Fall Assistant Trail Crew Leader
AMC’s Professional Trail Crew is looking for experienced workers and leaders to be Assistant Crew Leaders (ACLs) for the 2026 fall 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 August 17th– Oct 30th, 2026. Fall season includes one week of in-depth training and 8-10 weeks of project work. The end dates will depend on project specifications and range between October 15th and October 30th. Crews will work on projects from our backyard in the White Mountains to all the way to Acadia National Park. Fall projects include work on Mt. Chocorua, the final year of the Franconia Ridge Restoration work, relocation of the Webster Cliff Trail, and work on AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative.
Full-Time Nonprofit
Job Location
Gorham
Job Description
From August 17 through October 30, our North Country leaders are based at Camp Dodge OR at Echo Lake Camp on Mount Desert Island, just outside of Acadia National Park.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 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.
Qualifications
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
Leadership experience, preferred
Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity, preferred
Wilderness First Aid certification or higher, preferred
What AMC Can Offer You
Salary range: $20.00- $21.00 Hourly
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: 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
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!
To Apply:
Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or agencies please.
AMC welcomes all qualified candidates to apply and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals from racially and/or ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities.
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.
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