AMC/ NH-JAG Trail Crew Leader

Title: AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leader

Location: AMC Camp Dodge Volunteer Center, Gorham, NH

Supervision: AMC Trails Volunteer Programs Manager

Job Dates: May 29 - August 18, 2017

Hiring Timeline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, starting in November. Interviews are held in January and February. Final notice is sent out by the end of March at the latest.

Summary Description:

AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders are a three-month, seasonal staff position, May 29– August 18, 2017, with the AMC’s White Mountain Trails Department. AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders lead high school students participating in the New Hampshire - Jobs For America's Graduates (NH-JAG) program on a variety of trail work projects in Berlin, NH and Woodsville, NH.  All AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crews are co-lead by two AMC Trail Crew Leaders.

NH-JAG is a unique program designed to offer job experience for youth-at-risk. The focus of this program is to offer work experience in the realm of conservation and trail stewardship. During the summer 2016 season these two AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders will be leading four weeks of day trip trail projects in Berlin, NH, and then four weeks of trail projects in Woodsville, NH. The NH-JAG students that participate in this program are paid staff as well, making this a similar model to other youth conservation corps across the nation. In addition to this eight weeks of crew work there is a training period in the early summer and trail work projects with other local schools and camps in northern New Hampshire.

Throughout the summer season, the AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders are expected to communicate leadership techniques and decision-making processes with their co-Leader while leading groups of at-risk high school youth. When working on the trails, all leaders are expected to facilitate proper outdoor skills associated with low impact methods. AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crews are involved in a variety of projects maintaining hiking and skiing trails and backcountry facilities all within the White Mountain region. AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders work together to teach the NH-JAG students trail maintenance skills, such as installing and cleaning waterbars, setting rock steps, building bog bridges and blazing and standardizing trails. AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders emphasize safety and maintain a high level of morale and work standards.

We look for independent and motivated individuals with previous outdoor leadership experience, a background in trail work skills and a desire to work with youth-at-risk. AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders are based at Camp Dodge and work a schedule of five days on (Monday-Friday) and two days off (Saturday-Sunday), all projects are day-trips and the staff leaders will return to Camp Dodge each day. Hours are variable within the 40 hour workweek. All AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders are responsible for supervision of the NH-JAG students for the entirety of each work day.  Work can be physically and mentally challenging but the rewards are often unforgettable. Food, tools, equipment, and leadership/trail work training are provided. The AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders report to the AMC Trails Volunteer Programs Manager.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and train up to twelve youth-at-risk high school students each week in a trail crew setting and ensure quality trail work in the field.
• Manage trail work projects in the frontcountry as well as backcountry setting maintaining AMC trail work standards.     
• Communicate decisions and group management techniques with other Leaders.     
• Serve as the primary responder/coordinator in the event of a emergency, following both AMC and NH-JAG guidelines.     
• Foster morale and ensure a positive experience for all participants.     
• Emphasize safety and low-impact methods on the trail.     
• Communicate regularly with Camp Dodge, Trails Program staff, and NH-JAG staff to obtain feedback and suggestions.
• Assist with maintenance of tools and equipment as needed.     

Qualifications

• Ability to live and work in the outdoors for extended periods of time.
• Ability to supervise high school aged participants in the outdoors.     
• Ability to work with diverse populations under varying conditions.     
• Ability to effectively work with youth-at-risk.     
• Ability to remain focused and manage many tasks simultaneously.     
• Strong motivational and communication skills.     
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.     
• Ability to carry heavy loads (80 lbs.) for long distances.     
• Leadership experience.     
• Knowledge of White Mountains and AMC, desirable.     
• Knowledge of trail work, desirable.     
• Experience or desire to work with youth.     
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR or Wilderness First Responder certification preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age 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.)     
• Commitment to resource protection and a passion for conservation.     
• 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 record check performed on their name.

Questions and additional Information:

Alexander R. DeLucia
Trails Volunteer Programs Manager
Highland Center Rout 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Office: 603-278-3816
adelucia@outdoors.org

 The AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and an Equal Opportunity Service Provider. The AMC values diversity in the workplace.