White Mountain Professional Trail Crew Member
Experience is welcome, but not necessary! AMC’s Professional Trail Crew has Crew Member positions available for new and seasoned trail workers, with hourly wages commensurate with experience. 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.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 NH
Job Description
From August 17 through October 30, our North Country crews 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.
New Crew Members benefit from experienced trail workers providing leadership, training, guidance, and mentorship. Field Supervisors and Coordinators plan and lead the technical project work, while Crew Leaders and Assistant Crew Leaders supervise and guide the crew in the implementation. Returning and experienced Crew Members are paid at a higher rate and are expected to provide peer mentorship.
No two trail projects are the same; some work expected in 2026 includes: constructing technical rock structures to make the trail more durable, using hand tools to shape a new trail alignment from the woods, operating machinery to build surfaced All-Persons Trails, and building bridges and boardwalks to keep hikers above the water.
Trail crew works ten-hour days, most 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. AMC staff can help find loaner gear to start for people new to the work.
What you’ll be doing at AMC:
Participate in all aspects of the construction of trail structures like staircases, drainages, bridges, and retaining walls.
Safely and effectively use machinery including power wheelbarrows and plate compactors with training and supervision.
Safely and effectively use hand tools like pick mattocks, rock bars, hammers, loppers, saws, axes, and pulaskis with training and supervision.
Safely and effectively use power tools such as drills, drivers, reciprocating saws, and generators with training and supervision.
Safely and effectively use rigging equipment such as winches, cable, blocks, shackles, and slings with training and supervision.
Hike to and from project sites over rugged backcountry terrain, carrying tools and equipment.
Work in and be prepared for nearly all weather conditions including rain, heat, humidity and bluebird days.
Work in as low-impact a way as is possible. Revegetate impacted areas and worksites.
Assist with backcountry camp chores; cooking, cleaning, proper food storage, etc.
Whenever possible, contribute to the crew with a positive mental attitude.
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.
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 (not a position requirement), must have safe driving record and practices, subject to verification through a driver's license history check.
What AMC Can Offer You
Salary range: $15.00-19.00 Hourly, 40 hours/week
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: 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!
To Apply:
Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls please.
AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application.
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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