Ridgerunner

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB • Egremont, MA

23d • $16 - $16 • Onsite

About The Position

AMC Ridgerunners function in a vital management and public resource role on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut and Southern Massachusetts. Ridgerunners live on the trail throughout the summer, in ten-day shifts, hiking up to 15 miles per day and camping in designated areas along the way. While interacting with over 3,000 trail users annually; their primary role is education and engagement. Ridge Runners inform the public on Leave No Trace principles, trail conditions, safety, area regulations, flora/fauna, backpacking techniques, history, and local management practices. Ridgerunners gather and report important information such as maintenance concerns, visitor use patterns and environmental monitoring. They are the eyes and ears of the AT and an important public face of the AMC. Ridgerunners work up to ten consecutive days on in the field with four days off (Mon-Thurs), and weekend work is required. Duties include backpacking, public engagement, accurate collection of data, reporting, trail maintenance, educating Leave No Trace among other topics, and participation in volunteer trail work parties. The position is from the end of May to early September and is a seasonal, non-exempt, hourly position reporting to the AMC Backcountry Resource Manager. What You'll Be Doing at AMC: Backpack or day hike (depending on assigned route) up to 15 miles per day for up to 10 days. Camping in specified, designated areas. Engage, educate and communicate with as many backcountry visitors as possible, providing and gathering trail information while promoting sustainable outdoor ethics. Lead By example in Leave No Trace backcountry ethics and awareness. Assist with light trail maintenance including independent drainage and trail corridor clearing as well as participating in trail work parties with volunteers as needed. Foster professional relationships with local officials, AMC volunteers and numerous partner organizations. Report trail conditions, user data, visitor interactions, environmental factors and general backcountry use information. Assist as a backcountry steward by packing out litter and providing general maintenance of privies, water access points and established campsites. Serve as a resource and first responder, helping and communicating any injuries or first aid. Other duties related to the care of the Appalachian Trail, as needed.

Requirements

• Extensive backpacking experience.
• Solo backpacking experience.
• Willingness to work independently, frequently in isolated areas.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong desire and ability to work with the public.
• Ability to work unsupervised, independently making professional decisions and taking initiative.
• Physically able to travel safely in the backcountry in all weather conditions carrying up to 50 lbs. of gear.
• High School diploma, GED required.

Nice To Haves

• Background in environmental sciences, natural resources or education, preferred.
• Strong interest in backcountry management, desirable.
• Knowledge of the Appalachian Trail, helpful.
• Knowledge of local flora, fauna and history, helpful.

Responsibilities

• Backpack or day hike (depending on assigned route) up to 15 miles per day for up to 10 days.
• Camping in specified, designated areas.
• Engage, educate and communicate with as many backcountry visitors as possible, providing and gathering trail information while promoting sustainable outdoor ethics.
• Lead By example in Leave No Trace backcountry ethics and awareness.
• Assist with light trail maintenance including independent drainage and trail corridor clearing as well as participating in trail work parties with volunteers as needed.
• Foster professional relationships with local officials, AMC volunteers and numerous partner organizations.
• Report trail conditions, user data, visitor interactions, environmental factors and general backcountry use information.
• Assist as a backcountry steward by packing out litter and providing general maintenance of privies, water access points and established campsites.
• Serve as a resource and first responder, helping and communicating any injuries or first aid.
• Other duties related to the care of the Appalachian Trail, as needed.

Benefits

• Room and Board is available through canvas wall tents (approx. 12x12) and all food needs including days off at a rate of $75.00 per week (automatically deducted from pay).
• 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!

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees