White Mountain Trail Crew Leader

AMC’s Professional Trail Crew is looking for Crew Leaders (CLs) for the 2026 season. The CL leads a crew, usually four or five people, in the execution of trail work projects. CLs are responsible for logistics, morale, quality and quantity of work produced. CLs are supported by Field Supervisors and Coordinators who manage project specifications and lead technical work on large-scale projects. 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.

Season dates are April 6– Oct 30, 2026. Leadership season includes in depth training and project work from April 6-May 14, based out of Noble View in Russell, MA. Training includes: 40 hours in leadership, policies and procedures; a two-day chainsaw training; a two-day rigging training; and Wilderness First Aid training. On leadership season projects, crews comprised of leaders work together led by the most experienced among them, offering leaders new to the program experience with our procedures before leading their own crews.

From May 18 through October 30, our North Country leaders are based at Camp Dodge, and are joined by crew members as the New Hampshire field season kicks off.

Employees can opt in to housing and food seven days a week at Camp Dodge for $75 per week. A wide variety of food is available, and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

No two trail projects are the same; some work expected in 2026 includes: rock staircases built to tight specifications using masonry techniques like splitting and shaping, realignment of legacy White Mountain trails, machine-built All Persons Trail, bridges and boardwalks.

Trail crew works ten-hour days, often Monday through Thursday with a three-day weekend. For projects further afield, crews work eight-day “hitches” with six days off. Most projects include camping on site for days on, both backcountry camping and car camping. All work stints, either four or eight days, begin and end at an AMC base, almost always Camp Dodge. Crews usually work in four or five-person teams, but smaller and larger teams are possible.

Work trucks get the crew to and from project work; all travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid. AMC provides tents and camp kitchen equipment; employees provide their own packs, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, clothes and personal gear.

What you’ll be doing at AMC:

• Coordinate and support a crew of 4 trail crew members to ensure a safe working environment and quality trail work in the field
• 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
• Serve as the primary responder/coordinator in the event of an emergency
• 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.

Please be aware that this list of responsibilities represents the entire scope of our program’s work, and that no single individual is expected to possess every single one of these skills. We have ample ability to train and teach the right candidate, and value learning and skill development as an essential component of our work.

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.
• Trail work experience and knowledge
• Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity
• Leadership experience
• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher, preferred

Salary range: $22- $24/hour

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: 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 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.