Crew Leader: Southern New England

Southern New England Trail Crew Leader 

Wage: $21.00-$22.00 hourly, 40-45 hours/week, plus free bunkhouse housing and subsidized food 

Dates: April through Oct, 2024.  Dates can be flexible, but preference given to candidates who can work full season. 

Hiring Timeline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews beginning in January and continuing through spring until positions are filled. If the job is posted, we are accepting applications! 

Location: Projects throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.  Housing at AMC’s Noble View facility, in Russell, MA 

Supervisor: Matt Moore, Professional Trail Crew Manager 

Description 

AMC is home to the oldest paid trail crew in the country, founded in 1919.  Our 2024 season is brimming with technical trail work in front-country and backcountry locations throughout the beautiful and historic region.  We will field two Southern New England Trail Crews in 2024, each comprised of three crew members, one assistant crew lead, and one crew lead. 

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. 

2024’s work in Massachusetts includes several all-persons trail construction projects. Our Southern New England crews will be using a variety of machinery including excavators, skid steers, compactors, and power wheelbarrows to build 5-foot-wide surfaced trails that will provide all persons’ access to green spaces throughout the state.  

There is also a variety of more traditional trail crew work with hand tools, building structures and improving treadway on natural surfaced trails.  

Days off housing is provided at AMC’s Noble View Facility in Russell, MA, and includes wifi, a kitchen facility, common areas, trail access, and fellowship with other AMC seasonal employees. 

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. Crews are well-supported with one Field Coordinator per crew. 

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.   

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Coordinate and support a crew of 4 trail crew members to ensure a safe working environment and quality trail work in the field
• With Field Coordinator, supervise the construction of machine-built all persons trails.
• Operate excavators, skid steers, and other machinery. AMC will provide paid time and pay for Crew Leaders to get MA hoisting license, and provide on the job training in machine operation.
• 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.

Qualifications 

• 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.

Desired Skills 

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

Benefits 

• AMC Membership
• AMC staff pro deals
• 30% Staff discount on AMC retail products
• 4 Free Nights per year at AMC Huts, Lodges, and other facilities while employed

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. 

The AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies and procedures. Our goal is to be a community that is comfortable, inviting and accessible for people of any age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. Join us!