Pro Trail Crew

The AMC Trail Crew focuses primarily on heavy reconstruction of hiking trails in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine. The trail crew works to protect and restore natural resources and the environment through high quality trail work.

“The Appalachian Mountain Club Trails Department is hiring seasonal staff positions for the 2016 season.  Positions include Professional Trail Crew, Volunteer Trail Crew Leaders, Support Staff, and senior long-season Coordinator positions, among others.  For position descriptions and to apply online, please visit the AMC Employment page.

CREW LIFE
The 18- to 22-person crew is made up of motivated and energetic young people with diverse backgrounds. Typically, crew members work two to four years, gaining more responsibility and leadership with each returning season. All crew members must be able to live and work cooperatively and in close proximity with fellow volunteers of both sexes, all ages and nationalities. All crew members are expected to participate equally in routine tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and tool care, both at base camp and the project site. Food, tools and camping equipment are provided. Crew members need to bring work clothing, sturdy boots, and their own basic camping gear.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Trail work is hard, physical labor. It involves working with hand tools, and getting dirty is guaranteed. The crews work eight- or nine-hour days, rain or shine, hot or cold, regardless of black flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. During the course of the crew season, the weather can vary from sweaty, summertime heat to freezing, winter-like cold.

TRAIL CREW'S HOME
The crew is based at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center where housing is provided when the crew is not camping out and also on weekends. Crews gather at base camp departing to spend the work week at a primitive backcountry tent camp near the project location. Amenities such as showers, bathroom facilities, and running water generally are not available during the crew week.

FOR CURRENT JOBS, see AMC's site here
Qualifications:

• Required:
  • Must be 18 or older at time of employment.​
  • Ability and desire to live and work in the backcountry for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to work under challenging conditions.
  • Ability to carry heavy loads (80+ lbs.) for long distances.
  • Commitment to resource and trail protection efforts.
• Preferred:
  • Knowledge of White Mountains and the AMC.
  • Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity.
  • Knowledge of trail work, desirable.
  • Wilderness first-aid certification, desirable.