

• AMC Membership   
• AMC staff pro deals
• 30% Staff discount on AMC retail products   
• 4 Free Nights per year at AMC Huts, Lodges, and other facilities while employed   

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.

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 background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

The AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values 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 status. Join us!