White Mountain Assistant Trail Crew Leader

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB•City of Canandaigua, NY

6h•$20 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

AMC’s Professional Trail Crew is looking for experienced workers and leaders to be Assistant Crew Leaders (ACLs) for the 2026 season. On trails projects, the ACL works with the guidance of a Field Supervisor and a Trail Crew Leader and is expected to provide leadership as a senior team member, completing project work independently, helping to lead and train crew members on project work, and assisting with planning, logistics, and reporting. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Leadership experience, preferred
Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity, preferred
Wilderness First Aid certification or higher, preferred

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. 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
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

Room & Board: Bunkhouse housing for FREE – subsidized meals
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!

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