NET Holyoke Teen Trail Crew Leader

AMC Holyoke Teen Trail Crew Leaders are three-month, seasonal staff with the AMC’s Southern New England Trails Department. These two Crew Leaders will co-lead a trail crew of high schoolers throughout a 7-week long summer season day-program.

When in the field, Leaders are expected to act as mentors of the Crew Members and oversee safety as well as proper outdoor skills associated with low impact methods. The Trail Crew is involved in a variety of projects maintaining and improving The New England National Scenic Trail and neighboring lands across Western Massachusetts. Leaders will work together to teach the Crew Members trail-building and maintenance skills, such as installing and cleaning rock water bars, setting rock steps, building bog bridges, clearing corridor vegetation and more. Crew Leaders will also emphasize overall safety, job skills, goal setting, communication, teamwork, work standards, and maintain a high level of morale. These Crew Leaders will be supported by the Southern New England Trail Volunteer Programs Supervisor, The New England Trail Coordinator, and other full-time regional staff.

Teen Crew Members work 30 hours/week (Monday-Thursday) whereas Leaders work 40 hours/week (Monday Friday). Fridays will be spent derigging from the previous week’s work, filling out work reports, prepping for the next week and more. This position will maintain a consistent work schedule of 5 days on Monday through Friday with weekends off*. Crew Leaders are offered subsidized room and board at AMC’s Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, Massachusetts, where all other seasonal trail crew staff will be housed. *Crew Leaders will occasionally have the option to work on other volunteer trail program events on days when they are not working with the youth crew.

These Crew Leader positions are excellent developmental opportunities for individuals interested in conservation, outdoor education, youth engagement, and trail work. While prior trail work experience is preferred, it is not required, as these Crew Leader positions will receive mentorship and training in trail work and leadership. Our priority is supporting the energetic teens that come through the program and leading them through an experience that is challenging, fun, and positive. Communication is critical, and we are constantly working to ensure that all the teens mentally and physically feel safe and leave happy as future stewards.

What You’ll Be Doing at AMC

• Train and supervise up to ten teen Crew Members ensuring safety and quality trail work
• Coordinate daily morning pickup and afternoon drop off at a centralized location in Holyoke Monday Thursday
• Monitor group dynamics, facilitate regular debriefs, reflections, and check-ins
• Manage trail work projects in any setting, maintaining AMC trail work standards
• Keep track of project accomplishments daily
• Communicate decisions and group management techniques with Co-leader and Supervisor
• Foster a spirit of cooperation, safety, teamwork, responsible stewardship, and fun!
• Serve as the primary responder/coordinator in the event of an emergency
• Emphasize safety and low-impact recreation methods
• Communicate regularly with Trails Program Staff to obtain feedback and suggestions
• Complete timely work reports at the end of each project
• Maintenance of tools, equipment, and program facility as needed
• Drive 12-passenger vans
• This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.

What AMC is Looking For

• Must be at least 18 years of age (21+ years of age preferred) and hold a valid driver’s license and clear driving record required (driving record check will be performed)
• Clear criminal background check (performed by AMC Human Resources Dept.)
• Demonstrated desire to learn and develop skills relating to leadership, trail work, and conservation
• Experience backpacking, or spending extended periods of time outdoors
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
• Ability to stay calm in stressful situations and maintain good decision-making skills
• Ability to set goals, prioritize tasks, assign roles to a group, assess needs and manage tasks simultaneously
• Strong self-motivation and communication skills
• Ability to carry heavy loads (80+ lbs.) for long distances
• Experience working with diverse student populations preferred

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary range: $19.00/Hourly

We are committed to fair 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 $45/week – meals included, too! 
• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 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 please.

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

AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application. 

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.