Appalachian Mountain Club
Address:
10 City Square
Charlestown, Massachusetts
02129
Maine Woods Trail Crew Member
JOB DETAILS
Actively Recruiting: Yes
Position title: Maine Woods Trail Crew Member
Type of Position: Corpsmember (Crew)
Town, City, Park, etc: Medawisla
State / Territory: Maine
Benefits: Housing – Primarily Camping, Housing – Primarily Non-Camping, Industry-Recognized Certifications, Meals/Food Assistance
Project/Program Focus: Trails
ORGANIZATION/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
"Professional Trail Crews": AMC's Trail crew participants work collectively and intensely in teams of at least four participants per work site and move from project to project to build diverse skills. They work primarily in the White Mountains on the White Mountain National Forest, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and surrounding NH State Parks. Some of the crew also travel to locations throughout New England for trail construction and repair on state lands, land trust lands, and federal lands that recently have included the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Over successive seasons, crew members are taught and gain leadership skills. By their 3rd year with the crew, participants are usually ready to become on-site project crew leaders. All crew participants and crew leaders work under the supervision of a full-time, experienced Trail Supervisor. “Teen Paid Trail Crews”: AMC partners with youth employment organizations in NH and MA to train and lead summer-long teen crews for productive and immersive skills in trail stewardship, teamwork, and leadership. AMC provides crew leadership and compensation for the teen crew participants recruited by partners at the MassHire program in Holyoke, MA. This crew works primarily on the New England National Scenic Trail and surrounding state lands. In New Hampshire, AMC trains and compensates crew leaders, and also provides all supplies and equipment for crew members that are recruited and compensated by New Hampshire’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (NH-JAG) program. These crews work on White Mountain National Forest lands, municipal lands, and land trust properties. "AMC AmeriCorps" program supports individuals who are looking to enter the field of conservation. No previous experience is required, and members go through a training period at the beginning of the season which includes trail maintenance, axe use, crosscut saw training, wilderness first aid, backcountry ethics, camping skills, and leadership training. AMC AmeriCorps Members are based out of our Camp Dodge Trails Center in Gorham, NH. Throughout the season, members work on various projects in the White Mountain region while learning technical trail work, camping, and hiking skills along the way. This program is a great way to learn trail work relates to conservation, while giving back directly to the trails in the area.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
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 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” (outdoors.org)
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.
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. 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
JOB DUTIES
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Participate in all aspects of the construction of trail structures like staircases, drainages, bridges, and retaining walls.
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Safely and effectively use hand tools like pick mattocks, rock bars, hammers, loppers, saws, axes, and pulaskis.
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Safely and effectively use power tools such as drills, drivers, reciprocating saws, and generators.
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Safely and effectively use rigging equipment such as winches, cable, blocks, shackles, and slings.
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Hike to and from project sites over rugged backcountry terrain, carrying tools and equipment.
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Work in and be prepared for nearly all weather conditions including rain, heat, humidity and bluebird days.
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Work in as low-impact a way as is possible. Revegetate impacted areas and worksites.
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Assist with backcountry camp chores; cooking, cleaning, proper food storage, etc.
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Whenever possible, contribute to the crew with a positive mental attitude.
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Professionally represent the AMC to the public and cooperating agencies. Maintain a neat and professional appearance as much as is possible given the circumstances.
REQUIREMENTS
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Must be a minimum of 18 years old by start date, no exceptions.
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Ability to work under varying conditions.
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Ability to set goals, prioritize tasks, assign roles to a group, assess needs and manage tasks
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Strong self-motivation and communication skills
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Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
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Ability to carry heavy loads (50+ lbs.) for long distances over rugged terrain.
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Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity.
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Commitment to backcountry and frontcountry stewardship and Leave No Trace ethics
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Commitment to professionalism.
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Good judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills.
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Must have safe driving record and practices, subject to verification through a driver's license history check.
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Leadership experience
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Trail Work experience and knowledge
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Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity, preferred.
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Wilderness First Aid certification or higher
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
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Room & Board: Dorm-style room for FREE – meals included, too!
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Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 hours per week
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Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution
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Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service
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Other Team Member Perks:
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30% discount on AMC Merchandise
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Free Annual AMC Membership
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4 Free nights at AMC locations
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Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Season Lengths:
Summer May 20 – August 15
Fall August 18- October 18
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.
RELATED JOBS
Appalachian Mountain Club AmeriCorps Member
Actively Recruiting: Yes
Type of Position: Corpsmember (Crew)
Town, City, Park, etc:
White Mountains of NH, New Hampshire
Benefits: Education Award, Housing – Primarily Camping, Housing – Primarily Non-Camping, Industry-Recognized Certifications, Meals/Food Assistance
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