White Mountain Assistant Trail Crew Leader

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB • City of Canandaigua, NY

1d • $20 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is seeking experienced workers and leaders to serve as Assistant Crew Leaders (ACLs) for the 2026 fall season. In this role, the ACL will work under the guidance of a Field Supervisor and Trail Crew Leader, providing leadership as a senior team member. Responsibilities include completing project work independently, assisting in leading and training crew members, and supporting planning, logistics, and reporting. The season runs from August 17th to October 30th, 2026, including one week of training and 8-10 weeks of project work. Projects may take place in the White Mountains and extend to Acadia National Park, with specific projects including work on Mt. Chocorua, Franconia Ridge Restoration, relocation of the Webster Cliff Trail, and the AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative. Leaders will be based at Camp Dodge or Echo Lake Camp. Employees can opt into housing and food at Camp Dodge for $75 per week. Trail projects involve various tasks such as building rock staircases using masonry techniques, realigning trails, machine-built trails, and constructing bridges and boardwalks. Work schedules typically involve ten-hour days, Monday through Thursday, with three-day weekends, or eight-day "hitches" with six days off for projects further afield. Most projects require camping on-site, either backcountry or car camping. All work stints begin and end at an AMC base, usually Camp Dodge. Crews work in teams of four or five, though team sizes can vary. Travel time, hike time, and mobilization/demobilization are paid. AMC provides tents and camp kitchen equipment; employees are responsible for personal gear.

Requirements

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old by start date.
• 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.
• Must have a safe driving record and practices, subject to verification through a driver's license history check.
• Trail work experience and knowledge.

Nice To Haves

• Leadership experience.
• Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity.
• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support crew members to ensure a safe working environment and quality trail work in the field with Crew Leader.
• 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, and train and supervise crew in their use.
• Safely and effectively use power tools such as drills, drivers, reciprocating saws, and generators, and train and supervise crew in their use.
• Safely and effectively use rigging equipment such as winches, cable, blocks, shackles, and slings, and train and supervise crew in their 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.

Benefits

• Salary range: $20.00- $21.00 Hourly
• Room & Board: Dorm-style housing available for up to $75/week (meals included), where applicable
• 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
• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise
• Free Annual AMC Membership
• 4 Free nights at AMC locations
• Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed