White Mountain Trail Crew Leader

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB•City of Canandaigua, NY

10h•$22 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

AMC’s White Mountain Trail Crew is the oldest paid trail crew in the country, founded in 1919. Our 2026 season is brimming with technical trail work in front-country and backcountry locations throughout region. Each crew is comprised of a crew leader, an assistant crew leader, and 1-2 crew members depending on the needs of the individual projects. Crews work ten-hour days, and work four days on, three days off, Monday through Thursday, with rare exception. All travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid. Crew Leaders may sometimes have additional responsibilities that take up to five hours per week, such as project reporting and logistics. Days off housing is provided at Camp Dodge, and includes wifi, coin-op laundry, prepared meals, abundant trail access, and commanding views of the Northern Presidentials. A $75 per week paycheck deduction covers all employee food including days off if you stay on campus. A wide variety of food is available and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Training opportunities can include axe and crosscut use and maintenance, chainsaw use and maintenance, Wilderness First Aid, rigging, drilling and splitting rock, heavy equipment operation, and more. Crew Leaders are responsible for logistics, project specifications, morale, quality and quantity of work produced. 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. 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.

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.
Leadership Experience
Trail Work experience and knowledge
Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity
Wilderness First Aid certification or higher

Responsibilities

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.

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!

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