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Form of workReady 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 boasts the oldest paid Trail Crew in the country, founded in 1919. In 2024 we will field a 12-week crew to work on trails throughout “the vast trail network that connects AMC’s three Maine lodges”, featuring “many popular viewpoints throughout the area. In summer, hikers can link up with the Appalachian Trail for a day hike as they follow the famed white blazes north toward Katahdin, the trail’s Northern terminus, or hike to the Gulf Hagas, a deep river gorge often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of Maine”
Trail work in the Maine Woods often utilizes native timber construction to address trail retention and drainage issues, rock work projects are possible, as well as general trail maintenance including standardizing.
The crew works ten-hour days, either work four on, three off or eight on, six off. All travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid. Work will often include backcountry camping during work weeks.
Days off camping is provided on the Medawisla campus, and employees will have access to the lodge for bathrooms, wi-fi, relaxation, prepared dinners during non-peak times, and camaraderie with other AMC seasonal staff. A campsite with canvas tents on platforms will include a kitchen tent with propane stove, refrigerator, and freezer. All food, days on and days off provided you stay on campus, is free, and the days off camping and facility access is also free. 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. The Maine Woods Crew will also employ a Field Coordinator.
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
With Crew Leader, lead 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.
Qualifications
What AMC is looking for:
Must be a minimum of 18 years old by start date, no exceptions.
Ability to work under varying conditions.
Ability to set goals, prioritize tasks, assign roles to a group, assess needs and manage tasks
Strong self-motivation and communication skills
Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
Ability to carry heavy loads (50+ lbs.) for long distances over rugged terrain.
Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity.
Commitment to backcountry and frontcountry stewardship and Leave No Trace ethics
Commitment to professionalism.
Good judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills.
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, preferred.
Wilderness First Aid certification or higher
What AMC Can Offer You :
Salary range: $18.00/hr
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: Dorm-style room for FREE – meals included, too!
Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 32 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!
To Apply:
Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or agencies please.
AMC welcomes all qualified candidates to apply and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals from racially and/or ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities.
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.
