White Mountain Assistant Trail Crew Leader

 This position runs April 7-Oct 31, 2025. Dates can be flexible, but preference is given to candidates who can work full season.

AMC’s White Mountain Trail Crew is the oldest paid trail crew in the country, founded in 1919.  Our 2025 season is brimming with technical trail work in front-country and backcountry locations throughout region.  In 2025, the AMC will deploy 6 professional trail crews working on a variety of projects across northern New England, from the Lakes Region of New Hampshire to the North Woods of Maine and out to the Acadian coast. The 2025 field season will begin at AMC’s Noble View Outdoor Center for several weeks of intensive training with leadership staff from across the region. After a few weeks of pre-season projects, all staff relocate to their main season bases and remain there through November. 

Each crew is comprised of a crew leader, an assistant crew leader, and 1-3 crew members depending on the needs of the individual projects. Crews work ten-hour days, and work four days on, three days off, Monday through Thursday, with rare exception. All travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid. Assistant Crew Leaders sometimes have responsibilities that take up to five additional hours per week, such as project reporting and logistics. 

2025’s work includes several large-scale projects on iconic trails like Old Bridle Path, Falling Waters, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, and the Mahoosuc section of the Appalachian Trail.  At Rumney Rocks and Jockey Cap climbing areas, we will build belay pads and steps with dimensional lumber. Another crew will be working on the Bald Mountain trail in Rangely, Maine. Projects range in duration from five to twelve weeks. On all of these projects, there are ample opportunities 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 additional technical specialist per crew.   

Crew Leaders and Assistant Crew Leaders 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. In the ACL position, we look for candidates with strong inclinations toward leadership positions, but who might not be ready to take on a Crew Leader role. These folks are excited to learn and grow and to take the next step on their leadership journey. 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 crew members to ensure a safe working environment and quality trail work in the field with Crew Lead 

• Work with the crew leader to identify project needs and assist in any material, technical, and supervisory tasks as needed 

• 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  

• 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: $20/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:  Bunkhouse housing for FREE – subsidized meals   

• 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!  

 The AMC is a member of the 21 Century Conservation Corps and is a proud partner of The Corps Network. The Corps Network is the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps. The AMC is one of 130 Corps across the country that provides young adults and veterans the opportunity to serve our country through projects on public lands and in rural and urban communities.  

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.